Blasting System Control Using GPS Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small mines and quarries often rely on manual and experience-based blasting systems, leading to inefficiencies, operational risks, and lack of documentation, as they cannot justify the use of sophisticated electronic detonators and software-based design systems due to resource constraints and personnel shortages.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a device for generating locational information and a processor to determine and record borehole positions, parameters, and implementation details, allowing for a more systematic and efficient blasting plan, even without advanced electronic systems, using a smartphone or similar device with GPS for locationing and a program to validate and document the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If sophisticated electronic blasting systems and software-based design systems are used, then blasting precision and safety are improved, but system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic detonators and software-based design systems with a simplified mechanical positioning system using GPS receivers and a processor. The GPS-based location determination system provides sufficient precision for borehole placement without requiring sophisticated electronic blasting systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining acceptable blasting precision for small mines and quarries.
2Manufacturing precision
If sophisticated electronic blasting systems are used, then blasting precision is improved, but operational ease deteriorates due to requirement for highly qualified personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service approach where the system automatically determines borehole locations using GPS receivers and processes the data through a processor to generate a blasting plan. This automation eliminates the need for highly qualified personnel to manually plan and mark borehole locations, making the system easier to operate while maintaining precision through automated GPS-based positioning.
3Device complexity
If manual planning and implementation methods are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to human error and lack of documentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system records and stores blasting plan data, borehole location information, and implementation results. This documentation creates a feedback loop that allows verification of blasting operations, reduces human error through automated recording, and improves reliability by maintaining accurate records without significantly increasing system complexity.
4Device complexity
If manual planning methods are used, then cost is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to inefficiency and lack of optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using GPS receivers to pre-determine and mark borehole locations before drilling begins. The system generates a complete blasting plan in advance, including precise location coordinates for each borehole. This preliminary planning improves productivity by eliminating delays during drilling operations and ensuring optimal borehole placement, while keeping costs low through the use of simple GPS-based technology rather than sophisticated electronic systems.
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 method reduces human error, optimizes blast results, ensures better documentation, and allows for feedback-based improvements, enhancing operational safety and efficiency while maintaining simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
providing a GPS receiver; using the GPS receiver to determine positional information relating to a boundary of a blast site
Data Source
AI summary
A method of implementing a blasting system wherein positional information relating to a blast site is generated by a device which inputs the information to a processor which generates information pertaining to the location of each potential borehole at the site and that information is used by the device to indicate the location of each borehole to an operator.