Plasma Blasting Probe With Adjustable Tip and Thixotropic Fluid

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional plasma blasting methods for excavating hard rock are inefficient and costly due to energy dissipation issues, making them unsuitable for situations where chemical explosives are prohibited.

Innovation Solution

A reusable plasma blasting system with an adjustable probe tip and thixotropic fluid media, which enhances energy conversion efficiency by maintaining blast power through precise control of the electrode gap and utilizing thixotropic fluids that increase viscosity under high shear rates, preventing energy dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional plasma blasting methods are used, then rock excavation is possible, but energy dissipation occurs making the process inefficient and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy dissipationVSAvoidexcavation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the fluid medium from conventional water-based electrolyte to a thixotropic fluid. This parameter change allows the medium to maintain high viscosity during the blasting process, preventing energy dissipation and improving excavation efficiency while reducing energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite approach by combining thixotropic properties with electrolyte characteristics in the fluid medium. This composite material behavior enables both energy retention through viscosity and effective plasma discharge, resolving the contradiction between energy loss and excavation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If chemical explosives are used, then hard rock can be excavated efficiently, but safety, vibration, and pollution concerns arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverock excavation efficiencyVSAvoidsafety, vibration, and pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical explosion mechanism with a plasma-based electromagnetic mechanism. By using high-voltage electrical discharge through a thixotropic fluid medium, the system achieves rock fracture without chemical explosives, eliminating safety, vibration, and pollution issues while maintaining excavation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The thixotropic fluid medium creates a controlled environment that replaces the chemical reaction environment of explosives. This inert-like plasma environment achieves the desired mechanical effect without the harmful byproducts and risks associated with chemical explosives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Device complexity

If plasma blasting is used without adjustable probe tip, then the system is simpler, but precise control of electrode gap and blast power is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe structureVSAvoidelectrode gap control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a movable or adjustable probe tip design that allows dynamic control of the electrode gap distance. This dynamic adjustment capability enables precise control of blast power and electrode positioning, improving ease of operation despite the increased structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 system achieves higher efficiency and control over rock fracturing with reduced energy input, making it safer, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly, suitable for mining, construction, and space exploration applications.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing thixotropic fluids that increase viscosity under high shear rates, preventing energy dissipation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThixotropy: Thixotropy

Implementation Method 2

a capacitor bank is charged over a relatively long period of time at a low current, and then discharged in a very short pulse at a very high current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

electrically powered plasma blasting... discharged in a very short pulse at a very high current into a blasting probe comprised of two or more electrodes immersed in a fluid media

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma: Plasma

Data Source

PatentUS8628146B2Method of and apparatus for plasma blasting

Publication Date: 2014.01.14 AUBURN UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A method, system and apparatus for plasma blasting comprises a solid object having a borehole, a blast probe comprising a high voltage electrode and a ground electrode separated by a dielectric separator, wherein the high voltage electrode and the dielectric separator constitute an adjustable probe tip, and an adjustment unit coupled to the adjustable probe tip, wherein the adjustment unit is configured to selectively extend or retract the adjustable probe tip relative to the ground electrode and a blasting media, wherein at least a portion of the high voltage electrode and the ground electrode are submerged in the blast media. The blasting media comprises a thixotropic or electro-rheological fluid. The adjustable tip permits fine-tuning of the blast. The property of instantaneous high viscosity of thixotropic and electro-rheological fluids is advantageously used to seal the cavity containing the blasting probe thereby increasing the blasting pressure making the whole system more efficient.