Borehole Loading Assembly With Switchable Slots for Remote Explosive Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preparing boreholes for blasting operations are inefficient, requiring extensive manual labor and exposing personnel to hazardous environments, with non-uniform boreholes complicating the placement of explosive charges.
Innovation Solution
A loading assembly with multiple inlets and slots, enabling simultaneous or sequential delivery of initiating devices and explosive materials into boreholes, facilitated by a switch unit and guide tubes, and integrated with remote and automatic control systems for precise alignment and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual methods are used for preparing boreholes, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but productivity is low and personnel are exposed to harmful factors
Solution Approach 1:
The loading assembly is divided into multiple independent slots (first slot, second slot) that can be independently switched into position. Each slot can receive different materials (initiating device, explosive material) and be selectively positioned, allowing complex functionality to be achieved through modular, manageable components rather than a monolithic complex system
Solution Approach 2:
The switch unit enables the same outlet to serve multiple functions by receiving different materials through different slots. The outlet can deliver initiating devices, explosive materials, or other tools sequentially or simultaneously, making the system versatile and reducing the need for multiple specialized delivery mechanisms
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual loading is used, then device complexity is low, but personnel are exposed to harmful factors and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The loading assembly acts as an intermediary device between the operator and the borehole. The operator controls the switching mechanism from a safe position while the automated slot switching and material delivery process eliminates the need for personnel to physically enter hazardous zones near active boreholes or handle explosive materials directly
3Loss of time
If sequential delivery of materials is used, then device complexity is low, but loss of time increases due to queueing
Solution Approach 1:
The switch unit dynamically repositions slots into the outlet position based on real-time requirements. Instead of fixed sequential delivery, the system can rapidly switch between different material sources and delivery paths, optimizing the flow of materials through the outlet and minimizing idle time and queueing delays
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple slots can be prepared and positioned in advance, allowing continuous delivery of different materials without interruption. The switch unit maintains readiness to deliver initiating devices, explosive materials, or other tools in any sequence, ensuring the borehole preparation process continues without idle waiting time
4Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment of outlet with borehole is required, then manufacturing precision is high, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch unit provides an additional dimensional aspect to alignment by enabling angular or rotational switching of slots into position. Rather than requiring precise linear positioning of the entire outlet, the system can maintain a rough alignment and use the switch unit's multi-position capability to achieve precise material delivery alignment, separating gross positioning from fine alignment
Data Source
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AI summary
A loading assembly (6) for preparing a borehole for a blasting operation, which loading assembly (6) comprises an outlet (13) adapted for communication with the borehole; one or more inlets (11, 12), wherein one inlet (12) is in line with the outlet (13), the one or more inlets (11, 12) each is adapted for communication with a guide tube (21) characterized in that the loading assembly (6) further comprises a switch unit (9) comprising a switch means (10) and one or more slots (7, 8), wherein each of the one or more slots (7, 8) is switchable to a first position in line with any of the one or more inlets (11, 12) or to a second position out of line with any of the one or more inlets (11, 12), wherein each of the one or more slots (7, 8) has an open end adapted for communication with any of the one or more inlets (11, 12) at the first position, and wherein at least one of the slots (7, 8) has an open end adapted for communication with the outlet (13).