Mobile Bolter Positioning via Scanning Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
In underground mining and similar applications, determining the optimal positions for installing bolts on a rock surface is challenging, especially when relying on manual methods by human operators in mobile bolter machines.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for controlling a mobile bolter machine that uses scanning data to determine the position of bolts in a previous bolt fan and calculates the positions for subsequent bolt fans based on this data, improving accuracy and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual methods are used to determine bolt positions by human operators, then the system is simple to operate, but the accuracy and precision of bolt positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual estimation and mechanical positioning methods with an automated optical scanning system. The scanning device captures images of the rock surface and bolt positions, which are then processed by a controller to automatically determine precise bolt locations for subsequent fans, eliminating human error in position determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital representation (copy) of the physical rock surface and existing bolt positions through scanning. This digital model is then used by the controller to calculate and determine positions for new bolts without physically measuring or manually marking each position, improving both accuracy and efficiency.
2Productivity
If manual determination of bolt positions is used, then the equipment complexity is low, but the productivity and speed of bolting operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the bolting machine to determine its own positioning and bolt placement requirements automatically. The scanning device and controller work together to self-determine bolt positions based on scanned data and predefined patterns, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention and significantly speeding up operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning device captures images and the controller determines bolt positions in advance before the bolting operation begins. This preliminary determination of positions allows the drilling and bolting processes to proceed rapidly without interruptions for position calculation or marking during the actual bolting operation.
3Reliability
If automated scanning and determination systems are implemented, then the accuracy and productivity improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it stores predefined bolt fan patterns, processes scanned images, determines positions for subsequent bolt fans, and controls the bolting machine operations. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated control unit, improving reliability while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the scanning device to continuously monitor and determine actual bolt positions and rock surface conditions. This feedback information is fed back to the controller, which adjusts the determination of subsequent bolt positions to maintain high accuracy and reliability even in varying underground conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
Example embodiments related to controlling of a mobile bolter machine. An apparatus may comprise: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: obtain scanning data of a rock surface; determine, based on the scanning data, a position of at least one bolt of a previous bolt fan on the rock surface; and determine a position for at least one bolt of at least one subsequent bolt fan on the rock surface based on the determined position of the at least one bolt of the previous bolt fan.