Blast Hole Trigger Assembly Positioning in Confined Mine Drives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drill and blast operations in underground and above-ground mines face challenges in mechanizing the placement of explosion triggers in blast holes due to limited space, safety requirements, and the need for precise and careful manual handling of explosives, which are difficult to automate with existing machinery.
Innovation Solution
A mining or civil engineering vehicle equipped with a positioning unit comprising coarse and fine positioning modules, along with a functional unit, is used to deploy trigger assemblies into blast holes, allowing for precise placement of detonators and explosives while maintaining a safe distance from the high-risk zone, and a trigger assembly with a connection unit for connecting an external explosive activation system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual processes are used for loading and triggering explosives in blast holes, then precise and careful handling can be achieved, but personnel safety is compromised due to exposure to high-risk zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated vehicle system equipped with positioning modules and functional units. The vehicle automatically positions trigger assemblies into blast holes using coarse and fine positioning modules, eliminating the need for personnel to manually handle explosives in high-risk zones while maintaining operational precision
Solution Approach 2:
The automated vehicle acts as an intermediary between the operator and the explosive loading process. The operator controls the vehicle from a safe location, and the vehicle's functional units execute the precise placement of trigger assemblies, serving as a mediator that transfers the operation from manual to automated domain while protecting personnel
2Extent of automation
If conventional machinery is used in underground mine drives, then existing equipment can be utilized, but space limitations prevent effective operation and personnel removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vehicle with dynamic positioning capabilities that can adapt to the confined spatial environment of underground mine drives. The coarse and fine positioning modules enable the vehicle to precisely navigate and position trigger assemblies in tight spaces where conventional stationary or less flexible machinery cannot operate effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is segmented into coarse and fine modules, allowing the vehicle to first navigate to general areas and then precisely position trigger assemblies in confined blast holes. This segmented approach enables effective operation in limited space by breaking down the positioning task into manageable stages
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vehicles are used for drill and blast operations, then various functions can be performed, but moving vehicles in and out of drives is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single vehicle system, including coarse positioning, fine positioning, trigger assembly handling, and detonation cord connection capabilities. This multi-functional vehicle eliminates the need to move multiple specialized vehicles in and out of drives, maintaining operational versatility while significantly improving productivity by reducing vehicle movement time
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and apparatus that facilitate mechanisation and/or automation of blasting processes in mining and civil engineering applications are disclosed. The disclosure includes a trigger assembly for triggering an explosive in a hole in rock. The disclosure also includes a mining or civil engineering vehicle for working proximate an end face. The vehicle comprises a positioning unit for moving a functional unit to a selected location in relation to the end face. The positioning unit can include (a) a coarse positioning module and a fine positioning module and/or (b) a vision module for monitoring the position of the functional unit to facilitate guiding the functional unit to the selected location and/or (c) can be configured to move independently from an initial position to a second position closer to the selected location whilst the vehicle remains stationary.