Blasting Apparatus Parameter Assessment for Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blasting apparatuses lack effective security measures to prevent unauthorized use, particularly by individuals such as children or terrorists, and do not adequately ensure that detonators are actuated only at approved locations, times, and within approved blast limits.
Innovation Solution
A blasting apparatus and method that utilize parameter assessment and approval components to determine and verify the location, time, and number of previous blasts, ensuring that detonators can only be actuated if predetermined parameters such as location, time, and blast limits are met, using wireless communication and remote control to maintain an active state for authorized operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional blasting apparatuses are used without enhanced security features, then the system is simpler and easier to operate, but unauthorized use by children or terrorists cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by assessing parameters (location, time, blast number) before allowing detonator actuation. The parameter assessment component evaluates predetermined parameters in advance to determine whether the blasting apparatus should be in an active or inactive state, preventing unauthorized use before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary parameter assessment component is introduced between the control unit and the detonators. This intermediary component evaluates parameters and controls the active state of the blasting apparatus, acting as a mediator that prevents direct unauthorized actuation while maintaining legitimate blasting operations.
2Reliability
If parameter assessment and approval components are added to verify location, time, and blast limits, then security is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The parameter assessment component serves multiple functions: it assesses location parameters, time parameters, and blast number parameters, and controls the active state of the blasting apparatus. This multi-functional component consolidates several security verification functions into a single integrated system, reducing overall complexity despite the added capabilities.
3Reliability
If the blasting apparatus requires predetermined parameters to be met before activation, then unauthorized use is prevented, but the ease of operation for authorized users may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The parameter assessment component automatically evaluates predetermined parameters and determines the active state of the blasting apparatus without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously assessing conditions and controlling its own activation state, maintaining ease of operation for authorized users while preventing unauthorized use.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are significant improvements in security and safety of blasting apparatuses intended for use in mining operations. These include the development of an apparatus and method for blasting that involves activation or deactivation of the blasting apparatus in accordance with pre-determined parameters. For example, these parameters may include one or more of: a location of the blast site, a time for the blasting event, a number of previous blasts, a number of previous blasts within a given time period, and identification of detonator identification codes. The activation or deactivation may involve cross-communication between components of the blasting apparatus and/or associated detonators. Such cross-communication may involve electronic or wireless communication means, including for example the use of cell phone technology, or the internet. In this way, preferred apparatuses and methods disclosed herein permit rapid analysis and verification of a geographical location and time for a blasting event, as well as control and logging of the blasting event, all from a remote location.