Detonator Timing Module With Shock Tube Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blasting systems face challenges in accurately generating time delays for detonators without relying on expensive non-electrical methods or risking inadvertent detonation due to extraneous signals, particularly in systems aiming to minimize the use of metallic conductors.
Innovation Solution
A timing module with a discriminating arrangement that senses and validates specific characteristics of shock tube events, such as light, pressure, or temperature, before initiating a timing interval, ensuring that only validated parameters trigger the detonator, thereby enhancing safety and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If non-electrical ignition devices with sensors are used to eliminate metallic conductors, then the use of electrical conductors is reduced, but the risk of inadvertent firing due to extraneous signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the validation criteria based on the detected signal characteristics. The control unit evaluates multiple parameters (amplitude, frequency, temporal pattern) and adapts the decision-making process to distinguish genuine shock tube activation from extraneous light sources, thereby maintaining reliability while eliminating conductors
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameters from simple light presence to multiple validated characteristics including amplitude thresholds, frequency analysis, and temporal patterns. By requiring validation across multiple parameters before triggering firing, the system eliminates the need for metallic conductors while preventing inadvertent activation from extraneous signals
2Device complexity
If simple light detection is used to trigger detonator, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of shock tube event detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a multi-stage validation process that checks multiple characteristics of the detected light signal. Rather than relying on a single simple threshold, the control unit performs sequential validations including amplitude checks, frequency analysis, and temporal pattern recognition. This partial validation approach maintains manageable device complexity while significantly improving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the light detector output and uses feedback loops to validate signal characteristics against predefined criteria. The system adjusts its response based on the validated characteristics, only triggering the detonator when multiple validation conditions are met, thereby achieving high precision detection without excessive device complexity
3Device complexity
If pyrotechnical delay elements are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the time delay accuracy deteriorates for delays of several seconds
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces pyrotechnical delay elements with an electronic timing system. The control unit, powered by a battery, electronically generates and controls the time delay period. This substitution eliminates the need for chemical-based pyrotechnical elements while achieving high precision time delays of several seconds duration, as the electronic system can accurately measure and control time intervals without the inherent inaccuracies of chemical combustion rates
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
The solution effectively eliminates the need for electrical conductors and reduces the risk of incorrect detonation by using multiple sensors to validate unique shock tube event parameters, ensuring precise and reliable time delays in blasting systems.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor which senses at least one characteristic of at least one parameter generated by at least one shock tube event
Implementation Method 2
a sensor which senses at least one characteristic of at least one parameter generated by at least one shock tube event
Data Source
AI summary
A timing module for use in a detonating system which includes discriminating and validating arrangements which sense and validate at least one characteristic of at least one parameter produced by at least one shock tube event and an electronic timer which executes a timing interval in response thereto.