Wireless Blasting Deployment for Precise Borehole Primer Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for deploying wireless blasting-related devices in commercial/civil blasting operations are labor-intensive, dangerous, time-consuming, and unreliable, requiring manual labor for tasks such as inserting, programming, and securing wireless primers in boreholes.
Innovation Solution
A deployment system and method that includes a deployment device to secure and guide wireless devices into boreholes, with a deploy control system to control their deployment and ejection at predefined locations, and a dispense system to deliver bulk explosive materials, reducing manual labor and enhancing safety and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual deployment methods are used for wireless blasting devices, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but labor intensity increases and safety risks worsen
Solution Approach 1:
A deployment device acts as an intermediary tool between workers and wireless blasting devices. The device includes a securing arrangement with retaining members that hold the wireless device during deployment, and an ejection mechanism that automatically places the device into the borehole at the desired depth, eliminating the need for workers to manually handle and position explosive materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical deployment with an automated deployment system. The ejection mechanism uses stored mechanical energy (springs or elastic elements) to automatically eject the wireless device into the borehole, substituting the manual throwing or lowering action with a controlled mechanical system that reduces worker exposure to hazards.
2Productivity
If automated deployment systems are implemented, then safety and productivity improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment system is segmented into distinct functional components: a securing arrangement with retaining members to hold the wireless device, an ejection mechanism with stored energy elements to propel the device, and a deployment device housing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system design by breaking down the complex deployment task into manageable sub-functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection mechanism is pre-loaded with stored mechanical energy (compressed springs or elastic elements) before deployment. The retaining members are pre-positioned to securely hold the wireless device in the correct orientation. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid, automated deployment without requiring complex real-time control systems during the actual deployment operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise placement of wireless devices is achieved, then blasting accuracy improves, but deployment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection mechanism is designed to automatically propel the wireless device into the borehole with the correct depth and orientation. The retaining members self-adjust to secure the device in the proper position, and the ejection force is calibrated to achieve consistent placement precision without requiring external guidance systems or complex control algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and methods/processes for wireless electronic blasting (WEB), in particular for commercial/civil blasting operations that use wireless blasting-related devices that are deployable or deployed within portions of a physical medium (e.g., a rock formation) intended to be blasted as part of a commercial/civil blasting operation.