Tank track measurement system, apparatus and method

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of flume measuring system, device and method.The flume measuring system at least includes: first sensor array unit, which is configured to measure the distance relative to first flume;Second sensor array unit, which is configured to measure the distance relative to second flume;And data recording unit, which is electronically connected with the first sensor array unit and the second sensor array unit.The first sensor array unit and the second sensor array unit each include a housing and a group of sensors;The group of sensors are fixedly installed on the housing, and are configured to detect a group of distances between corresponding sensor group and corresponding flume.The data recording unit includes processor, and the processor is configured to receive multiple sets of distance data from the first sensor array unit and the second sensor array unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments described in this specification generally relate to a system, apparatus, and method for measuring the alignment status of a tank passage, specifically involving completing the tank passage alignment measurement in a single pass through a hoisting container, while minimizing the hoisting downtime. Background Technology

[0002] Among the many operational processes involved in mining, mine shaft maintenance is one of the key procedures for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and service life of mining infrastructure. Among the many components requiring meticulous attention, the maintenance of the shaft's access tunnels is a particularly important area of ​​focus.

[0003] Mine shafts are the main passageways for underground mining operations, providing a route for transporting personnel, equipment, and mined materials. Regular proactive maintenance of shafts is of great importance in several ways. Firstly, this maintenance ensures the safety of miners and equipment by preventing potential accidents and structural failures. Secondly, well-maintained shafts help improve operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and optimize resource flow within and outside the mine. Furthermore, preventative maintenance helps extend the service life of shafts and reduces the need for expensive repairs or parts replacements.

[0004] The hoisting system plays a crucial role in the smooth lifting and lowering of cages, skips, and other hoisting containers in mine shafts; therefore, its structural integrity and alignment are of paramount importance. The alignment of the hoisting system is critical because misalignment or deviation from the designed path can cause friction, accelerate wear, and in extreme cases, lead to catastrophic failure. A straight hoisting system ensures the stable and controllable operation of the hoisting container system, avoids unnecessary stress on the equipment, and improves the overall safety of lifting operations. Simultaneously, a straight hoisting system facilitates the efficient and timely transport of materials, creating a high-productivity mining environment.

[0005] Maintaining the alignment of mine shafts presents a series of inherent challenges. The harsh underground environment, characterized by dust, high humidity, and fluctuating temperatures, continuously threatens the structural integrity of the shafts. Over time, corrosion and material fatigue are common causes of alignment deterioration. Furthermore, the great depth and complex structure of mine shafts make routine inspections and maintenance difficult in terms of operational support. Reaching deep or remote sections of the shaft requires specialized equipment and personnel, further increasing the overall complexity of maintenance work. Moreover, mining operations are dynamic and subject to changes in load fluctuations and mining methods, all of which impose additional stress on the shafts. To address these challenges, regular inspections, the adoption of advanced monitoring technologies, and proactive handling of emerging faults are crucial.

[0006] It is worth noting that mining regulations require annual measurements of hoistways to ensure that face-to-face and width dimensions meet specifications. The current practice involves workers riding on top of the hoisting container (e.g., a hoist) and manually measuring face-to-face and width dimensions every 100 feet using a tape measure or handheld laser instrument. Because the regulations do not specify a particular method for meeting these mining requirements, this method varies depending on the work site and the company. However, this method results in numerous sections of the hoistway remaining undetected between measurement points, exposing mine shaft operations to the risk of parameters exceeding specifications. This risk has caused, and has already caused, accidents where hoisting containers become stuck between hoistways or detach from them. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a system capable of collecting accurate measurement data of the hoistways along the entire length of the mine shaft without requiring prolonged occupation of the shaft work area. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In a broader sense, the purpose of this invention is to provide a shaft guide measurement system and apparatus. This system and apparatus, used in conjunction with a shaft hoisting container, improves the measurement of shaft guide alignment in terms of both measurement speed and reliability. The system employs a distance sensor array that can be mounted on the shaft hoisting container to simultaneously measure various dimensions of the shaft guide as the container moves up and down the mine shaft. The measured dimensions are collected and recorded by a data recording unit, obtaining the necessary measurement data to meet the regulatory requirements for the face-to-face dimensions and width of shaft guides in mines.

[0008] In one embodiment, a tank passage measuring device is provided, including a first sensor array unit configured to measure distances relative to a first tank passage. The first sensor array unit includes a housing, a first sensor, a second sensor, and a third sensor; the first sensor is disposed at a first end of the housing and configured to detect the distance between a first surface of the first tank passage and the first sensor; the second sensor is disposed at a second end of the housing and configured to detect a second distance between a second surface of the first tank passage and the second sensor; the third sensor is disposed at a middle portion of the housing and configured to detect a third distance between a front surface of the first tank passage and the third sensor.

