Inertial Steering for Rotary Boring Machines in Nonlinear Seams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser-based guidance systems for mining machines suffer from alignment errors that increase with distance, requiring frequent recalibration and downtime, especially in undulating sedimentary seams, leading to inefficiencies and potential structural instability.
Innovation Solution
An inertial guidance system using accelerometers and gyroscopes to provide precise directional control, eliminating the need for continuous laser alignment by sensing movement and computing guidance for mining machines and conveyor systems, allowing them to follow nonlinear paths and maintain alignment over extended distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser-based guidance systems are used for mining machines, then directional guidance is provided, but alignment errors increase with distance requiring frequent recalibration and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical laser-based guidance system with an inertial navigation system using accelerometers and gyroscopes. This mechanical/sensor-based system eliminates the need for external laser alignment references, allowing continuous operation without recalibration downtime while maintaining directional accuracy over extended distances through inertial measurement and integration.
2Reliability
If laser-based guidance systems are used, then directional control is achieved, but frequent recalibration is needed in undulating sedimentary seams
Solution Approach 1:
The inertial navigation system replaces the laser guidance system that requires frequent recalibration in undulating terrain. The accelerometers and gyroscopes provide self-contained navigation that is independent of external optical references, maintaining reliable directional control through variable terrain without interruption to mining operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If extensible conveyors are installed precisely behind the mining machine, then alignment is maintained, but equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inertial navigation system provides autonomous directional guidance to the mining machine, enabling the extensible conveyor system to self-correct and maintain alignment without complex external laser alignment equipment or frequent manual intervention. The self-contained navigation system reduces the overall system complexity by eliminating dependence on external optical infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A mining system with an inertial guidance system configured to enable precise excavation of geological material without a need to advance a survey line over a long distance and/or nonlinear excavation path, thereby maximizing productivity of the mind by minimizing a width of un-mined material necessary for support between adjacent excavation paths and minimizing equipment downtime.