Detonator Connector Timing Circuit for Two-Wire Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detonator systems require a logic element in connectors, increasing complexity and cost, and typically use a four-wire harness, which is inefficient and costly, especially considering the difficulty in recovering conductors from blast sites.
Innovation Solution
A detonator system with a connector that includes a timer and a semiconductor switch, powered by two electrical conductors, which initiates a timing interval and effects an electrical connection to a detonator, eliminating the need for a logic element and using a two-wire harness, allowing for sequential connection and unique identification of detonators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a four-wire harness is used for daisy chain detonator connection, then reliable sequential communication between detonators is achieved, but the quantity of electrical conductors increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two-wire harness performs multiple functions: it provides power to the timer circuit, carries communication signals, and enables sequential detonator activation. The first wire carries both power and signal, while the second wire completes the circuit and returns signals, allowing a single two-wire system to replace the traditional four-wire configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The timer circuit automatically initiates the timing interval when powered by the two-wire harness, and the semiconductor switch automatically effects the electrical connection to the next detonator when the timing interval ends, eliminating the need for complex logic elements or additional control wires.
2Ease of operation
If a logic element is included in the connector for sequential detonator activation, then controlled sequential operation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex logic elements (electronic control circuits) with a simple timer circuit and semiconductor switch. The timer circuit uses basic electronic components to generate time delays, and the semiconductor switch (such as a transistor or thyristor) provides simple on/off control, collectively replacing what would otherwise require complex logic programming and control circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The timer circuit changes the time parameter by initiating a timing interval that automatically controls when the semiconductor switch closes. This time-based control mechanism simplifies the connector design by using temporal sequencing rather than complex logical decision-making circuits.
3Use of energy by moving object
If electrical conductors are used in blasting systems, then power and signal transmission is achieved, but recovery difficulty increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of conductor transmission by using a two-wire harness instead of four-wire systems, reducing the amount of conductor material required. The timer circuit and semiconductor switch enable the system to achieve the same operational results with fewer conductors, effectively removing the excess conductor material that would be difficult to recover.
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 system reduces the number of electrical conductors needed, simplifies the connector design, and enables efficient sequential connection and unique identification of detonators, reducing costs and complexity while maintaining effective communication and control over the detonation process.
Implementation Method 1
The timer may include a resistor/capacitor timer
Implementation Method 2
The switch may be responsive to a voltage across the capacitor. The switch may be a semiconductor device and may close when the voltage across the capacitor reaches a predetermined value
Implementation Method 3
The switch may include first and second field effect transistors, a junction to which the source of the first transistor and the source of the second transistor are connected, a first diode connected to the source and drain of the first transistor which conducts from the source to the drain of the first transistor, a second diode connected to the source and drain of the second transistor which conducts from the source to the drain of the second transistor
Data Source
AI summary
A connector (30) which connects a detonator to a two-wire harness (14) from a control unit (12) and which includes a timer which, after a timing interval, enables the connection of a following detonator in a sequence to the harness (12).