Cable Piercing Tool for Explosive Firing Circuit Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for rendering safe explosive device firing circuits are inefficient, particularly in complex systems, as they require time-consuming manual short-circuiting of cables, which can be difficult due to cable type and environment, and may not effectively prevent initiation from static discharge or energy distribution issues.
Innovation Solution
A cable piercing device with low electrical resistance talons is used to create short circuits between conductors in the firing circuit, diverting energy away from detonators and providing a safe mode for transport, and an alternate mode to mitigate static and coupled currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual short-circuiting of cables is used to render safe explosive device firing circuits, then the system can be protected against initiation, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cable short-circuiting operations into a single integrated device that can simultaneously or sequentially short multiple cables without requiring separate manual operations for each cable, thereby reducing the total time required while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary positioning and preparation of short-circuiting elements before actual cable contact is needed, allowing for rapid deployment and execution of the short-circuiting function when time is critical
2Reliability
If complex multi-cable systems are manually attacked and disabled, then safety is achieved, but the process takes considerable time from tens of minutes to hours
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple functional components that can independently target and short different cables simultaneously, allowing parallel processing of multiple cables rather than sequential manual operations
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with universal capability to handle multiple cable types and configurations through a single integrated system, eliminating the need for different tools or methods for different cables and significantly improving productivity
3Reliability
If access holes are opened to reach inaccessible cables, then complete short-circuiting is possible, but the complexity and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces an intermediary mechanism that can reach and short cables through existing access points without requiring additional access holes to be created, using extended reach components or flexible elements to access otherwise unreachable cables
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device allows for quick and effective rendering safe of multiple explosive firing systems, providing additional time for emergency procedures and ensuring safety against initiation, suitable for various applications including counter IED and WMD missions, and civilian explosive ordnance disposal.
Implementation Method 1
The cable piercing member has a low electrical resistance and impedance to generate a short circuit between conductors of the cable
Data Source
AI summary
A device for rendering safe a detonator firing circuit by short circuiting multiple conductors in the circuit includes a base portion and cable piercing members. The base portion has a cylindrical block and apertures for retentively receiving the cable piercing members. The cable piercing member has a first end to impinge on and penetrate a cable insulation when forcibly attached to an external surface of the cable. The cable piercing member has a low electrical resistance and impedance to generate a short circuit between conductors of the cable. Also, a method for rendering safe a detonator firing circuit of by short circuiting multiple conductor cables or a pigtail connector of a detonator system.