Enabler Valve Control for Mining Machine Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mining machine systems allow movement regardless of the Automatic Temporary Roof Support (ATRS) position, potentially causing damage to the machine and mine roof, as they do not account for the ATRS's position during operation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize an enabler valve and actuation module to selectively enable movement of the machine based on the position of the ATRS, using a cam mechanism to send a pilot signal when the ATRS is in a lowered position, allowing the machine to move safely and preventing movement when raised.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the machine allows movement regardless of ATRS position, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential damage to machine and roof
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the ATRS position feedback to control the movement enablement. The enabler valve receives feedback from the ATRS position (raised or lowered) and accordingly enables or disables the movement function through the actuation module, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures safe operation
Solution Approach 2:
The movement capability of the machine is made dynamic rather than static. The actuation module selectively enables or disables movement based on real-time ATRS position, allowing the system to adapt its operational state from mobile to restricted mobile depending on support member position
2Reliability
If the machine prevents movement when ATRS is raised, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The enabler valve serves as an intermediary component between the ATRS position detection and the movement control system. It translates the ATRS position state into a corresponding control signal that enables or disables movement, simplifying the overall control architecture while ensuring safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to automatically control movement based on ATRS position without requiring external intervention. The enabler valve and actuation module work autonomously to enable or disable movement functions according to the support member's position state
Data Source
AI summary
A system for enabling movement of a machine is provided. The system includes a support member provided on the machine. The support member is configured to be in a raised position or a lowered position relative to a frame of the machine. The system also includes an actuation module configured to selectively enable the movement of the machine. The system further includes an enabler valve coupled to the actuation module and the support member. The enabler valve is configured to selectively send a pilot signal to the actuation module based on the position of the support member.