Loader Scanning Control for Accurate Mining Dumping Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of determining accurate dumping positions for mining materials is complicated by limited visibility due to the loader's bucket obstructing the view of the stockpile, especially when filled with material, which hinders efficient stockpiling operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a scanning device on the loader, such as cameras, radar, or lidar, to capture a representation of the stockpile, combined with a controller to determine the optimal dumping position by adjusting the bucket's position for clear scanning and guiding the loader to the appropriate dumping location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the loader's bucket is filled with mining material for transport, then the loading capacity is improved, but the visibility of the stockpile is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual inspection system with an optical scanning system (cameras, LIDAR, or other scanning devices) that can detect stockpile positions and characteristics without being blocked by the bucket. The scanning device captures data about the stockpile's location and geometry, allowing the control system to determine optimal dumping positions even when the bucket obstructs the operator's view.
2Ease of operation
If manual control is used to determine dumping positions, then operational flexibility is maintained, but determination accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where scanning devices continuously monitor the stockpile's position and characteristics, and this information is fed back to the control system. The control system processes this data to automatically determine and adjust dumping positions, ensuring high accuracy while maintaining the ability to override with manual control when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control system as an intermediary between the scanning device and the loader's dumping mechanism. This control system processes scanning data, calculates optimal dumping positions, and generates control signals to position the bucket accurately, thereby improving dumping position accuracy while preserving operational flexibility through potential manual override capabilities.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the bucket is positioned to block the stockpile view, then material containment is improved, but scanning capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional visual inspection (which is blocked by the bucket) to three-dimensional scanning using LIDAR or camera arrays that can capture data from multiple angles and depths. This dimensional change allows the system to detect stockpile characteristics even when the bucket is positioned to contain material, as the scanning devices can penetrate or work around the obstruction.
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
Enables automatic and accurate determination of dumping positions, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of stockpiling operations, even in environments with obstructed visibility, and allows for coordinated dumping among multiple loaders.
Implementation Method 1
The loader may comprise a scanning device (e.g., a camera, a radar, a lidard)
Implementation Method 2
The loader may comprise a scanning device (e.g., a camera, a radar, a lidard)
Data Source
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AI summary
Example embodiments related to controlling of a loader. A method may comprise: monitoring a position of a loader, wherein the loader comprises a scanning device and a bucket configured to carry mining material; causing movement of the bucket to a position configured to enable scanning of a stockpile of mining material by the scanning device; causing scanning of the stockpile of mining material to obtain scanning data comprising a representation of the stockpile of mining material; determining, based on the representation of the stockpile of mining material and the position of the loader, a position of the stockpile of mining material; determining a position for dumping a load of mining material based on the position of the stockpile of mining material; and outputting an indication of the position for dumping the load of mining material.