Haul Truck Dispatch Control for Continuous Ore Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mining operations face inefficiencies in delivering excavated ore to continuous material processing systems, leading to excessive haul truck idle times and instances where the processing systems are in a No-Material state.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that directs the movement of batch delivery systems, such as haul trucks, by determining their locations and states, predicting arrival times and idle periods, and minimizing idle times and No-Material states at continuous material processors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If batch delivery systems (haul trucks) are used to deliver excavated ore to continuous material processors, then the flexibility and adaptability of the delivery system is improved, but the continuous material processor may enter a No-Material state and batch delivery systems experience excessive idle times
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring the location, state, and material levels of batch delivery systems and continuous processors. This feedback enables the centralized control system to dynamically adjust dispatch decisions, ensuring material flow continuity and preventing idle states in both delivery and processing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by predicting future states of batch delivery systems and continuous processors before they occur. The control system anticipates material depletion or truck availability issues and proactively adjusts dispatch schedules to prevent No-Material states and excessive idle times.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple batch delivery systems are deployed to increase material delivery capacity, then the quantity of material delivered is improved, but the complexity of managing and coordinating these systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized control system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it tracks the location and state of all batch delivery systems, predicts their future states, optimizes dispatch schedules, and coordinates with continuous material processors. This multi-functional approach manages complex multi-truck operations through a single unified platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual coordination and mechanical scheduling with an automated computer-based control system. The centralized controller uses algorithms to automatically optimize dispatch decisions, eliminating the need for complex manual coordination of multiple batch delivery systems.
3Productivity
If the focus is on minimizing haul truck idle times, then the productivity of delivery systems is improved, but the continuous material processor may experience material shortages
Solution Approach 1:
The system ensures continuous useful action by coordinating batch delivery arrivals to maintain uninterrupted material flow to the continuous processor. The control algorithm balances truck dispatch timing with processor material consumption rates, ensuring that trucks arrive just in time to keep the processor operating continuously without material shortages.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispatch schedule is dynamically adjusted based on real-time conditions. The system continuously monitors processor material levels and truck locations, adapting the dispatch timing and sequencing to simultaneously minimize truck idle times and prevent processor material shortages through flexible, real-time optimization.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems of directing the movement of a plurality of batch delivery systems determine a location of each of at least two of the plurality of batch delivery systems; determine a state of each of the located batch delivery systems; predict an estimated time of arrival at a continuous material processor; predict a number of loaded batch delivery systems that will be located at the continuous material processor at a future time; estimate an idle time for the predicted number of loaded batch delivery systems at the continuous material processor; predict a time when the continuous material processor will be in a No-Material state; and direct the movement of at least one of the plurality of batch delivery systems to minimize at least one of the estimated idle time and the time when the continuous material processor will be in the No-Material state.