Low Profile Drilling Module for Narrow Mine Passages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated drilling and bolting machines are not well-suited for low seam environments, where the height of mine passages is less than six feet, requiring an improved drilling and bolting module for efficient operation in narrow passages.
Innovation Solution
A modular system comprising a manipulator, bolt magazine, carousel, and mast with pivotally mounted arms for drilling and bolt installation, along with a control system for automated operation, including sensors and hydraulic actuators for precise alignment and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional automated drilling and bolting machines are used, then automation level is improved, but the machine cannot operate in low seam environments with height less than six feet
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling and bolting machine is divided into modular components including a drill head assembly, manipulator arm, bolt magazine, and control system. This segmentation allows the machine to be configured in a compact arrangement suitable for low seam environments while maintaining automated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine design transitions from conventional vertical operation to horizontal or angled operation along the mine passage. The drill head can operate in multiple orientations and the manipulator moves along the passage rather than requiring vertical clearance, enabling operation in low seam environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual operation is used in narrow seams, then adaptability to narrow passages is improved, but the process becomes tedious and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is designed with multi-functional capabilities to perform drilling, bolt insertion, and resin cartridge placement using the same drill head and manipulator system. This universality maintains automated efficiency while adapting to narrow passage constraints that would limit manual operation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulator system automatically positions and operates the drill head without requiring manual intervention. The bolt magazine automatically feeds bolts to the drill head, and the system self-manages the drilling and bolting sequence, maintaining high productivity in narrow passages.
3Extent of automation
If automated drilling and bolting machines are designed for conventional environments, then automation capability is improved, but the machine profile becomes too large for low seam environments
Solution Approach 1:
The drill head is retracted into the mast structure when not in use, and the manipulator arm folds or retracts alongside the mast. This nesting arrangement minimizes the machine's vertical profile to under six feet while maintaining full automated drilling and bolting capability when deployed.
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 efficient and automated drilling and bolting in narrow passages with reduced manual intervention, improving safety and efficiency by allowing precise control and alignment of drilling elements and bolts, and facilitating the use of different drill steels and bolts for optimal performance.
Implementation Method 1
a stab jack actuated by a cylinder including fluid under pressure for engaging a face of a corresponding mine passage to fix the position of the module relative to the mine passage
Implementation Method 2
providing a sensor for sensing the pressure of the fluid associated with the cylinder and generating an output signal
Data Source
AI summary
A module and related methods of use in drilling a borehole in a face of a mine passage using a drilling element and installing a bolt in the borehole once formed. The module may include a bolt holder for holding a plurality of bolts and a drilling element holder for holding a plurality of different drilling elements. A manipulator moves along an arcuate path between the bolt and drilling element holders to deliver the respective components to a drill head positioned along the arcuate path. The drill head may also slide relative to the mast in two different directions, and includes a drill guide for determining the location of the face to be worked.