Wireless Detonator Relay System for Low-Frequency Borehole Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless detonator systems face challenges with one-way communication, signal attenuation, antenna size and power consumption, and lack of feedback, compromising safety and functionality in large blast sites.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional detonator system using low-frequency magnetic signals and a relay technique, with synchronized time slots and unique identifiers, enables reliable communication and feedback, allowing simultaneous detonator ignition and reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single transmitting antenna is used to transmit magnetic signals to all detonators in boreholes, then communication coverage is improved, but antenna size and power consumption increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the communication task by deploying multiple transmitting antennas at different locations instead of using one large high-power antenna. Each antenna serves a specific zone, transmitting low-power signals to detonators within its coverage area. This segmentation reduces the power consumption and size requirements of individual antennas while maintaining comprehensive coverage across the entire blast site.
2Device complexity
If a single transmitting antenna is used to transmit to all detonators, then system simplicity is improved, but positioning and protection become practically difficult in limited underground space
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of deploying one large antenna that is difficult to position and protect in underground environments, the system uses multiple smaller transmitting antennas that can be more easily positioned and protected at various locations. The segmented approach trades structural simplicity for operational ease in constrained underground spaces.
3Device complexity
If one-way communication is used from transmitter to detonators, then system complexity is reduced, but safety and functional requirements are compromised due to lack of feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements bidirectional communication where detonators can transmit signals back to the control equipment through relay techniques. This feedback mechanism allows the system to verify that detonators are receiving and processing commands correctly, thereby maintaining safety and functional requirements while managing complexity through structured communication protocols.
4Speed
If high frequency radio signals are used for wireless communication, then communication speed is improved, but signal attenuation in rock increases rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the frequency parameter from high frequency (2.45 GHz Bluetooth) to low frequency (below 20 KHz) magnetic signals. This parameter change enables signals to penetrate rock and soil with much lower attenuation, allowing reliable communication with detonators in boreholes despite the trade-off in communication speed.
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
Ensures reliable communication and feedback, enabling safe and synchronized detonator ignition with reduced power consumption, addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic signal at a frequency of, say, less than 20 KHz can however penetrate rock and soil without undue attenuation
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic (EM) transmitter system (ETS), in electrical communication with the blasting controller, configured to transmit the response data for the base station using a TTE electromagnetic (EM) signal
Data Source
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AI summary
A blasting system which includes a plurality of detonators located in respective boreholes each detonator being capable of two-way communication, and wherein a signal from control equipment is relayed from one detonator to another and then to a target detonator.