Fire Control Unit Switching for Detonator Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firing control systems for electronic detonators lack flexibility in configuration, requiring re-cabling to change the role of master or slave units and are prone to unsynchronized firing due to propagation delays, limiting their scalability and operational adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A firing control unit with switching means that can be configured to connect or disconnect from different terminals, allowing for flexible operation as a master or slave unit, or for testing phases, without the need for re-cabling, and enabling synchronized firing across multiple sets of detonators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the role of master or slave firing control units is changed, then the operational flexibility is improved, but re-cabling is required which increases device complexity and installation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the connection configuration changeable during operation through switching means. The switching means can be configured in different configurations to connect or disconnect the control module from first terminals or second terminals, and to connect or disconnect first terminals and second terminals from each other, allowing the firing control unit to dynamically change its role without re-cabling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing the firing control unit with multi-functional terminals and switching means that can serve multiple purposes. The first terminals and second terminals can be connected together or disconnected, and the control module can be connected to different terminal pairs depending on the operational mode, making the same hardware configuration capable of serving as master or slave unit.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple firing control units are used to increase the number of detonators, then the system scalability is improved, but synchronization between units becomes more difficult due to propagation delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a synchronization line as a mediator between firing control units. The synchronization line receives synchronization signals and transmits them to ensure coordinated operation across multiple units, compensating for propagation delays and maintaining firing synchronization even when multiple units are deployed.
3Ease of manufacture
If the firing control unit configuration is fixed after installation, then the initial setup is simpler, but any operational changes require re-cabling which reduces operational adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the firing control unit to dynamically reconfigure its internal connections during operation. The switching means can be reconfigured between different configurations to change the operational role of the unit without any physical re-cabling, maintaining both initial setup simplicity and operational adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A fire control unit includes a control module and first terminals that are designed to receive a firing line to which a set of electronic detonators is linked additionally includes second terminals that are designed to receive a synchronization line to which a second fire control unit is linked, and a switch that may be configured according to multiple configurations such that the controller may be connected to or disconnected from the first terminals or the second terminals, respectively, and that the first terminals and the second terminals may be connected to or disconnected from one another.