Blasthole Scanning and Internal Geometry Measurement Underground

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies struggle to accurately detect and examine blastholes in a rock face, particularly in underground mining, due to internal collapse or directional deviations, and require geolocation for effective explosive calculation, which is not feasible in all mining environments.

Innovation Solution

An automated method using 2D LiDAR sensors and ToF cameras for scanning and detecting blastholes, combined with a sensorized probe for internal geometry measurement, allowing for precise detection and alignment without geolocation, and incorporating visible spectrum imaging for enhanced detection of distant holes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If LiDAR sensors are used to scan and detect blastholes, then detection capability is improved, but internal collapse and directional deviations cannot be accurately examined

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblasthole detection capabilityVSAvoidinternal geometry measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A sensorized probe is introduced as an intermediary device to examine the internal geometry of blastholes. The probe includes sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, depth sensor) that directly measure internal characteristics such as collapse, deviations, and actual hole geometry, providing accurate data that external LiDAR sensors cannot obtain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from external 2D LiDAR scanning to internal 3D measurement by inserting a probe inside the blasthole. This dimensional transition allows comprehensive examination of internal geometry, including collapse and directional deviations, by measuring from within the hole rather than from the external rock face.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If geolocation data is used for explosive calculation, then positioning accuracy is improved, but applicability in underground mining environments deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidenvironmental applicability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses self-contained sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, depth sensor) on the probe to autonomously determine blasthole characteristics without relying on external geolocation systems. The sensors self-measure internal geometry and orientation, making the system independent of GPS or other external positioning infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces geolocation-based positioning systems with an inertial measurement system using accelerometers and gyroscopes. This substitution allows accurate measurement of blasthole orientation and position through mechanical sensing of acceleration and rotation, rather than relying on satellite-based geolocation that doesn't work underground.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Area of stationary object

If 2D LiDAR sensors are used for scanning, then detection coverage is improved, but point density and resolution deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning coverage areaVSAvoidpoint density

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The scanning process is segmented into two distinct phases: a first scan with lower point density for broad coverage and blasthole detection, and a second scan with higher point density for precise geometric measurement. This segmentation allows optimization of point density for different operational requirements without compromising overall system effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables accurate detection and alignment of blastholes, facilitating precise explosive calculation and operation in underground environments, while overcoming issues of internal collapse and directional deviations.

Implementation Method 1

The method uses as information a record of scans from light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors - preferably 2D LiDAR sensors, which measure the distance by using a laser mounted on a motor and additionally employing a time-of-flight (ToF) camera for phase detection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

employing a time-of-flight (ToF) camera for phase detection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase detection: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentEP4685334A1Automated method and system for scanning, detecting and examining perforations in a rock face

Publication Date: 2026.01.28 ENAEX SERVICIOS

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AI summary

The present invention relates to an automated method and system for detecting perforations in a rock face that detects perforations in a perforated face in order to position instruments relative to each hole. The method uses a record of light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor scans as information, as well as a time-of-flight (ToF) camera. The method requires complementing and comparing a set of perforation candidates obtained from scans with the information from a perforation plan executed on the rock face in order to define a set of perforations.