Blasting Apparatus Parallel Acknowledge Signal Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic blasting systems face inefficiencies and safety concerns due to time-consuming communication processes between blasting machines and detonator assemblies, which prolong the time window required for blasting operations and increase the risk of safety compromises.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a blasting apparatus and method that employs an all-acknowledge command signal with unique anti-collision response times and identification parameters, allowing detonator assemblies to transmit acknowledge signals in parallel, enabling rapid and reliable verification of communication with each detonator assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sequential communication methods are used between blasting machines and detonator assemblies, then reliable two-way communication can be achieved, but the communication process becomes time-consuming and prolongs the blasting operation window
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication process by assigning unique anti-collision response times to different detonator assemblies. Each detonator responds at a predetermined, distinct time interval after receiving the firing command, allowing the blasting machine to receive multiple acknowledge signals in sequence without collision. This segmentation of the response timing enables parallel communication verification while maintaining signal distinguishability, thus reducing total communication time while preserving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the use of predetermined time intervals between acknowledge signal transmissions from different detonator assemblies. Each detonator is programmed to transmit its acknowledge signal at a specific periodic interval after the firing command, creating a structured temporal pattern that allows the blasting machine to efficiently verify all detonators without signal collision. This periodic response mechanism reduces overall communication time while ensuring reliable verification of each detonator assembly.
2Reliability
If the time window for blasting operations is extended to ensure safe communication verification, then communication reliability improves, but safety risks increase due to prolonged exposure to potential hazards
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the acknowledge signal transmissions in time through unique anti-collision response times, the patent enables rapid verification of all detonator assemblies within a minimized time window. This temporal segmentation allows the system to complete communication verification quickly and reliably, reducing the duration that personnel and equipment remain at risk during the blasting operation setup phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming each detonator assembly with its specific anti-collision response time and identification parameters before the blasting operation. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the firing command is issued, all detonators can immediately respond in their predetermined sequence without requiring extended verification time, thus minimizing the safety risk window while ensuring complete communication verification.
3Productivity
If multiple detonator assemblies transmit acknowledge signals simultaneously, then communication efficiency improves, but signal collision occurs making differentiation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the simultaneous transmission problem by assigning each detonator assembly a unique anti-collision response time. Instead of truly simultaneous transmission, each detonator transmits its acknowledge signal at a slightly offset time interval, creating a segmented temporal structure. This segmentation prevents signal collision while maintaining high communication efficiency, as the time intervals are sufficiently small to keep the overall verification process rapid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving each detonator assembly a distinct temporal characteristic (anti-collision response time) that differentiates its acknowledge signal from others. This local differentiation in the time domain allows the blasting machine to easily identify and process each detonator's response without signal collision, maintaining both communication efficiency and signal differentiation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Blasting operations for mining frequently involve a large number of detonators for a single blasting event. An important step in the execution of a blast is to perform a roll-call to check that all detonator assemblies placed at the blast site are in communication with a blasting machine, and forming operative components of the blasting apparatus. Disclosed herein are blasting apparatuses and methods of blasting that streamline this roll-call step, thereby reducing time consumed in the blasting process.