Blasting System Control via Distance Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blasting systems face challenges in ensuring safe operation due to potential errors in maintaining minimum distances between detonators and the control device, leading to hazards from fly rock, pressure waves, and harmful fumes, as existing solutions do not adequately address the need for precise distance measurement and verification in demanding environments.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures the position of each detonator and the control device, calculates the distance between them, and compares it to a minimum requirement before allowing initiation, using techniques such as GPS, RFID, or signal strength measurement to ensure safe operational spacing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If procedural techniques are used to ensure minimum distance requirement, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential human errors in estimating distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual procedural techniques with an automated electronic system that uses GPS receivers and a processor to calculate and verify distances. The system automatically determines positions of the blasting machine and detonators, calculates distances, and controls initiation based on pre-programmed minimum distance requirements, eliminating human estimation errors while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
2Reliability
If automated control system with position measurement is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs GPS receivers that serve multiple functions: determining the position of the blasting machine, determining the positions of detonators, and providing data for distance calculations. The processor also performs multiple tasks including calculating distances, comparing them to minimum requirements, and controlling the initiation sequence. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving high reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If minimum distance verification is enforced, then safety against harmful factors is improved, but productivity may deteriorate due to additional verification steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pre-programming of minimum distance requirements into the control system before the blasting operation begins. The system automatically verifies distances and determines compliance with safety requirements as part of the initiation sequence, rather than requiring separate manual verification steps. This preliminary setup and automated integration of safety checks into the normal operation flow minimizes additional time requirements while ensuring safety against harmful factors such as fly rock and pressure waves.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach ensures safe blasting operations by preventing initiation if the minimum distance is not met, thereby reducing hazards from fly rock and other harmful effects, and provides a reliable method for precise spacing verification in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the position of the blasting machine and the position of the detonators using a GPS receiver
Implementation Method 2
calculating, from the measured positions, a difference in position between the blasting machine and the detonators
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
A blasting system which includes detonators which can only be fired by a blasting machine if the spacing between each detonator and the blasting machine exceeds a minimum distance required.