Wireless Electronic Booster for Automated Mining Blasting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wired blasting systems in mining operations are labor-intensive, prone to errors, and pose safety risks due to the need for accurate wiring and connections, while existing wireless blasting systems face challenges in robotic manipulation and handling of components, and safety concerns remain unresolved.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained electronic booster capable of wireless communication with a blasting machine, comprising a detonator, base charge, and transceiver, which receives and processes wireless command signals to actuate the explosive charge, eliminating the need for physical connections and enhancing safety through automated setup and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired blasting systems are used, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but labor intensity and safety risks increase due to complex wiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless communication system. The electronic booster incorporates a wireless receiver that receives control signals wirelessly from the blasting machine, eliminating the need for physical electrical connections. This substitution maintains signal transmission reliability while dramatically reducing operation complexity and safety risks associated with wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary (radio frequency signal transmission) between the blasting machine and the electronic booster. This intermediary enables signal transmission without direct physical contact, resolving the contradiction between reliable communication and operational simplicity by mediating the interaction through an electromagnetic field rather than physical wires.
2Ease of operation
If wireless blasting systems are used, then operation simplicity and safety are improved, but robotic manipulation and handling become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detonator, base charge, and wireless receiver into a single integrated electronic booster unit. This consolidation creates a self-contained component that is easier to handle and deploy with robotic systems, as it requires no separate wiring connections or assembly steps, thereby improving both operational simplicity and robotic manipulation capability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic booster is designed as a self-contained unit with all necessary components (detonator, base charge, wireless receiver) integrated within a single housing. This self-service design eliminates the need for external wiring or additional components during installation, making the system both operationally simple and amenable to automated robotic deployment.
3Extent of automation
If electronic boosters with wireless communication are used, then safety and automation are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic booster is designed as a multi-functional integrated unit that combines detonation, wireless reception, and control functions in a single device. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into one component, reducing the overall system complexity despite the advanced capabilities, as fewer separate components need to be coordinated and managed.
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
The wireless booster reduces the time and cost of blasting operations, improves safety by eliminating complex wiring risks, and enables remote setup and control, making it more viable for automated mining operations.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna at least for receiving said at least one wireless command signal from said at least one blasting machine
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein are boosters that include components sufficient for wireless communications with an associated blasting machine. In selected aspects, there are disclosed wireless electronic boosters that are self-contained and robust. Such boosters are especially suited for underground mining operations, optionally employing automated placement of boosters at a blast site.