Wireless Detonator Capacitor Bank With Automated Connection Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless detonator systems require manual verification of connections between a capacitor bank and an antenna, which involves significant operator movement and are not adaptable to antennas with different inductance values, affecting reliability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A portable apparatus with a housing, capacitors, measurement circuit, and processor that automatically assesses connection integrity and adjusts capacitor values for optimal performance across different antennas, using a switching circuit to ensure reliable connections and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual connection verification is performed by operator movement between capacitor bank and transmitter, then connection integrity can be monitored, but operational efficiency and productivity are reduced due to time-consuming manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-verification of connection integrity through automated measurement circuits that continuously monitor connection status between the capacitor bank, transmitter, and antenna without requiring operator intervention. The measurement circuit automatically detects connection faults and alerts operators, eliminating the need for manual verification while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual verification process with electronic measurement circuits and automated monitoring systems. The measurement circuit uses electrical signals to detect connection integrity, substituting the physical act of operator movement and manual testing with automated electronic detection, thereby improving productivity while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If capacitor bank is spaced apart from transmitter by substantial distance for operational reasons, then operational flexibility is improved, but connection integrity and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement circuit provides continuous feedback on connection integrity between the capacitor bank and transmitter regardless of the distance between them. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor and detect connection faults even when components are spaced apart, maintaining reliability while preserving operational flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If capacitor bank is designed to work with antennas of different sizes and inductance values, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for adjustable capacitance values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a switching circuit that dynamically selects and connects appropriate capacitor values from the bank based on the specific antenna being used. This dynamic switching mechanism allows the system to adapt to different antenna inductance values without requiring manual reconfiguration, maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameter (capacitance value) by switching between different capacitor configurations in the bank to match the inductance characteristics of different antennas. This parameter adjustment is automated through the switching circuit, allowing the system to maintain optimal performance across various antenna types without increasing operational complexity.
4Reliability
If automated measurement circuit is implemented in capacitor bank, then connection integrity monitoring is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: monitoring connection integrity between capacitor bank and transmitter, detecting antenna connection status, and providing fault detection. By consolidating these monitoring functions into a single integrated circuit, the patent achieves comprehensive reliability monitoring without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, for use in a wireless detonator system, which includes a portable housing, a bank of capacitors in the housing, first terminals for connection to selected capacitors to an antenna in the system, second terminals for connection to a transmitter, and a measurement and output arrangement which provides signals which indicate the integrity of such connections.