[0009] One embodiment may further include a data recording unit communicatively connected to a first sensor, a second sensor, and a third sensor in the first sensor array unit. The data recording unit may include a processor configured to receive distance data from the first sensor array unit. Another embodiment may include a mounting assembly configured to secure the first sensor array unit to the wellbore hoisting container. The mounting assembly may include a first clamping mechanism and a second clamping mechanism; the first clamping mechanism is configured to clamp and secure the mounting assembly to the wellbore hoisting container, and the second clamping mechanism is configured to clamp and secure the mounting assembly to the first sensor array unit. Where the first sensor array unit includes a first ball joint connector fixedly mounted to a first housing, and the mounting assembly includes a support body, the first clamping mechanism may be a clamp fixed to the support body; the second clamping mechanism may be a second ball joint connector fixed to the support body, and a ball joint clamp configured to connect to the first and second ball joint connectors.

[0010] In another embodiment, the tank passage measuring device further includes a Z-axis offset sensor array unit configured to measure distances relative to the first tank passage at a different height than the first sensor array unit. The Z-axis offset sensor array unit may have a similar sensor array to the first sensor array unit, configured to detect distances to the same surface of the tank passage, but at a different height within the tank passage. A support arm maintains a fixed distance between the first sensor array unit and the Z-axis offset sensor array unit; the data recording unit includes a processor configured to receive distance data from both the first sensor array unit and the Z-axis offset sensor array unit.

[0011] In another embodiment, the tank passage measuring device further includes a second sensor array unit; the second sensor array unit has a sensor array similar to that of the first sensor array unit and is configured to detect the distances between the surfaces of another tank passage. The second sensor array unit is also communicatively connected to the data recording unit.

[0012] In another embodiment, a tank passage measurement system is provided, including a first sensor array unit, a second sensor array unit, and a data recording unit. The first sensor array unit is configured to measure distances relative to a first tank passage; the second sensor array unit is configured to measure distances relative to a second tank passage; the data recording unit is electronically communicatively connected to the first and second sensor array units. Both the first and second sensor array units include a housing and a set of sensors; the set of sensors is fixedly mounted on the housing and configured to detect a set of distances between each sensor group and its corresponding tank passage. The data recording unit includes a processor configured to receive multiple sets of distances from the first and second sensor array units.

[0013] The tank passage measurement system may further include a third sensor array unit and a fourth sensor array unit; the third sensor array unit is configured to measure the distance relative to a third tank passage; the fourth sensor array unit is configured to measure the distance relative to a fourth tank passage. In this embodiment, the third and fourth sensor array units are electronically connected to a data recording unit, and the processor is further configured to receive multiple sets of distances from the third and fourth sensor array units.

[0014] In another embodiment, the first sensor array unit, the second sensor array unit, the third sensor array unit, and the fourth sensor array unit are respectively mounted to the wellbore hoisting container via a first mounting assembly, a second mounting assembly, a third mounting assembly, and a fourth mounting assembly. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth mounting assemblies may include a first clamping mechanism and a second clamping mechanism; the first clamping mechanism is configured to clamp and fix the corresponding mounting assembly to the wellbore hoisting container, and the second clamping mechanism is configured to clamp and fix the corresponding mounting assembly to the corresponding sensor array unit.

[0015] In another embodiment, the tank passage measurement system includes a Z-axis offset sensor array unit configured to measure distances relative to the first tank passage at a different height than the first sensor array unit. The Z-axis offset sensor array unit includes a housing and a set of sensors fixedly mounted on the housing and configured to detect a set of distances on various surfaces of the first tank passage at positions with a height offset relative to the first sensor array unit. The Z-axis offset sensor array unit is also electronically connected to a data recording unit, and the processor is further configured to receive a set of distances from the Z-axis offset sensor array unit. The Z-axis offset sensor array unit can be mounted to the first sensor array unit via a support arm. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To gain a complete understanding of the nature and purpose of this invention, please refer to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 An exploded view of a sensor array unit and mounting assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a top view of a first sensor array unit, a second sensor array unit, and a data recording unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 A side view of a first sensor array unit, a second sensor array unit, and a data recording unit installed on the top of a wellbore hoisting container, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a top view of a tank track measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a perspective side view of a tank track measurement system installed on the top of a well hoisting container according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a tank track measurement system comprising a Z-axis offset sensor array and mounted on the top of a wellbore hoisting container, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for measuring tank passages using a tank passage measurement system, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be readily understood that the components of this embodiment, as schematically described and shown in the accompanying drawings, can be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the detailed description of the embodiments shown in the drawings below is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the embodiments as defined in the claims, but is merely an illustrative example of selected embodiments.

