Mining machine with articulating boom and independent material handling system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rock mining and excavation methods face challenges such as frequent pick replacement, time-consuming explosive techniques, and safety risks, while existing machinery lacks efficient and safe methods for fracturing hard rock.
Innovation Solution
A cutting assembly for a rock excavation machine featuring a boom with telescopic and pivotable sections, a cutting device, and a material handling system that can be independently extended and retracted, allowing for versatile and efficient rock fracturing and material removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mining picks are used to cut hard rock, then rock fracturing can be achieved, but the picks must be replaced frequently resulting in extensive downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting device is segmented into multiple independently replaceable mining picks arranged in a circular pattern on the cutting head. This allows individual picks to be replaced without replacing the entire cutting device, reducing downtime. The segmentation enables maintenance of one pick while others remain operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting head is designed to rotate dynamically during operation, allowing the mining picks to engage different portions of the rock face. The rotation mechanism enables continuous cutting operation where worn picks can be replaced while the head rotates to different positions, minimizing machine downtime.
2Productivity
If explosive devices are used to fracture rock, then rock fracturing can be achieved, but the technique is time-consuming and exposes operators to significant safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the chemical explosive system with a mechanical cutting system. The rotating cutting head with mining picks mechanically fractures rock through cutting and abrasion forces, eliminating the need for explosives and associated safety risks to operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful explosive elements are completely extracted from the rock fracturing process. The invention uses only mechanical cutting components (cutting head, mining picks, rotation mechanism) to achieve rock fracture, removing all chemical explosive substances and related safety hazards from the operation.
3Ease of operation
If a conventional boom structure is used, then the cutting device can be positioned, but the material handling system must be coupled to the boom limiting independent operation
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is segmented into independent functional systems: the boom system for positioning the cutting device and the material handling system for conveying rock fragments. This segmentation allows each system to operate independently, with the material handling system able to extend and retract without being coupled to boom movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The boom is designed as a multi-functional structure that can position both the cutting device and support the independently operated material handling system. The boom's articulation capabilities allow it to serve multiple functions while enabling the material handling system to operate autonomously from the cutting operations.
4Productivity
If roller cutting elements are used to fracture rock, then rock fracturing can be achieved, but large forces must be imparted onto the rock requiring complex force application mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the roller cutting element mechanism with a rotating cutting head equipped with mining picks. This substitution simplifies the force application mechanism by using direct cutting forces from the picks rather than requiring complex roller rotation and force transmission systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using rollers that rotate parallel to the rock face and impart forces through rotation, the invention uses mining picks that cut directly into the rock face through rotational motion of the cutting head. This inverted approach simplifies the mechanism by using direct cutting action rather than indirect roller-based force application.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cutting assembly for a rock excavation machine including a frame. The cutting assembly includes a boom supported on the frame and a cutting device. In some aspects, the boom includes a first portion and a second portion, and the first portion includes a first structure and a second structure slidable relative to the first structure. The second portion includes a first member pivotably coupled to the second structure, and a second member pivotably coupled to the first member. The cutting device is supported on the second member. In some aspects, a material handling device is supported independently of the boom and movable between a retracted position and an extended position independent of the boom.