Single-Capacitor Electronic Detonator Voltage Clipping Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-capacitor electronic detonators lack sufficient safety measures to prevent accidental firing when connected to unauthorized or improper electrical voltage sources, relying on external equipment for safety, which can deteriorate.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of clipping means with a threshold clipping value and voltage regulation means controlled by electronic control means to limit terminal voltage below the non-firing voltage, ensuring safety independent of external equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single energy storage capacitor is used to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but safety against accidental firing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single capacitor's function by introducing two distinct switching mechanisms: a first switch controlled by a first voltage signal for normal operation, and a second switch controlled by a second voltage signal for accidental discharge. This segmentation allows the same capacitor to serve both cost-reduction and safety functions independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control circuit as an intermediary between the external energy source and the energy storage capacitor. This control circuit monitors voltage signals and selectively activates appropriate switches, mediating between the conflicting requirements of cost reduction and safety enhancement.
2Device complexity
If voltage limitation relies on external equipment, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by incorporating intrinsic safety mechanisms within the electronic detonator itself. The control circuit and switching mechanisms are integrated into the device, allowing it to autonomously regulate voltage and prevent accidental firing without relying on external equipment, thereby enhancing safety reliability while maintaining acceptable complexity levels.
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
Ensures non-accidental detonator firing by maintaining terminal voltage below the non-firing threshold, enhancing safety without reliance on external equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a single energy storage capacitor designed to supply said electronic control means and said explosive-initiating means with energy when said single-capacitor electronic detonator is fired
Implementation Method 2
said clipping means having a threshold clipping value lower than a non-firing voltage value of said explosive-initiating means, said clipping being means controlled by said electronic control means between an activated position, in which said clipping means limit said voltage to a value lower than said threshold clipping value
Implementation Method 3
an explosive-initiating means formed for example by a fusehead
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a single-capacitor electronic detonator (10) comprising an explosive-initiating means (11), electronic control means (16) and a single energy storage capacitor (15) for supplying the electronic control means (16) and the explosive-initiating means (11) with power when firing the single-capacitor electronic detonator (10). It further comprises means (18) for clipping the voltage across the terminals of the single energy storage capacitor (14) to a value lower than a non-firing voltage value (Ua) of the explosive-initiating means (11), and voltage-regulating means (19) connected to means (13) for connecting to a power source (12), which means are suitable for limiting the output voltage to a value lower than a non-firing voltage value (Ua) of the explosive-initiating means (11). The invention also relates to the use thereof in a firing system to improve safety when using single-capacitor electronic detonators (10).