Electronic Detonator Synchronization via Master Control Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ignition systems for electronic detonators face synchronization issues due to signal propagation delays when controlling a large number of detonators across multiple local blast control units, leading to desynchronization and limiting the number of detonators that can be managed as a single blasting pattern.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates an electronic synchronization module connected to a master local blast control unit, which synchronizes ignition signals across multiple local blast control units by compensating for signal propagation delays through programmable ignition delays, allowing for synchronized ignition of a large number of detonators as a single blasting pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple local blast control units are used in parallel to control a large number of electronic detonators, then the number of detonators that can be controlled increases, but signal propagation delays cause loss of synchronism in ignition orders
Solution Approach 1:
A master local blast control unit is introduced as an intermediary between the remote blast control unit and multiple slave local blast control units. The master unit receives the ignition order and transmits it to all slave units simultaneously through a daisy-chain connection, ensuring that all units receive the signal at the same time and maintain synchronization regardless of the number of detonators controlled.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into a hierarchical structure with one master local blast control unit and multiple slave local blast control units. This segmentation allows the system to scale to control thousands of detonators while maintaining synchronization, as the master unit coordinates all slave units through simultaneous signal transmission.
2Quantity of substance
If separate ignition orders are sent to each local blast control unit, then all detonators can be controlled, but the system becomes more complex and synchronization is difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple local blast control units are merged into a coordinated system where one master unit manages all slave units. Instead of independently controlling each unit, the master unit sends a single ignition order that is distributed to all slave units simultaneously, reducing system complexity while maintaining the ability to control a large number of detonators.
Solution Approach 2:
The master local blast control unit is pre-configured with the ignition order before the actual blasting operation. This preliminary preparation allows the master unit to simultaneously transmit the signal to all slave units at the precise moment needed, ensuring synchronization without requiring complex real-time coordination during the actual ignition.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for triggering includes a plurality of electronic detonator assemblies (11), where each electronic detonator assembly (11) is connected to a leading wire (12) linked to a local fire control unit (12). At least one of the local fire control units (13S) includes an electronic synchronization module (14) connected to a leading wire linked to a master local fire control unit (13M), which is one of the local fire control units (13). The system is suitable for use in triggering a plurality of electronic detonator assemblies (11) according to a single blasting pattern.