Optical Wireless Detonator Power Switch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless electronic detonator systems face limitations in range and precision due to regulatory constraints on radio power and challenges in accurately targeting specific detonators, especially when multiple detonators are close together.
Innovation Solution
A wireless electronic detonator system that uses an optical receiver to detect and demodulate a light signal from a control console, generating a control signal to activate a power switch and power the detonator's electronics, thereby overcoming range and precision limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If radio waves are used for wireless activation, then the detonator can be activated remotely, but the range is limited to several tens of centimeters due to regulatory constraints on radio power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the radio wave-based electromagnetic system with an optical system using visible light. The control console emits light signals that are detected by optical receivers in the detonators, substituting the radio frequency electromagnetic field with an optical electromagnetic field. This substitution allows for much higher effective power transmission since optical signals are not subject to the same regulatory power limitations as radio frequencies, thereby extending the activation range from tens of centimeters to several meters.
2Measurement precision
If radio waves are used for wireless activation, then remote activation is enabled, but precision in targeting specific detonators is compromised when multiple detonators are close together
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements directional light emission from the control console, creating a focused optical beam that can be precisely aimed at specific detonators. Each detonator is equipped with an optical receiver that has directional sensitivity, meaning it responds preferentially to light coming from a specific direction. This combination of directional emission and directional reception creates localized activation zones, allowing the operator to target individual detonators even when they are positioned close together, thereby improving measurement precision and ease of operation.
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 optical activation method increases the range of detonator activation to several meters, enhances precision by allowing precise targeting of individual detonators, and reduces energy consumption, making the system more reliable and secure.
Implementation Method 1
an optical receiver configured to detect and demodulate a light signal emitted by a control console and generate at the output a control signal according to the demodulated light signal
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless electronic detonator includes a primary source of energy and at least one functional module. A power switch is disposed between the primary source of energy and the functional module to connect or disconnect the functional module and the primary source of energy. A controller controls the power switch and includes an optical receiver to detect and demodulate a light signal emitted by a control console, The controller generates a control signal according to the demodulated light signal to at least control the power switch. A wireless detonation system includes the wireless electronic detonator and the control console configured to emit a light signal, and method for activating the wireless electronic detonator.