Mobile Blast Hole Tool Alignment Using GPS and Laser Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing the grade of ore in blast holes are inefficient due to mixing of cuttings during drilling and require significant human resources for accurate data collection using spectrometers, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially when dealing with sloped surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A mobile plant equipped with an arm assembly, primary and secondary sensors, and a control system that aligns tools with blast holes using GPS and sensors like laser scanners to accurately position and orient tools for data collection, allowing for autonomous operation and efficient data gathering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a spectrometer is lowered into each blast hole manually to assess ore grade, then accurate results are obtained, but significant human resources and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automated alignment through GPS receivers and laser scanners that enable the mobile plant to self-position and self-align with blast holes without operator intervention. The control system automatically processes sensor data to calculate positioning corrections, allowing the spectrometer to be deployed efficiently across multiple holes with minimal human resources while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If the mobile plant is moved to align the tool with each blast hole, then accurate positioning is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming especially on sloped surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning using GPS receivers to determine the relative positions of the mobile plant and blast holes before actual measurement. The control system calculates the required positioning corrections in advance and automatically adjusts the plant position, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual alignment operations on sloped surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with automated optical and electronic systems. Laser scanners automatically scan the environment to identify blast hole positions, and the control system uses this data to calculate and execute precise positioning corrections, substituting operator skill and manual adjustment with automated computational geometry and control algorithms.
3Reliability
If operators manually pack and stow the tool before moving the plant, then proper tool protection is ensured, but the operational cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamic boom arm assembly that can rapidly adjust its position and configuration. The boom arm can be quickly retracted, extended, or repositioned between measurement operations, eliminating the need for manual packing and stowing of the spectrometer. This dynamic mechanical system provides both tool protection during transport and rapid deployment for measurement, reducing operational cycle time while maintaining reliability.
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
The solution enables rapid, accurate, and efficient assessment of ore grade around blast holes, reducing operational time and human resource requirements while maintaining precision, even on sloped surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a GPS receiver to determine a relative position of the mobile plant and the blast holes
Implementation Method 2
a laser scanner to scan an environment to obtain three-dimensional coordinates of a plurality of objects
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile plant for orienting a tool with respect to a hole is provided. The plant includes an arm assembly for supporting a tool wherein the tool is adapted to be lowered into the hole. The plant also includes a primary sensor for sensing the geographical location of the tool, and a secondary sensor for sensing the location and/or orientation of the hole. In use, the plant adjusts the position of the tool supported by the arm assembly based on the geographical location sensed by the primary sensor and the location and/or orientation sensed by the secondary sensor, in order to align the tool supported by the arm assembly with the hole.