US12698954 - Single-capacitor electronic detonator and system for firing such single-capacitor electronic detonators

The patent describes a single-capacitor electronic detonator that includes an explosive initiator, electronic control means, and a single energy storage capacitor designed to power both components during firing. It features a voltage clipping mechanism to ensure safety by preventing the voltage from exceeding a non-firing threshold, enhancing the overall safety of the detonator system.

Claim 1

1 . A single-capacitor electronic detonator, comprising: an explosive initiator ( 11 ), electronic controller ( 16 ), a single energy storage capacitor ( 15 ) connected to said electronic controller ( 16 ) and to said explosive initiator ( 11 ), and connection means ( 13 ) for connection to an energy source ( 12 ) for supplying said single energy storage capacitor ( 15 ) with energy, said single energy storage capacitor ( 15 ) being designed to supply said electronic controller ( 16 ) with energy and said explosive initiator ( 11 ) with energy when said single-capacitor electronic detonator ( 10 ) is fired, wherein the single-capacitor electronic detonator also comprises a clipper ( 18 ) for clipping the voltage across terminals of said single energy storage capacitor ( 15 ), said clipping means clipper ( 18 ) having a threshold clipping value (Us) lower than a non-firing voltage value (Ua) of said explosive initiator ( 11 ), said clipper ( 18 ) being controlled by said electronic controller ( 16 ) between an activated position, in which said clipper ( 18 ) limits said voltage to a value lower than said threshold clipping value (Us), and a deactivated position, in which said clipper ( 18 ) is inactive. an explosive initiator ( 11 ), electronic controller ( 16 ), a single energy storage capacitor ( 15 ) connected to said electronic controller ( 16 ) and to said explosive initiator ( 11 ), and connection means ( 13 ) for connection to an energy source ( 12 ) for supplying said single energy storage capacitor ( 15 ) with energy, said single energy storage capacitor ( 15 ) being designed to supply said electronic controller ( 16 ) with energy and said explosive initiator ( 11 ) with energy when said single-capacitor electronic detonator ( 10 ) is fired, wherein the single-capacitor electronic detonator also comprises a clipper ( 18 ) for clipping the voltage across terminals of said single energy storage capacitor ( 15 ), said clipping means clipper ( 18 ) having a threshold clipping value (Us) lower than a non-firing voltage value (Ua) of said explosive initiator ( 11 ), said clipper ( 18 ) being controlled by said electronic controller ( 16 ) between an activated position, in which said clipper ( 18 ) limits said voltage to a value lower than said threshold clipping value (Us), and a deactivated position, in which said clipper ( 18 ) is inactive.

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