Automated Brattice and Hardware Installer for Continuous Mining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Continuous mining operations are often delayed due to the need for manual installation of conveyor assembly hardware and brattice/ventilation curtains, leading to increased equipment and manpower requirements, and reduced mining efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An automated mining system featuring an automated hardware installer system for autonomously installing floor-mounted belt hardware and an automated brattice installer for installing brattice and ventilation curtains, allowing continuous mining operations without human intervention for up to 240 feet or more.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual installation of conveyor assembly hardware and brattice is used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but shutdown time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemining outputVSAvoidshutdown time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service automation where the mining unit autonomously installs its own conveyor hardware and brattice without external manual intervention. The automated hardware installer attaches to the mining unit and performs installation tasks automatically as the unit advances, eliminating the need for separate manual installation crews and reducing shutdown time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary installation actions by pre-positioning conveyor hardware and brattice materials before they are needed during mining advancement. The automated installer prepares and installs components in advance of the mining face progression, ensuring continuous operation without delays for manual installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If automated hardware installer is deployed, then productivity and continuous operation are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemining outputVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated hardware installer is designed as a multi-functional device that performs multiple installation tasks including conveyor hardware installation, brattice installation, and material handling. This universal device replaces several separate specialized tools and manual operations, justifying the increased complexity through consolidated functionality and improved productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If manual installation processes are used, then equipment requirements are reduced, but manpower requirements and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemining outputVSAvoidmanpower requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical installation processes with an automated mechanical installer that uses powered drilling, fastening, and material handling mechanisms. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple manual laborers while reducing overall equipment requirements through integration of functions into a single automated unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250179917A1Miner automated hardware installation system and automated brattice installer

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 MOSAIC CO

AI summary

An automated hardware and brattice installer system for mining units configured to enable autonomous installation of floor mounted belt hardware and brattice behind a continuous borer mining unit to allow for continuous, unmanned, and uninterrupted advancement of the miner.