[0018] Throughout this specification, the terms "selected implementation," "an implementation," or "a particular implementation" refer to specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with that implementation, and are included in at least one implementation described herein. Therefore, the expressions "selected implementation," "in one implementation," or "in a particular implementation" appearing throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same implementation.

[0019] like Figure 1The diagram illustrates a tank guide measuring device, comprising a sensor array unit 100 with a housing 120. Three sensors are embedded within the housing 120; these sensors are configured to detect the distance between the tank guide surfaces located between them when the tank guide measuring device is installed in place to measure the tank guide alignment. A first sensor 131 is disposed at a first end 122 of the housing 120 and emits a ranging laser 132 toward the tank guide located at the center of the housing 120. This ranging laser 132 measures a first distance between the first sensor 131 and a first surface of the tank guide. A second sensor 133 is disposed at a second end 124 of the housing 120 and emits a ranging laser 134 toward the tank guide located at the center of the housing 120. This ranging laser 134 measures a second distance between the second sensor 133 and a second surface of the tank guide. A third sensor 135 is disposed at the middle 126 of the housing 120 and emits a ranging laser 136 toward the tank guide located at the center of the housing 120. The ranging laser 136 is used to measure the third distance between the third sensor 135 and the front surface of the tank passage.

[0020] The housing 120 may have an internal cavity for accommodating electronic circuitry from sensors 131, 133, and 135. Furthermore, the housing 120 may include a top cover 120a and a bottom cover 120b; the top cover 120a is fastened or otherwise fixed to the top side of the housing 120, and the bottom cover 120b is fastened or otherwise fixed to the bottom side of the housing 120. A power and signal connector 127 may be provided on the housing 120. The power and signal connector 127 is electrically connected to sensors 131, 133, and 135, providing a convergence point for all power and communication wiring for each sensor 131, 133, and 135 in the sensor array unit 100.

[0021] Mounting assembly 150 is used to fix sensor array unit 100 to wellbore hoisting container. Mounting assembly 150 includes a support body 140, a first clamping mechanism 170, and a second clamping mechanism. The first clamping mechanism 170 is used to clamp and fix mounting assembly 150 to wellbore hoisting container, and the second clamping mechanism is used to clamp and fix mounting assembly 150 to sensor array unit 100. The first clamping mechanism can be various clamps, fasteners, magnets, or adhesives, as long as they can fix sensor array unit 100 to the surface of wellbore hoisting container. However, the first clamping mechanism 170 must be able to be fixed to the support body 140 of mounting assembly 150. Figure 1As shown, the second clamping mechanism can take the following form: a first ball connector 162 fixed to the housing 120 of the sensor array unit 100, a second ball connector 164 fixed to the support body 140, and a ball seat clamp 160. The ball seat clamp 160 clamps the first ball connector 162 and the second ball connector 164, thereby assembling the sensor array unit 100 and the mounting assembly 150 into one unit. The second clamping mechanism can also adopt other structures that can realize the assembly of the sensor array unit 100 and the mounting assembly 150, such as fasteners, clamps, adhesives, magnets, etc.

[0022] One or more sensor array units can be electronically communicated with the data recording unit 10. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the data recording unit 10 is electronically connected to the first sensor array unit 100 and the second sensor array unit 200. The data recording unit 10 may have various input and output interfaces, such as an input interface for acquiring data from the sensor array units, and an output interface for uploading the processed data to an external computer or electronic storage device. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the data recording unit 10 includes a power input port 20, a left rear tank channel port 30, a left front tank channel port 40, a right rear tank channel port 50, and a right front tank channel port 60. The power input port 20 supplies power to the data recording unit 10 and can also supply power to the sensor array units 100 and 200. Communication between the data recording unit 10 and the sensors in the sensor array units can be achieved via physical cables, such as electronic cables transmitting 4-20mA signals, in conjunction with an A / D converter or serial communication. However, in another embodiment, wireless communication can also be used between the data recording unit 10 and the sensors in the sensor array units 100 and 200, such as via Bluetooth® or similar wireless signals.

