Remote Initiator Breaching System with RF Coded Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote initiator systems for breaching charges are bulky, unreliable, and require extensive training due to susceptibility to electromagnetic interference, microprocessor failures, and lack of simplicity in operation, particularly for short-range initiation without a physical link.
Innovation Solution
A remote initiator breaching system featuring dual independent processors, dual safety timers, and a robust design with multiple frequency channels and addresses for secure and reliable initiation, including a primary and backup transmitter with up to ten receivers, capable of operating in harsh environments and allowing manual firing in high-electromagnetic environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If long cable lengths are used for electrical initiation, then greater distance coverage is achieved, but susceptibility to electromagnetic induction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical cable-based initiation system with a radio frequency communication system. The transmitter sends coded signals via RF to the receiver, which then triggers the shock tube and detonator. This substitution eliminates the physical cable connection, thereby removing the vulnerability to electromagnetic induction along long cables while maintaining the ability to initiate charges at a distance.
2Device complexity
If a single microprocessor is used in the remote initiator, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases due to potential arbitrary failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control function into two independent microprocessors: a primary microprocessor that receives and decodes RF signals, and a secondary microprocessor that independently controls the firing circuit. The secondary microprocessor only activates when it receives a valid coded signal from the primary, creating a segmented control architecture that prevents arbitrary initiation while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coded signal as an intermediary between the primary and secondary microprocessors. The secondary microprocessor acts as an intermediary control layer that verifies the coded signal before permitting firing circuit activation. This intermediary mechanism ensures that neither microprocessor can arbitrarily initiate firing, as both must agree on the validity of the initiation command.
3Reliability
If existing remote initiator equipment is used, then initiation capability is provided, but weight and volume increase due to bulky battery solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic power management strategies including sleep modes, active sensing only when needed, and efficient RF transmission protocols. The system transitions between low-power and high-power states based on operational requirements, allowing the use of lighter battery solutions while maintaining sufficient power endurance for initiation operations.
4Reliability
If existing remote initiator equipment is used, then initiation function is achieved, but ease of operation decreases due to extensive training requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates automated functions including automatic coded signal generation, automatic signal transmission, and automatic firing circuit activation upon valid signal receipt. The system performs self-verification through dual microprocessor validation and automatic timing control, reducing the need for manual intervention and complex operator procedures while maintaining reliable initiation function.
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 provides enhanced safety, reliability, and ease of use with lightweight and compact design, ensuring secure initiation of breaching charges over short ranges with reduced risk of false triggering and improved mobility in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitter includes: (i) means for generating and transmitting a coded signal
Implementation Method 2
a spark-initiator for initiating a spark at the shock tube interface in order to initiate the shock tube
Implementation Method 3
at least one shock tube connectable to a breaching charge
Data Source
AI summary
A remote initiator breaching system for initiating breaching charges over a short range requiring no physical link between the breacher and the demolition charge. The remote initiator breaching system has at least one transmitter, at least one receiver, at least one shock tube connectable to a breaching charge and a power source for each of the transmitter and receiver. The transmitter is able to generae and transmit a coded signal. The transmitter has an input for inputting operational commands into the transmitter for generating the coded signal, The transmitter has sixteen channels representing different frequency bands, and ten addresses for each channel such that transmission of the coded signal from the transmitter to the receiver is possible per individual addresses or all addresses simultaneously, The receiver has a shock tube interface adapted to interface directly with the shock tube connected to a breaching charge. A spark-initiator is included in the transmitter for initiating a spark at the shock tube interface in order to initiate the shock tube. The receiver is able to receive the coded signal from the transmitter and has an input for inputting operational commands into the receiver for generating an output signal for the initiation of the shock tube upon receipt of a valid transmitted coded signal.