Electronic Detonator Spool Layout for Cable Routing and Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing detonator systems face challenges in deploying wireless bus detonators without surface connections, leading to reduced communication ranges or interruptions, and are difficult to install and orient correctly.

Innovation Solution

A detonator coil with a cylindrical body featuring a hub for rotating the coil, housings for primers and electronic control modules, and a stake for pivot connection, allowing precise orientation and easy deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electronic control module is positioned away from the bore exit to improve communication range, then communication reliability is improved, but the cable length and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcable management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two functional segments: a primer unit positioned at the bore exit and an electronic control module positioned remotely. The cable connects these segmented parts, allowing the electronic control module to be optimally positioned for communication while the primer remains at the bore exit for firing functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A cable acts as an intermediary element connecting the primer and the electronic control module. This intermediary allows the two functional entities to be spatially separated - the primer at the bore exit and the electronic control module at an optimal distance for communication - while maintaining electrical and data connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the primer is positioned at the bore exit for easy installation, then ease of operation is improved, but the communication range with the electronic control module is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detonator system is segmented into a primer unit that can be independently positioned at the bore exit for easy installation, and a separate electronic control module that can be positioned optimally for communication. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its primary function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic control module is extracted from the primer assembly and positioned as a separate entity connected by a cable. This extraction allows the electronic control module to be located at an optimal distance for communication while the primer remains at the bore exit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If several detonators are stored closely together to save space, then storage efficiency is improved, but the primers are too close together creating safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoidsafety risk from primer proximity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the primer from the electronic control module and housing components, the design allows primers to be spaced further apart when multiple detonators are stored together. The non-primer components can be compacted, while primers maintain safe separation distances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The primer housing is positioned at the end of the coil body, extending the overall length of the detonator assembly. This dimensional change allows primers of multiple detonators to be spaced further apart along the length of stored detonators, reducing proximity risks while maintaining compact width and height for efficient storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4396523B1Electronic detonator spool and detonator comprising such a spool
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 DAVEY BICKFORD
  • EP4396523B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1D
  • EP4396523B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP4396523B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

Detonator spool (10) comprising at least one body (11) configured to receive a cable wound around the body, the body (11) comprising at least one housing configured to receive a primer, an electronic control module housing (16a) configured to receive an electronic control module (50), and a bore (14) forming a hub configured to rotate the body of the spool (10); and detonator comprising such a spool (10).