Remote Initiator Receiver with Dual Microprocessors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote initiator systems are bulky, heavy, and unreliable, with a high power demand due to inefficient battery solutions and poorly chosen frequency bands, and they lack simplicity of use, requiring extensive training and experience for deployment, while also being susceptible to electromagnetic interference and microprocessor failures.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, compact remote initiator receiver with dual independent microprocessors, a flexible antenna, and a talkback feature for remote configuration and interrogation, capable of operating in extreme environments, featuring a zeroising function to reset to a factory state and field-bondable to a specific transmitter, with built-in safety timers and test circuits to prevent unintended detonation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If existing battery solutions are used to increase power endurance, then the device can operate longer, but the weight and volume increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable primary lithium batteries that are replaced rather than recharged. This approach uses inexpensive, lightweight single-use power sources that eliminate the need for heavy rechargeable battery systems with their associated charging infrastructure, achieving both weight reduction and adequate operational duration for remote initiation missions.
2Reliability
If a single microprocessor is used for control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and security of initiation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent microprocessors that separately execute safety checks and initiation commands. This segmentation ensures that a single point of failure or software error cannot compromise the entire system, as each processor operates independently with its own safety protocols, thereby enhancing initiation security without requiring overly complex integrated architectures.
3Length of stationary object
If long cable lengths are used for electrical initiation, then the device can reach distant charges, but susceptibility to electromagnetic induction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical cable-based initiation system with a radio frequency transmission system. This substitution eliminates the need for long physical cables that are vulnerable to electromagnetic induction, using instead wireless RF signals that are inherently more resistant to electromagnetic interference while maintaining the ability to reach distant explosive charges.
4Speed
If transmitter power level is increased to achieve required distances, then the communication range is extended, but the power demand increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes transmission parameters by selecting appropriate RF frequency bands and adjusting power levels dynamically based on distance requirements. This parameter optimization allows the transmitter to achieve required communication distances with minimal power consumption, avoiding the need for continuously high power levels that would drain the battery unnecessarily.
Data Source
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AI summary
An expendable remote initiator receiver 1 for initiating at least one shock tube connectable to an explosive charge. The receiver 1 includes: (i) a shock tube interface 6 that directly interfaces with a shock tube connected to an explosive charge, (ii) a spark initiator that initiates a spark at the shock tube interface to initiate the shock tube, (iii) multifunctional shock tube interface adaptor 8 mounted and connected to the shock tube interface 6, the multifunctional shock tube interface connects the ground of a printed circuit assembly (PCA) to the shock tube needle 10 to allow a spark to occur upon initiation by the spark initiator and also holds the PCA securely, (iv) configuring means adapted to allow the receiver to be field bondable such that the receiver can be configured to any transmitter, (v) zeroiser configured by software to allow the configuration of the receiver to be blanked so that the receiver cannot be initiated by any transmitter until such time as the receiver is field-bonded by the configuration means, (vi) a multifunctional battery cap 3 adapted to withstand ±25KV electrical static discharge (ESD) events and allows for the receiver to stand upright, and (vii) antenna 2 capable of withstanding ±25KV ESD events.