[0023] The data recording unit 10 includes a processor configured to receive distance data from each sensor of the first sensor array unit. Specifically, when the first sensor array unit 100 is arranged to measure distances to the tank passage 110, sensors 131, 133, and 135 of the first sensor array unit 100 are arranged around the tank passage 110 and configured to emit ranging lasers 132, 134, and 136 to each surface of the tank passage 110, respectively. Preferably, when the first sensor array unit 100 is in the correct arrangement position, the ranging lasers 132, 134, and 136 are perpendicular to each surface of the tank passage 110. Thus, ranging laser 132 measures the distance between the first surface 111 of the tank passage 110 and sensor 131 (not shown); ranging laser 134 measures the distance between the second surface 112 of the tank passage 110 and sensor 133 (not shown); and ranging laser 136 measures the distance between the front surface 113 of the tank passage 110 and sensor 135 (not shown). Sensors 131 and 133 of the first sensor array unit 100 are fixed inside the housing 120 and arranged facing each other. These two sensors are arranged on both sides of the tank passage 110, and the span between them allows the tank passage 110 to be located at the midpoint of the detection range of the laser emitted by sensors 131 and 133. Since the width specifications of tank passages vary in the mining industry, the spacing between sensors 131 and 133 is set such that when the tank passage 110 is placed in the middle position of sensors 131 and 133, the median width of the industry tank passage corresponds to the midpoint of the detection range of sensors 131 and 133.

[0024] Similar to the first sensor array unit 100, the second sensor array unit 200 also sends distance data to the processor of the data recording unit 10. When the second sensor array unit 200 is in place to measure the distance relative to the tank passage 210, each sensor of the second sensor array unit 200 is arranged around the tank passage 210 and emits ranging lasers 232, 234, and 236 to each surface of the tank passage 210, respectively. The arrangement of the ranging lasers 232, 234, and 236 in the second sensor array unit 200 relative to each surface of the tank passage 210 is the same as that in the first sensor array unit 100. Accordingly, the ranging laser 232 measures the distance between the first surface 211 of the tank passage 210 and the first sensor (not shown) disposed in the first end 222 of the second sensor array unit 200; the ranging laser 234 measures the distance between the second surface 212 of the tank passage 210 and the second sensor (not shown) disposed in the second end 224 of the second sensor array unit 200; and the ranging laser 236 measures the distance between the front surface 213 of the tank passage 210 and the third sensor (not shown) disposed in the middle 226 of the second sensor array unit 200.

[0025] Below the sensor array units 100 and 200 are corresponding mounting assemblies 150 and 250; these mounting assemblies are configured to assemble the sensor array units 100 and 200 into the wellbore hoisting container. As described above, the mounting assembly 150 for the sensor array unit 100 includes a clamping mechanism 170 mounted on a support body 140. Similarly, as... Figure 2 As shown, the mounting assembly 250 for the sensor array unit 200 includes a clamping mechanism 270 mounted on the support body 240.

[0026] like Figure 3 As shown in the side view, sensor array units 100 and 200 are connected to the wellbore hoisting container 180 via mounting assemblies 150 and 250, respectively. Mounting assembly 150 includes a first clamping mechanism 170, one end of which is mounted to the wellbore hoisting container 180, and the other end to the support body 140. A second clamping mechanism 160 is mounted at one end to the first sensor array unit 100, and at the other end to the support body 140. Similarly, mounting assembly 250 includes a first clamping mechanism 270, one end of which is mounted to the wellbore hoisting container 180, and the other end to the support body 240. A second clamping mechanism 260 is mounted at one end to the second sensor array unit 200, and at the other end to the support body 240.

[0027] like Figure 4 As shown, the tank guide measurement system may include four sets of sensor array units 100, 200, 300, and 400, used to measure the distances relative to the four tank guides 110, 210, 310, and 410, respectively. All four sets of sensor array units 100, 200, 300, and 400 are electronically connected to the data recording unit 10. In this configuration, the tank guide measurement system can calculate the deviations of key measurement parameters related to the alignment status of the tank guides 110, 210, 310, and 410. For example, the first sensor array unit 100 is arranged around the tank guide 110 and fixed to the hoisting container, while the second sensor array unit 200 is arranged around the tank guide 210 and fixed to the hoisting container, thus forming a fixed dimension between the first sensor array unit 100 and the second sensor array unit 200. The fixed dimension is added to the distance measured by lasers 136 and 236 to obtain the rear face-to-face distance, which is the distance between the front surfaces of tank guide 110 and tank guide 210. When the hoisting container rises or falls, the deviation between the measured rear face-to-face distance between tank guide 110 and tank guide 210 can be calculated by using the deviation detection of lasers 136 and 236.

