Trigger Assembly for Remote Explosive Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for loading and triggering explosives in underground mine tunnels are inefficient due to the need for manual intervention in tight spaces, making mechanization and remote loading challenging, especially with the placement of explosion triggers and management of loose detonator cords.

Innovation Solution

A trigger assembly comprising a detonation unit body located at the open end of the hole, connected to an explosion trigger via a trigger cord that can be activated externally, allowing for precise placement and remote triggering of explosives using a machine-based system, eliminating the need for physical human intervention and reducing the complexity of managing multiple detonator cords.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual processes are used for explosive loading and triggering in underground mine tunnels, then personnel can directly place and manage detonators, but the process becomes inefficient and dangerous due to tight spaces and the need for physical intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of explosive loading and triggeringVSAvoidsafety hazards to personnel

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated loading machine that uses a charging hose to deliver explosives and a trigger cord mechanism to position detonators. The system substitutes human physical intervention with mechanical automation, allowing explosive loading and detonator placement to be performed remotely through a charging hose insertion device that pushes the trigger assembly into the blast hole.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a trigger cord as an intermediary element that connects the external triggering system to the detonator inside the blast hole. This trigger cord serves as a mediator that transmits the triggering signal from the outside world to the explosive charge, eliminating the need for personnel to directly handle or position the detonator itself while ensuring reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If mechanization is implemented for explosive loading, then productivity increases, but the complexity of managing trigger cords and ensuring proper detonator placement becomes greater

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblast preparation efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of trigger cord management

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the detonator and trigger cord into a single integrated trigger assembly that is pre-assembled before insertion. This merging of components simplifies the loading process by eliminating the need to separately handle and connect the detonator and trigger cord during the charging operation, reducing complexity while maintaining productivity gains from mechanization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary assembly of the trigger assembly (combining detonator and trigger cord) before the actual loading operation. This preliminary action ensures that the trigger components are pre-positioned and connected correctly, eliminating the need for complex in-situ adjustments during the blasting preparation process and simplifying the mechanized loading procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If remote loading is used to eliminate personnel from tight spaces, then safety improves, but the precision of placing explosion triggers and managing detonator cords becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepersonnel safetyVSAvoidprecision of explosion trigger placement

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a self-positioning mechanism where the trigger assembly uses its own structural features (such as a collar or flange) to automatically locate and align itself within the blast hole during insertion. This self-service capability ensures precise placement of the detonator without requiring manual positioning, maintaining accuracy while enabling remote operation and improving personnel safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables accurate and efficient placement of explosion triggers in underground and above-ground mines, facilitating mechanized and remote loading of explosives, thereby improving safety and reducing the time required for blast preparation while maintaining control over the blast outcome.

Implementation Method 1

a trigger cord that is connected to the detonation unit body and to the explosion trigger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDetonation: Detonation

Data Source

PatentUS20240361108A1Triggering explosives in holes

Publication Date: 2024.10.31 OLITEK PTY LTD

AI summary

An assembly (7) for triggering an explosive in a hole (9) to produce an explosive blast in the hole includes (a) an explosion trigger (15, 19) for triggering the explosive in the hole, (b) a detonation unit body (21) that is configured to be located at or proximate an open end of the hole in an initial position of the assembly in the hole and (c) a trigger cord (31) that is connected to the detonation unit body and to the explosion trigger.