Detonator Roll Call Using Counter-Based Polling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blasting systems require oscillator calibration and pre-loading of identity numbers, which are time-consuming and prone to signal collisions during detonator polling.
Innovation Solution
A method involving unique roll call counters and identifiers, where a start signal initiates a roll call process with enquiry signals transmitted by reversing voltage, allowing detonators to respond based on specific counter values and status parameters, eliminating the need for calibrated oscillators and pre-loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If oscillator calibration is performed to eliminate signal collision during detonator polling, then signal collision is reduced, but the time required for polling increases due to calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the timing function from the oscillator and replaces it with a counter-based system. Each detonator uses a counter loaded with a unique value from the blasting machine, eliminating the need for oscillator calibration while maintaining reliable signal separation. This directly resolves the contradiction by removing the time-consuming calibration step while preserving signal collision prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a copy of the counter value (loaded from the blasting machine) as the timing reference instead of relying on oscillator frequency. This copied value approach allows deterministic timing without calibration, resolving the contradiction between reliability and time efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If pre-loading of identity numbers into blasting machine is performed, then detonator identification is accurate, but the setup time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by having the blasting machine load counter values into detonators during polling, rather than pre-loading identity numbers into the blasting machine beforehand. This reversal eliminates the pre-loading step while maintaining accurate detonator identification through the counter comparison mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The detonators self-identify by comparing their internal counter values with values provided by the blasting machine during polling. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual pre-loading of identity numbers, reducing setup time while maintaining identification accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional polling methods with calibrated oscillators are used, then signal timing is precise, but the system complexity and calibration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical oscillator-based timing system with an electronic counter-based system. The counter, loaded with deterministic values from the blasting machine, substitutes for the calibrated oscillator, maintaining timing precision while eliminating the complexity of oscillator calibration and environmental sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timing parameter from oscillator frequency (which requires calibration and is temperature-dependent) to counter values (which are deterministic and easily programmable). This parameter change maintains timing precision while reducing system complexity and eliminating calibration requirements.
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
Enables rapid and efficient detonator polling without oscillator calibration or pre-loading, reducing the risk of signal collisions and improving the speed of the blasting system's readiness for operation.
Implementation Method 1
The enquiry signal is transmitted by reversing polarity of a voltage at each detonator. Thus, the enquiry signal is of short duration so that the roll call method of the invention is implemented quickly.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C
AI summary
A detonator roll call method wherein each detonator is assigned a unique identifier and, at each detonator, in response to an enquiry signal to all the detonators a count is incremented and compared to the roll call identifier and, if the comparison is positive, a reply is sent by the detonator.