Detonator Packaging Using Inert Lead Barriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging systems for detonators fail to effectively prevent the propagation of accidental initiation and detonation during shipment and handling, particularly between different types of detonator devices with reactive and inert leads, due to inadequate separation and protection against physical stresses and temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
A packaging system that interposes coiled inert leads between coiled reactive leads to act as barriers, preventing the propagation of accidental initiation signals, using removable bands to secure the coils and ensuring alignment for maximum separation and protection within a single container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If detonators are packaged densely in isolated compartments, then space utilization is improved, but the ability to prevent propagation of accidental initiation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system segments detonators by lead type (reactive vs. inert) into separate groups, with inert lead detonators positioned between reactive lead detonators. This segmentation creates physical and functional barriers that prevent propagation of accidental initiation while maintaining efficient space utilization through systematic arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
Detonators with inert leads serve as intermediary elements positioned between detonators with reactive leads. These intermediary detonators act as protective barriers that interrupt the propagation path of accidental initiation signals, allowing dense packaging while maintaining safety.
2Reliability
If detonators are packaged with enhanced separation and protection, then safety against accidental initiation is improved, but space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system merges multiple functions into the inert lead detonators: they serve both as operational detonators and as safety barriers between reactive lead detonators. This combining of functions provides enhanced protection without requiring additional dedicated protective materials or increasing package volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging system uses homogeneous elements (detonators with inert leads) as protective barriers, leveraging the inherent properties of the detonators themselves rather than introducing heterogeneous protective materials. This approach maintains space efficiency while providing reliable protection.
3Reliability
If coiled inert leads are interposed between coiled reactive leads, then propagation of accidental initiation is interrupted, but packaging complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system uses the detonators themselves (with inert leads) to provide the protective function, rather than requiring separate protective components or complex packaging structures. The inert lead detonators self-serve as barriers, simplifying the overall packaging design while maintaining high reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A packaging system includes a container (34) within which are disposed first detonator devices (10) having reactive coils (16), e.g., coils of shock tube leads, and second detonator devices (20) having inert coils (26), e.g., coils of insulated electric leg wires. The inert coils (26) are interposed between the reactive coils (16) and are approximately co-extensive with the reactive coils (16), so that the inert coils (26) form a barrier to propagation of an accidental initiation from one reactive coil (16) to another. Reactive coils (16) and inert coils (26) are fastened to each other to form mixed coil pairs (30) which are nested to interpose a pair of the inert coils (26) between at least some of the reactive coils (16). A method of packing the first and second detonator devices calls for placing them in a container (34) in the described arrangement.