Electronic Blasting System Detonator Arrangement Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic blasting systems for mining operations face limitations in precision and accuracy due to labor-intensive programming methods and vulnerability to damage from multiple electrical connections, which increase costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An electronic blasting system utilizing a control unit and surface harness with actuators that enable communication with detonators via a 2-wire lead, allowing the control unit to determine the arrangement of detonators through selective command signals, simplifying the system and reducing the need for multiple connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple electrical connections are made for each detonator, then the system can determine detonator arrangement, but the vulnerability to damage increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the arrangement determination function from the physical connections themselves and relocates it to the control unit's software processing. The control unit determines detonator arrangement by analyzing communication responses and programmed positions rather than relying on complex physical connection matrices, thereby reducing connector vulnerability while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical connection-based arrangement determination with an electronic/software-based system. Instead of using multiple physical connectors and wiring arrangements to encode position information, the system uses electronic communication where the control unit software processes data to determine detonator positions and arrangements, eliminating the need for complex physical connection infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple electrical connections are made for each detonator, then the system can determine detonator arrangement, but the labor and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it programs detonator delay times, determines detonator arrangements, and processes communication data all through a single integrated system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate complex connection systems for each function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precise arrangement determination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical connection systems with a unified electronic communication protocol. The control unit uses software-based communication to achieve arrangement determination, replacing what would otherwise require multiple physical connectors, wiring harnesses, and manual connection procedures, thereby significantly reducing system complexity.
3Extent of automation
If traditional programming methods are used, then detonators can be programmed, but the process is labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service programming where the control unit automatically programs detonators based on their identified positions and the predetermined blast pattern. The control unit communicates with each detonator, retrieves its position information, and automatically assigns the appropriate delay time without requiring manual intervention or complex programming operations, thereby increasing automation and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having detonators pre-programmed with their position information and identification data before being installed in blastholes. This preliminary data collection allows the control unit to automatically determine arrangements and program delay times during the blasting operation without requiring time-consuming on-site programming, thereby reducing overall programming time while maintaining high automation.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic blasting system (1) comprising a control unit (3), a surface harness and electronic detonators (4) connected to the surface harness by a 2-wire lead, the detonators (4) being adapted to provide information to the control unit (3) in response to command signals transmitted by the control unit (3) along the surface harness; wherein the surface harness comprises a primary line (2) with trunk lines (5) connect to it, wherein each trunk line (5) has connected to it individual detonators (4) making up the same row, wherein each trunk line (5) is connected to the primary line (2) by an actuator (6), and wherein each trunk line (5) includes an actuator (7) between adjacent detonators (4).