Through-the-Earth MI Blasting Feedback for Buried Device Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless initiation systems for commercial blasting, such as those using magnetic induction (MI) signals, often lack sufficient feedback mechanisms for monitoring the state of components, which can limit their effectiveness in certain applications.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating wireless blasting-related devices with magnetometers for through-the-earth MI communication, enabling bidirectional communication between devices deployed in physical media like rock formations and blast support vehicles, using coil or loop antennas for efficient signal transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If wireless initiation systems use magnetic induction signals for long-distance communication, then communication range is improved, but feedback capability on component state is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements bidirectional magnetic induction communication, where the initiation device can both receive commands from and transmit status information to the initiation system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor component states (such as device status, battery level, and environmental conditions) while maintaining long-distance wireless communication capability through magnetic induction signals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless blasting devices are deployed within physical media like rock formations, then operational versatility is improved, but signal transmission reliability deteriorates due to obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic signal adjustment mechanisms that adapt transmission parameters based on the electromagnetic environment. The system can adjust signal frequency, power level, and modulation depth in real-time to overcome obstructions caused by rock formations and physical media, maintaining reliable communication while allowing flexible deployment within various media types.
Solution Approach 2:
The initiation device incorporates adjustable electromagnetic signal parameters including frequency, amplitude, and pulse duration. By dynamically changing these parameters, the system optimizes signal penetration through different physical media (rock, soil, concrete) while maintaining communication reliability, enabling versatile deployment without sacrificing signal transmission quality.
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
This system enhances communication reliability and feedback capabilities, allowing for more precise control and monitoring of blasting operations, even in obstructed or buried environments, thereby improving safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a device-based magnetic induction (MI) signal receiver with a magnetometer configured for through the earth (TTE) MI communication
Implementation Method 2
a device-based MI signal source with a device-based antenna configured for TTE MI communication
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for assisting blasting. The system includes at least one wireless blasting-related device that is deployable or deployed proximate to or within a portion of physical media intended to be blasted as part of a commercial blasting operation. The blasting-related device includes a device-based magnetic induction (MI) signal receiver with a magnetometer configured for through the earth (TTE) MI communication, and the blasting-related device includes a device-based MI signal source with a device-based antenna configured for TTE MI communication. The device-based MI signal source is configured to communicate with a vehicle-based MI signal receiver in a blast support vehicle that includes a set of vehicle-based magnetometers.