Drill Hole Sequence Planning for Autonomous Mining Rigs
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mining operations, particularly in open cut mines, the efficiency of drilling is reduced as drill rig operators need to manually select and provide data for each subsequent hole in a sequence, limiting autonomous operation and increasing the need for continuous operator input.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for generating a drill hole sequence plan that determines an initial location, selects a destination, establishes a corridor with a specified width, and automatically selects hole locations within the corridor for sequential drilling by the drill rig, allowing for autonomous operation and reducing operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the drill rig operator manually selects and provides data for each subsequent hole, then the drilling operation can be controlled and completed, but the efficiency of the drilling operation is reduced and continuous operator input is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores an optimal sequence of hole locations and drilling parameters before the drilling operation begins. This preliminary action allows the drill rig to automatically retrieve and execute the pre-planned sequence without requiring continuous operator input, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining controlled operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill rig system automatically retrieves the next hole location and drilling parameters from the pre-calculated sequence, and autonomously navigates to and drills each hole without manual intervention. This self-service capability reduces operator workload and increases autonomous operation level, directly addressing the efficiency problem.
2Loss of time
If the drill rig operator manually selects each hole location, then precise control over drilling sequence is achieved, but time is lost due to continuous operator input requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The optimal drilling sequence and all associated parameters are calculated and stored in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the time loss from continuous operator input while preserving precise control, as the pre-calculated sequence contains all necessary drilling specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the drilling plan containing all hole locations, depths, and parameters. This copied information is stored and automatically retrieved during operation, eliminating the need for real-time operator decision-making while maintaining precise control over the drilling sequence.
3Extent of automation
If autonomous drill technology is implemented, then operator intervention is reduced, but the drill rig still requires operator control for selecting the next hole and providing drilling data
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the hole selection function, path planning, and drilling parameter provision into a single integrated pre-calculated sequence. This combination allows the drill rig to operate more autonomously by retrieving all necessary information from the unified sequence data, reducing the need for separate operator controls while managing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-calculated sequence serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides hole locations, drilling depths, traversal paths, and timing information. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate control systems needed, allowing greater autonomous capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Drill hole sequence planning equipment 14 includes a position determining module 18 for determining an initial location of a mobile drill rig 12. A selection module 24 selects a destination location for the drill rig 12. A corridor establishment module 26 establishes a corridor between the initial location of the drill rig 12 and its destination location, the corridor having a selected width. A processing unit 28 is responsive to the modules 18, 24 and 26 for selecting a hole location of each hole within the corridor to be drilled by the drill rig 12 sequentially as it moves from its initial location to its destination location.