[0028] The front face-to-face distance between guideways 310 and 410 can be calculated using the third sensor array unit 300 and the fourth sensor array unit 400. Specifically, the third sensor array unit 300 is arranged around guideway 310 and fixed to the hoisting container, while the fourth sensor array unit 400 is arranged around guideway 410 and fixed to the hoisting container, forming a fixed dimension between the third sensor array unit 300 and the fourth sensor array unit 400. This fixed dimension is added to the distance measured by lasers 336 and 436 to obtain the front face-to-face distance, which is the distance between the front surfaces of guideways 310 and 410. When the hoisting container rises or falls, the change in this distance is detected by lasers 336 and 436, and the deviation of the measured front face-to-face distance between guideways 310 and 410 can be calculated.

[0029] By comparing the distances detected by the first and second sensors in each sensor array unit, the width deviation of each tank passage can be detected. For example, when the well shaft hoisting container rises or falls, comparing the detection distances of lasers 132 and 134 can detect the width measurement deviation of the tank passage 110.

[0030] Furthermore, a first sensor array unit 100 is arranged around the guideway 110 and fixed to the hoisting container, while a third sensor array unit 300 is arranged around the guideway 310 and fixed to the hoisting container, forming a fixed dimension between the first sensor array unit 100 and the third sensor array unit 300. This fixed dimension is added to the distance measured by lasers 132 and 334 to obtain the left-side front-back distance, which is the distance between the inner surfaces of the guideway 110 and the inner surfaces of the guideway 310. When the hoisting container rises or falls, the change in this distance is detected by lasers 132 and 334, allowing the calculation of the deviation of the measured left-side front-back distance between the guideways 110 and 310.

[0031] The same calculation can be performed on the right-side front-back distance between tank passages 210 and 410 using the second sensor array unit 200 and the fourth sensor array unit 400. Specifically, the second sensor array unit 200 is arranged around the tank passage 210 and fixed to the hoisting container, while the fourth sensor array unit 400 is arranged around the tank passage 410 and fixed to the hoisting container, forming a fixed dimension between the second sensor array unit 200 and the fourth sensor array unit 400. This fixed dimension is added to the distance measured by lasers 232 and 434 to obtain the right-side front-back distance, which is the distance between the inner surfaces of the tank passages 210 and 410. When the hoisting container rises or falls, the change in this distance is detected by lasers 232 and 434, and the deviation of the measured right-side front-back distance between the tank passages 210 and 410 can be calculated.

[0032] like Figure 5 As shown, the tank guide measurement system can be fixed to the hoisting container 180 as follows: sensor array units 100, 200, 300, and 400 are on the same plane or approximately on the same plane. The first sensor array unit 100, arranged around the tank guide 110, is mounted to the hoisting container 180 via mounting assembly 150. Similarly, the second sensor array unit 200, the third sensor array unit 300, and the fourth sensor array unit 400 are mounted to the hoisting container 180 via mounting assemblies 250, 350, and 450, respectively. Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the data recording unit 10 is placed or fixed on top of the shaft hoisting container 180. In one embodiment, a camera can be installed on the shaft hoisting container to record the operation of the hoisting measurement system. The video stream acquired by the camera can be used to display video images of the hoisting at locations where important data points have been collected. The video images can also be overlaid with telemetry data of the collected data points onto the shaft video image for viewing. By marking key points such as "segments" (i.e., the spacing of concrete linings in the direction of shaft depth), the video images can be used to index the hoisting measurement data according to the shaft depth. A camera can be added to the hoist operator's console to record the depth values ​​of the shaft hoisting container. The video is fed frame by frame into an optical character recognition (OCR) program to convert the video images of the depth values ​​into text. By marking the starting position of the shaft hoisting container in the dataset, software running on the user's computer can fuse the depth values ​​obtained by the camera capturing the hoist console with the measurement values ​​collected by the shaft hoisting container. This data can then be plotted as a graph and overlaid onto the video image of the shaft hoisting container.

[0033] The tank passage measurement system may also include a Z-axis offset sensor array unit 500. The Z-axis offset sensor array unit 500 is a type of sensor array unit arranged above existing sensor array units to provide data related to tank passage deviation, taken from a position with an offset height relative to the plane where the other sensor arrays are located. For example, as... Figure 6 As shown, the Z-axis offset sensor array unit 500 is mounted to the first sensor array unit 100 via a support arm 505. The support arm 505 maintains a fixed height (i.e., along the Z-axis) between the first sensor array unit 100 and the Z-axis offset sensor array unit 500. Since the Z-axis offset sensor array unit 500 and the first sensor array unit 100 perform deviation detection on the same tank passage 110, and simultaneously perform measurements at an offset height relative to the first sensor array unit 100, it is possible to detect anomalies in the tank passage 110 that cannot be detected by measuring distance along a single plane.

