Jig Control via Deep Reinforcement Learning for Coal Gangue Washing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current coal gangue washing technologies face challenges in real-time monitoring of washing equipment, accurately perceiving dangerous working conditions, and efficiently ensuring production quality due to the complexity of the washing process and environmental factors affecting data stability and communication.

Innovation Solution

An intelligent coal gangue washing method guided by deep reinforcement learning and evolutionary computation, which utilizes real-time data from various sensors to generate control strategies for the washing process. When communication is good, deep reinforcement learning is used, and when communication is blocked, evolutionary computation and a surrogate model are employed to ensure continuous intelligent control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If statistical analysis method is used for real-time data extraction and analysis, then the method is simple to implement, but the analysis accuracy is low and difficult to integrate into existing artificial experience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of implementationVSAvoidanalysis accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional statistical analysis methods with deep reinforcement learning algorithms. The deep Q-learning network learns optimal washing strategies by processing sensor data and historical operation records, achieving high-precision real-time analysis that integrates artificial experience without relying on simple statistical methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transforms the analysis approach by changing from statistical parameters to neural network parameters. The deep reinforcement learning model processes multiple sensor inputs (pressure, temperature, flow rate, vibration) and learns complex non-linear relationships, achieving superior analysis accuracy compared to traditional statistical methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If deep reinforcement learning is used for real-time control strategy generation, then the analysis accuracy and control precision are improved, but the system complexity and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary training of the deep Q-learning network offline using historical operation records and expert knowledge. This pre-trained model can then be deployed in real-time with minimal computational overhead, reducing the complexity burden during actual washing operations while maintaining high control precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer between sensor data and control actions - the deep reinforcement learning agent. This agent processes complex sensor inputs and translates them into optimized control strategies, managing system complexity by encapsulating the computational burden in a trained model rather than requiring real-time complex calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If real-time monitoring of multiple sensor parameters is implemented, then the fault detection accuracy is improved, but the data processing load and communication requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault detection accuracyVSAvoiddata volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts only the most relevant features from the multiple sensor parameters using the trained reinforcement learning model. Instead of processing all raw sensor data, the model identifies and processes key features that are most indicative of washing quality and equipment status, reducing data volume while maintaining fault detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The deep reinforcement learning model serves multiple functions simultaneously: it controls washing parameters, detects faults, predicts equipment status, and optimizes energy consumption. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate data processing systems for each function, thereby reducing overall data processing load despite monitoring multiple parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If the washing process is controlled with multiple adjustment parameters (feeding frequency, air pressure, water pressure, valve openings), then the washing quality is improved, but the control complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing qualityVSAvoidoperation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service control where the deep reinforcement learning agent automatically adjusts all washing parameters (feeding frequency, air pressure, water pressure, valve openings) based on real-time sensor feedback. The system learns optimal parameter combinations and automatically maintains washing quality without requiring manual intervention or complex operator decisions, thereby improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where sensor data from the washing process continuously feeds back to the reinforcement learning agent. The agent uses this feedback to dynamically adjust control parameters, maintaining optimal washing quality automatically. This feedback mechanism simplifies operation by eliminating the need for operators to manually coordinate multiple parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 method reduces labor costs, improves the accuracy of fault monitoring, enhances washing quality, and maintains efficient operation even under poor network conditions, ensuring safe and high-quality production.

Implementation Method 1

using an acousto-optic alarm to notify a jig driver to deal with the network problem

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcousto-optic alarm: Acousto-optic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250179383A1Intelligent coal gangue washing method guided by deep reinforcement learning and evolutionary computation
Publication Date: 2025.06.05 CHINA UNIV OF MINING & TECH
  • US20250179383A1 patent drawing
  • US20250179383A1 patent drawing
  • US20250179383A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention introduces an intelligent coal gangue washing method guided by deep reinforcement learning and evolutionary computation. It involves several steps: S1 involves installing various sensors at key control points of a jig to achieve comprehensive, real-time data acquisition and maintain consistent data collection frequencies; S2 includes gathering data on a server via OPC protocol, using deep reinforcement learning to devise control strategies for jig operations under good communication, and employing evolutionary algorithms when communication is disrupted; S3 entails sending these control strategies back to the control unit through OPC protocol, enabling automated operation of the jig. This method enhances jig operation efficiency through intelligent control, utilizing deep learning, evolutionary computation, and surrogate models to optimize performance even when operational data is incomplete.