Blasting Shell Slot With Retaining Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reliability of blasting shells is compromised when detonators are not properly positioned within the booster shell, leading to increased chances of misfires and reduced booster output due to detonator stand-off issues with varying lengths.
Innovation Solution
A shell design featuring a slot with retaining protrusions along its sidewall to securely accommodate detonators of different lengths, ensuring the detonator's distal end is positioned against the cavity end for reliable operation, with features like angled/barbed teeth to prevent withdrawal and facilitate easy insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If detonators of different lengths are used, then versatility is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to improper positioning and stand-off issues
Solution Approach 1:
The slot with retaining protrusions provides a dynamic retention system that adapts to different detonator lengths. The retaining protrusions can engage with activation leads at various positions along the slot, allowing the system to dynamically adjust to accommodate detonators of different lengths while maintaining reliable positioning against the cavity end.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the slot and retaining protrusions to create a system that can accommodate a range of detonator lengths. The slot length, protrusion spacing, and positioning are specifically designed to ensure that regardless of detonator length variations, the detonator will be properly positioned against the cavity end for reliable operation.
2Ease of operation
If detonators are not properly positioned against the cavity end, then ease of insertion is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to misfires and reduced booster output
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining protrusions in the slot provide a self-service positioning mechanism. As the activation lead is inserted through the slot, the retaining protrusions automatically engage with the lead at the appropriate position, self-adjusting to ensure the detonator is properly positioned against the cavity end without requiring additional manual intervention or complex positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot with retaining protrusions acts as an intermediary mechanism between the activation lead and the detonator positioning requirement. It mediates the insertion process by providing a guided path and automatic retention mechanism that ensures proper positioning while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If retaining structures are added to prevent detonator withdrawal, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention function is segmented into discrete retaining protrusions distributed along the slot, rather than using a single complex retention mechanism. This segmentation allows each protrusion to independently engage with the activation lead, providing reliable retention while keeping the overall structure simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex mechanism to prevent withdrawal, the invention uses a simple slot opening that allows easy insertion, combined with retaining protrusions that passively engage with the activation lead. The retention is achieved through the geometry of the slot and protrusions rather than active locking mechanisms, inverting the approach from complex prevention to simple engagement.
Data Source
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AI summary
A shell for use in blasting, the shell comprising an elongated body, the elongated body having a distal end arranged for housing an explosive material, a proximal end arranged to permit introduction of at least one detonator into an interior of the shell, and a cavity for holding the at least one detonator in a location in which operation of the detonator results in explosion of the explosive material, wherein a slot is provided in a sidewall of the shell to allow an activation lead connected to the detonator to pass through the slot to an exterior of the shell, and wherein the slot includes at least one retaining protrusion to retain the activation lead against withdrawal of the activation lead from the slot.