[0034] It should be noted that although components of the tank guide measurement system (such as sensor array units 100, 200, 300, and 400) can be assembled to the hoisting container 180 via mounting assemblies 150, 250, 350, and 450, respectively, sensor array units 100, 200, 300, and 400 can also be assembled to the hoisting container 180 in other ways. For example, sensor array units 100, 200, 300, and 400 can be assembled to the hoisting container 180 via a quick-release connection structure or similar method, which facilitates the installation and removal of the tank guide measurement system from the hoisting container 180. This quick-release connection structure or similar method can also be in the form of a permanent fastener fixed to the hoisting container 180.

[0035] Tank track measurement method 600 employs one implementation of a tank track measurement system to perform centering measurements on the tank track. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the steps of the tank passage measurement method 600 begin with assembling a set of sensor array units onto a hoisting container installed inside the wellbore (605). Each sensor array unit may contain three distance sensors configured to detect distances between itself and three surfaces of the wellbore passage. Each sensor array unit must be leveled to ensure that the laser beam is perpendicular to the surface of the passage; and the sensor array units may be arranged such that the sensor in the middle of each sensor array unit is aligned with the center of the guide wheel on the hoisting container. If the tank passage measurement system includes a Z-axis offset sensor array unit, the Z-axis offset sensor array unit is assembled onto one of the sensor array units such that the Z-axis offset sensor array unit is fixed at an offset height position relative to the sensor array unit to which it is assembled (610). In a subsequent step (615), each sensor array unit in the set of sensor array units is connected to a data recording unit. If the tank passage measurement system has a Z-axis offset sensor array unit, the Z-axis offset sensor array unit is also connected to the data recording unit (620). Afterwards, the operator needs to measure the distance between the two front surfaces of the two opposing guideways at the starting position and input this initial value into the data recording unit or computer. The operator can also measure the forward and backward spacing between each set of guideways and input this value into the computer as an initial value. Optionally, a camera can be installed on the hoisting container to record the operation of the guideway measurement system.

[0036] After the connection of the sensor array units is completed, the data logging program is started (625), and the data logging unit begins to record data points related to the distance detected by the ranging sensors on the sensor array units. Subsequently, while the data logging program is running, the hoisting container is operated to rise or fall from the starting position (630). The data logging unit then collects data points along the height direction of the hoisting passage. These data points are collected during the movement of the hoisting container and saved to the memory of the data logging unit (635). These recorded values ​​will fluctuate relative to the initial values ​​measured at the starting position. In addition, if a camera is installed on the hoisting container, the video stream of the hoisting passage measurement system can be acquired while the data logging unit is recording data points. The collected data can then be used to calculate various dimensions, such as the face-to-face dimensions (640) in the height direction of the hoisting passage, the front-to-back dimensions (645) in the height direction of the hoisting passage, and (when using the Z-axis offset sensor array unit) the offset deviation (650) in the height direction of the hoisting passage.

[0037] After the connection of the sensor array units is completed, the data logging program (625) can be started, whereby the data logging unit begins to record data points related to the distance detected by the ranging sensors in the sensor array units. Subsequently, during the operation of the data logging program, the lifting container is manipulated to rise or fall from the starting position (630). Thus, the data logging unit collects various data points along the height direction of the tank passage. These data points are collected during the movement of the lifting container and saved to the memory of the data logging unit (635). These recorded values ​​usually fluctuate compared to the initial values ​​measured at the starting position. In addition, if a camera is installed on the lifting container, the video signal of the tank passage measurement system can be acquired while the data logging unit is recording data points. Then, various dimensions can be calculated using the collected data, such as face-to-face dimensions (640) along the height direction of the tank passage, front-to-back dimensions (645) along the height direction of the tank passage, and (if a Z-axis offset sensor array unit is used) offset deviation (650) along the height direction of the tank passage.

[0038] Although the embodiments disclosed herein include four sensor array units, any number of sensor array units can be used to construct a complete guideway measurement system. For example, for a mine shaft with more than four guideways, four or more sensor array units can be used simultaneously to measure the distances associated with each of the multiple guideways. Furthermore, while the embodiments disclosed herein include at least one Z-axis offset sensor array unit, embodiments of the guideway measurement system, apparatus, and method can include multiple Z-axis offset sensor array units. Specifically, each sensor array unit can be equipped with a corresponding Z-axis offset sensor array unit configured to measure the associated distances of the corresponding guideway at different heights. For example, in one embodiment of a guideway measurement system, four sensor array units are used to measure the associated distances of four guideways. One, two, three, or four Z-axis offset sensor array units can be added to the guideway measurement system, positioning them at different heights relative to the four sensor array units. Accordingly, for a mine shaft with six guideways, six sensor array units can be used, along with six Z-axis offset sensor array units.

