Deep-Sea Polymetallic Nodule Ore Body Delineation Using Coverage Rates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for delineating the boundaries of deep-sea polymetallic nodule ore bodies using abundance data are insufficient for supporting efficient exploitation, particularly due to the discontinuous distribution of polymetallic nodules and the lack of clear technological guidelines for ensuring geological continuity.

Innovation Solution

A method for delineating deep-sea polymetallic nodule ore bodies based on coverage data, incorporating mining site production scale, mining system, and ore body geological characteristics, using formulas to calculate boundary and cumulative weighted average coverage rates, and applying principles of single- and multi-ore body delineation to determine ore body ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If abundance data is used to delineate ore body boundaries, then resource estimation can be performed, but the geological continuity of the ore body cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveore body boundary delineation accuracyVSAvoidgeological continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the delineation approach by changing the key parameter from abundance data to coverage data. Coverage data reflects the actual spatial distribution and continuity of polymetallic nodules, enabling boundary delineation that maintains geological continuity while ensuring resource estimation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional abundance-based delineation method with a coverage-based method. This substitution uses coverage rate calculations and cumulative weighted average coverage rates to define ore body boundaries, thereby ensuring both measurement precision and geological continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If coverage data is used to delineate ore bodies, then geological continuity can be ensured, but the complexity of calculation and delineation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeological continuityVSAvoiddelineation method complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the ore body delineation process into distinct segments: calculating coverage rates for individual sampling points, computing cumulative weighted average coverage rates, and applying threshold criteria to define boundaries. This segmentation makes the complex delineation process more manageable and systematic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary calculations of coverage rates and cumulative weighted average coverage rates before final boundary delineation. By pre-processing the coverage data and establishing cumulative rates, the actual boundary determination becomes simpler and more straightforward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional abundance-based methods are used, then the delineation process is simple, but the production scale requirements cannot be met

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelineation process simplicityVSAvoidmining production capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic criteria for ore body delineation by using cumulative weighted average coverage rates that adapt to different production scale requirements. The delineation method can be adjusted based on mining system parameters and production targets, making it both flexible and scalable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal delineation framework that can accommodate different production scales and mining system configurations. By establishing general principles based on coverage data that can be applied across various mining scenarios, the method maintains simplicity while meeting diverse production requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12461086B1Method for delineating ore body of deep-sea polymetallic nodules based on coverage data

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 FIRST INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY MNR

AI summary

A method for delineating an ore body of deep-sea polymetallic nodules based on coverage data includes steps as follows. Ore body data of the deep-sea polymetallic nodules is obtained, the ore body data includes: mining site production scale parameters, mining system parameters, and ore body geological characteristic parameters. A boundary coverage rate and a cumulative weighted average coverage rate are calculated based on the mining site production scale parameters, the mining system parameters, and the ore body geological characteristic parameters. The ore body is delineated, based on the boundary coverage and the cumulative weighted average coverage, through a principle of ore body boundary range delineation to obtain an ore body range. The method delineates ore body of nodule with proper geological continuity based on abundance data. It can be directly applied to deep-sea polymetallic nodule mining, solving the problems existing in the delineation of ore body of deep-sea polymetallic nodule.