Detonator Sensing Arrangement for Safe Initiation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detonators rely on shock tube events, which are difficult to simulate and pose safety concerns, limiting their reliability and security.
Innovation Solution
A detonator design that uses a sensing arrangement responsive to various trigger events, such as light, acoustic, vibratory, or magnetic signals, to initiate a timing cycle and fire the initiating element, independent of shock tube events, ensuring controlled and safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a shock tube event is used to trigger the detonator, then the detonator can be initiated, but the system becomes difficult to simulate and poses safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical shock tube system with electronic sensing arrangements that detect electrical, optical, acoustic, or vibratory signals. This substitution eliminates the safety hazards associated with shock tubes while maintaining reliable detonator initiation through electronic sensing and timing circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensing arrangement and electronic timing system between the trigger signal and the detonator initiation. This intermediary system validates the trigger signal through multiple sensing modalities and controls the timing of initiation, thereby eliminating direct dependence on shock tube events while ensuring safe and reliable operation.
2Reliability
If multiple sensing arrangements are used to validate trigger events, then security and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple sensing arrangements that can detect different types of signals (electrical, optical, acoustic, vibratory) to validate trigger events. This multi-functional approach enhances security and reliability by requiring corroboration from multiple independent sensing modalities before initiating the detonator, while the shared timing and control circuitry manages the overall system complexity.
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
Enhances reliability and security by allowing for precise validation and initiation of the detonation process, eliminating dependence on shock tube simulations and improving operational accuracy and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a light signal transmitted by a fibre optic cable
Implementation Method 2
an acoustic signal transmitted by an acoustic transmitter
Implementation Method 3
a vibratory signal
Implementation Method 4
a magnetic signal
Data Source
AI summary
A detonator for use in a detonating system, which detonator includes discriminating and validating arrangements which sense and validate at least one characteristic of at least one parameter produced by at least one of a light, acoustic, vibratory, magnetic or electrical signal event, and an electronic timer which executes a timing interval in response thereto.