Laser Initiated Confined Explosive Detonator-Free Blasting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blasting systems rely on detonators, which pose challenges in supply chain management, security, and safety, necessitating a detonator-free initiation method for explosives charges.
Innovation Solution
A detonator-free blasting system that uses a laser to initiate a confined explosive, which in turn detonates a bulk explosive, eliminating the need for conventional detonators by heating the confined explosive until ignition and propagation occur.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional detonators are used to initiate explosives charges, then reliable initiation is achieved, but supply chain management, security, and safety problems arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical detonator system with an optical laser initiation system. The laser beam delivers energy through an optical fiber to initiate the explosive charge, eliminating the need for conventional detonators and their associated supply chain and security issues while maintaining reliable initiation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical fiber as an intermediary to deliver laser energy to the explosive charge. This intermediary allows the initiation energy to be transmitted from a remote laser source through the optical fiber to the confined explosive, enabling detonator-free initiation while maintaining control and reliability
2Reliability
If laser power is increased to ensure reliable initiation, then initiation success improves, but system complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent concentrates the laser energy into a highly localized region within the confined explosive charge. By confining the explosive in a tubular member with specific dimensions and positioning the optical fiber end close to the explosive, the laser energy is focused on a small volume, achieving reliable initiation with lower overall power requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from volumetric heating to surface/line heating by positioning the optical fiber end in close proximity to the confined explosive. This geometric arrangement concentrates the energy delivery in a specific spatial configuration, improving heating efficiency and reducing the total power needed for reliable initiation
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
This method allows for the successful initiation of bulk explosives without primary explosives, offering improved safety and operational efficiency, and can be implemented using low-magnitude laser powers with small hand-held systems, suitable for various applications including seismic exploration.
Implementation Method 1
initiation of the confined explosive is caused by irradiation of the confined explosive with laser light. The confined explosive is initiated by heating the confined explosive until ignition of it occurs
Implementation Method 2
The upper portion contains a laser beam absorbing black material
Implementation Method 3
detonation of the confined explosive causes initiation of the bulk explosive
Implementation Method 4
this initial ignition propagates to full detonation
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A detonator free blasting system, which comprises: a bulk explosive; a confined explosive; a fiber optic adapted to deliver laser light to the confined explosive, wherein the confined explosive is provided relative to the bulk explosive such that detonation of the confined explosive causes initiation of the bulk explosive.