Excavation Work Tool Shaking for Spillage Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing excavation systems, such as load-haul-dump machines, face inefficiencies and hazards due to material spillage during transportation, as they fail to prevent material from falling out of the work tool as the machine moves from the loading to the dumping location, particularly in confined underground mining environments.
Innovation Solution
An excavation system equipped with sensors and actuators that detect engagement with a material pile, load the work tool, lift it above the ground, and then shake it to dislodge loose material before withdrawing, ensuring that material is deposited back on the pile rather than spilled along the path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the machine transports material in the work tool from loading location to dumping location, then material removal productivity is improved, but material spillage occurs creating hazards and obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary shaking of the work tool at the loading location before the machine moves to the dumping location. The controller activates the tilt actuator to shake the work tool, dislodging loose material onto the pile. This preliminary action prevents material spillage during transportation, eliminating hazards while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful spillage into a beneficial effect by shaking the work tool to deposit material onto the pile. What would normally be waste spillage during transport is transformed into useful material placement on the pile, improving both productivity and safety.
2Productivity
If the machine loads the work tool sufficiently with material, then excavation efficiency is improved, but material spillage increases during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The controller shakes the work tool with the tilt actuator immediately after loading and before the machine moves. This preliminary action secures the loaded material by dislodging only loose material onto the pile, preventing subsequent spillage during transport while maintaining full loading capacity for efficiency.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the work tool is shaken to dislodge loose material, then spillage during transport is prevented, but additional operational time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements periodic shaking cycles using the tilt actuator at the loading location before machine movement. This periodic action efficiently dislodges loose material in short intervals, preventing spillage during transport while minimizing the time added to the operational cycle.
4Ease of manufacture
If material is shaken onto the pile at the loading location, then cleanup requirements are reduced, but the machine operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The machine performs self-service by automatically shaking its own work tool using the integrated tilt actuator and controller. The system monitors loading conditions and autonomously activates the shaking function, eliminating the need for separate cleanup operations while adding minimal operational complexity through automated control.
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
This solution enhances operational efficiency by reducing spillage, maintaining a clear path, and simplifying cleanup, thereby improving productivity and safety in excavation operations.
Implementation Method 1
the controller may be configured to operate the tilt actuator to shake the work tool
Data Source
AI summary
An excavation system is disclosed for a machine having a work tool. The excavation system may have at least one sensor to generate a signal indicative of a load exerted on the work tool. The excavation system may also have a lift actuator and a tilt actuator. The excavation system may also have a controller configured to detect engagement of the work tool with a material pile based the signal. The controller may operate the work tool to load the work tool with an amount of material. The controller may determine whether loading of the work tool has been completed. The controller may lift the work tool when the loading has been completed. The controller may also operate the tilt actuator to shake the work tool. Additionally, the controller may cause the machine to withdraw from the material pile after shaking the work tool.