[0039] The lock guide measurement system, apparatus, and method disclosed in this invention enable faster and more accurate sampling and detection of lock guide alignment in mine shafts. Furthermore, since personnel do not need to remain on the shaft hoisting container during measurement operations, this workflow is safer for operators. The higher sampling rate along the lock guide height improves the detection accuracy of lock guide alignment anomalies. Moreover, the lock guide alignment measurements can be quickly completed while the shaft hoisting container is moving up and down within the mine shaft, reducing downtime caused by regular maintenance and inspections, thereby maximizing the availability of the mine shaft for other mining operations.

Claims

1. A tank track measuring device, characterized in that, include: A first sensor array unit is configured to measure the distance relative to a first cannula; The first sensor array unit includes: First shell; A first sensor is disposed at a first end of the first housing and is configured to detect a first distance between a first surface of the first cannula and the first sensor; A second sensor, disposed at the second end of the first housing, is configured to detect a second distance between the second surface of the first cannula and the second sensor; and A third sensor is disposed in the middle of the first housing and is configured to detect a third distance between the front surface of the first tank passage and the third sensor.

2. The tank passage measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a data recording unit, which is electronically connected to the first sensor, the second sensor and the third sensor in the first sensor array unit; the data recording unit includes a processor configured to receive distance data from the first sensor array unit.

3. The tank passage measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a mounting assembly configured to secure the first sensor array unit to the wellbore hoisting container.

4. The tank track measuring device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mounting assembly includes a first clamping mechanism and a second clamping mechanism; the first clamping mechanism is configured to clamp and fix the mounting assembly to the wellbore lifting container, and the second clamping mechanism is configured to clamp and fix the mounting assembly to the first sensor array unit.

5. The tank track measuring device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first sensor array unit includes a first ball joint connector, which is fixedly mounted on the first housing; The mounting components include a support body; The first clamping mechanism includes a clamp, which is fixed to the support body; The second clamping mechanism includes a second ball joint connector and a ball seat clamp; the second ball joint connector is fixed to the support body, and the ball seat clamp is configured to connect to the first ball joint connector and the second ball joint connector.

6. The tank track measuring device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: Z-axis offset sensor array unit, which is configured to measure the distance relative to the first tank passage at a different height from the first sensor array unit; The Z-axis offset sensor array unit includes: case; A first offset sensor is disposed at a first end of the housing and is configured to detect a first offset distance between a first surface of the first cannula and the first offset sensor; A second offset sensor is disposed at the second end of the housing and is configured to detect a second offset distance between the second surface of the first cannula and the second offset sensor; A third offset sensor, disposed in the middle of the housing, is configured to detect a third offset distance between the front surface of the first cannula and the third offset sensor; and A support arm is configured to maintain a fixed distance between the first sensor array unit and the Z-axis offset sensor array unit. The first sensor array unit and the Z-axis offset sensor array unit are connected to the data recording unit; the data recording unit includes a processor configured to receive distance data from the first sensor array unit and the Z-axis offset sensor array unit.

7. The tank track measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The second sensor array unit is configured to measure the alignment status of the second tank passage; The second sensor array unit includes: Second shell; A fourth sensor is disposed at the first end of the second housing and is configured to detect a fourth distance between the first surface of the second cannula and the fourth sensor; A fifth sensor is disposed at the second end of the second housing and is configured to detect a fifth distance between the second surface of the second cannula and the fifth sensor; A sixth sensor, disposed in the middle of the second housing, is configured to detect a sixth distance between the front surface of the second cannula and the sixth sensor; and A data recording unit is electronically connected to each sensor in the first sensor array unit and the second sensor array unit; the data recording unit includes a processor configured to receive distance data from the first sensor array unit and the second sensor array unit.

8. A tank track measurement system, characterized in that, include: A first sensor array unit is configured to measure the distance relative to a first cannula; The first sensor array unit includes: First shell; and The first set of sensors is fixedly mounted on the first housing and configured to detect a first set of distances between each sensor in the first set of sensors and the first tank channel; A second sensor array unit is configured to measure distances relative to a second cannula; the second sensor array unit includes: Second shell; and A second set of sensors, fixedly mounted on the second housing, is configured to detect a second set of distances between each sensor in the second set and the second tank passage; and A data recording unit is electronically connected to the first sensor array unit and the second sensor array unit; the data recording unit includes a processor configured to receive the first set of distances and the second set of distances.

