Bidirectional Wireless Detonator System Using Magnetic Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless blasting systems face challenges in communicating with detonators in boreholes due to rapid attenuation of high-frequency radio signals in rock, leading to one-way communication and compromised safety and functionality, as magnetic signals are prone to damage and cannot efficiently transmit feedback.
Innovation Solution
A near-field magnetic induction communication technique is employed, using a transmitter coil to modulate a magnetic field measured by a receiver coil, allowing for two-directional communication by measuring signal strength attenuation to determine distance and ensuring reliable bi-directional communication through a mesh network of detonators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high-frequency radio signals are used for wireless communication, then communication speed is improved, but signal attenuation in rock becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter from high-frequency radio (2.45 GHz) to low-frequency magnetic signals (less than 20 kHz). This parameter change allows the signal to penetrate rock and soil without undue attenuation while maintaining communication capability, resolving the contradiction between communication speed and signal attenuation in rock medium.
2Loss of energy
If magnetic signals are used for rock penetration, then signal transmission through rock is improved, but bidirectional communication capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication function into multiple paths: control equipment transmits to detonators directly, and detonators transmit feedback to control equipment through intermediate detonators that relay the signal. This segmentation enables bidirectional communication despite the unidirectional nature of magnetic field propagation through rock.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediate detonators as mediators to relay signals between the control equipment and distant detonators. These intermediate devices receive signals from control equipment and forward them to target detonators, enabling two-way communication through a mesh network topology.
3Ease of operation
If identification code carriers are used on rock surface, then wireless communication is enabled, but device reliability deteriorates due to environmental damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication function from vulnerable surface-mounted identification code carriers and relocates it to protected detonators positioned in boreholes. The control equipment communicates with these protected detonators through magnetic field propagation, eliminating the vulnerability of surface carriers to environmental damage while maintaining wireless communication capability.
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 reliable two-way communication over meaningful distances in rock, allowing for proper command reception and feedback verification, enhancing safety and functionality by using a low-powered transmitter at 4 kHz to transmit signals through rock, and synchronizing detonators for arming and firing.
Implementation Method 1
The invention is based on the use of a near-field magnetic induction communication technique in which a transmitter coil in one device is used to modulate a magnetic field which is measured by means of a receiver coil in another device.
Data Source
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AI summary
A blasting system which includes control equipment and a plurality of detonators which are located in respective boreholes, wherein signals from the detonators are transmitted to the control equipment via different paths between successive detonators, and wherein a signal from the control equipment can be simultaneously transmitted to all of the detonators.