Spool-Based Blasting Conductor Deployment and Tension Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In blasting systems, existing flexible signal-transmitting conductors face issues such as entanglement, difficulty in determining detonator depth, and breaking due to tensile forces from explosives, as well as challenges in locating connectors on large sites.
Innovation Solution
A spool-based apparatus with a coiled signal-transmitting conductor, a connector device, and integrated sensors, which includes a measuring device for length determination, a communication mechanism for location identification, and a release mechanism to mitigate tensile forces, allowing for efficient deployment and tracking of detonators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the signal-transmitting conductor is coiled and shrink-wrapped in compact form, then it is easier to transport and store, but the conductor may become entangled when played out
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor is divided into multiple pay-outs from the spool, with each pay-out representing a separate segment that can be deployed independently to different boreholes, reducing entanglement between conductors
Solution Approach 2:
The spool acts as an intermediary device that manages the conductor deployment, providing controlled pay-out and retrieval mechanisms that prevent entanglement while maintaining compact storage
2Device complexity
If the connector has small physical dimensions, then it is more compact and easier to connect, but it is difficult to locate on large blasting sites
Solution Approach 1:
The spool is provided with visually distinctive features such as color coding and reflective elements that make it easily locatable on large blasting sites, while the connector itself remains compact for ease of connection
Solution Approach 2:
The locating function is moved from the connector to the spool, which is a larger object with more surface area for incorporating visual identification features, while the connector maintains its compact design
3Measurement precision
If the conductor is embedded in explosive composition, then the detonator can be positioned at suitable depth, but tensile forces from friction can cause the conductor to break
Solution Approach 1:
The spool is equipped with a tension detection system that monitors forces on the conductor and provides early warning before tensile strength is exceeded, allowing preventive action to be taken
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback on conductor tension and depth positioning, allowing real-time adjustment of deployment parameters to maintain conductor strength while achieving precise detonator placement
Data Source
AI summary
A spool for use in a blasting system which carries a coiled signal-transmitting conductor which is connected at one end to a detonator and at an opposed end to a connector.