9. The tank track measurement system according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: The third sensor array unit is configured to measure the distance relative to the third cannula; The third sensor array unit includes: The third shell; and The third set of sensors is fixedly installed in the third housing and is configured to detect a third set of distances between each sensor in the third set of sensors and the third tank passage. A fourth sensor array unit is configured to measure distances relative to a fourth tank passage; the fourth sensor array unit includes: The fourth shell; and A fourth set of sensors, which is fixedly installed in the fourth housing and configured to detect a fourth set of distances between each sensor in the fourth set of sensors and the fourth tank passage; The third sensor array unit and the fourth sensor array unit are electronically connected to the data recording unit, and the processor is also configured to receive the third set of distances and the fourth set of distances.

10. The tank track measurement system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first sensor array unit, the second sensor array unit, the third sensor array unit, and the fourth sensor array unit are respectively installed onto the wellbore hoisting container via the first mounting component, the second mounting component, the third mounting component, and the fourth mounting component.

11. The tank track measurement system according to claim 10, characterized in that: The first mounting component, the second mounting component, the third mounting component, and the fourth mounting component each include a first clamping mechanism and a second clamping mechanism; the first clamping mechanism is configured to clamp and fix the corresponding mounting component to the wellbore lifting container, and the second clamping mechanism is configured to clamp and fix the corresponding mounting component to the corresponding sensor array unit.

12. The tank track measurement system according to claim 9, characterized in that, Also includes: Z-axis offset sensor array unit, which is configured to measure the distance relative to the first tank passage at a different height from the first sensor array unit; The Z-axis offset sensor array unit includes: The fifth shell; and The fifth group of sensors is fixedly installed in the fifth housing and is configured to detect the fifth group of distances between each sensor in the fifth group and the first tank channel; The Z-axis offset sensor array unit is electronically connected to the data recording unit, and the processor is also configured to receive the fifth set of distances.

13. The tank track measurement system according to claim 12, characterized in that: The first sensor array unit, the second sensor array unit, the third sensor array unit, and the fourth sensor array unit are respectively installed onto the wellbore hoisting container via the first mounting assembly, the second mounting assembly, the third mounting assembly, and the fourth mounting assembly; The Z-axis offset sensor array unit is mounted on the first sensor array unit via a support arm.

14. A method for measuring the alignment of a tank track, characterized in that, include: A set of sensor array units is installed in a wellbore hoisting container located inside the wellbore; each sensor array unit includes three distance measurement sensors configured to detect the distance between three faces of the wellbore's passageway. Connect each sensor array unit in this group of sensor array units to the data recording unit; Start the data logging program; While the data recording program is running, the wellbore hoisting container is driven to move upward or downward from the starting point; The data recording unit collects a series of data points from the group of sensor array units.

15. The tank passage measurement method according to claim 14, characterized in that, Also includes: Based on a series of data points collected from the sensor array unit, the face-to-face dimensions of each tank channel are calculated; Based on a series of data points collected from the sensor array unit, the forward and backward dimensions of each tank channel are calculated.

16. The tank track measurement method according to claim 14, characterized in that, During the operation of the wellbore hoisting container and the data recording program, a series of data points are collected, corresponding to the distance measurement sensors of each sensor array unit, which detect the distance along the corresponding tank height direction.

17. The tank track measurement method according to claim 14, characterized in that, Before starting the data logging program, the following are also included: The Z-axis offset sensor array unit is installed into one of the sensor array units in the group of sensor array units, so that the Z-axis offset sensor array unit is fixed at the offset height position relative to the sensor array unit to which it is installed; Connect the Z-axis offset sensor array unit to the data recording unit; The Z-axis offset sensor array unit includes three distance measurement sensors, which are configured to detect the distance between the three surfaces of the tank passage at the offset height position.

18. The tank track measurement method according to claim 17, characterized in that, Also includes: Based on a series of data points collected from the sensor array unit, the face-to-face dimensions of each tank channel are calculated; Based on a series of data points collected from the sensor array unit, the forward and backward dimensions of each tank passage are calculated; Calculate the offset deviation between the Z-axis offset sensor array unit and the sensor array unit on which it is installed.

19. The tank track measurement method according to claim 14, characterized in that, After installing a set of sensor array units into the wellbore hoisting container inside the wellbore, the following is also included: Measure the initial face-to-face values ​​of the relatively set tank passages; Measure the initial forward and backward values ​​of adjacent tank passages; The initial face-to-face values ​​and the initial forward and backward values ​​are entered into the data recording program.

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