Magnetic Anchoring System for Underground Laser Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchoring systems for securing lasers in underground mines are cumbersome, costly, and prone to damage due to the inclusion of switch mechanisms that require electric circuits to be closed or broken during attachment and detachment, limiting the laser's usability.
Innovation Solution
An anchoring system utilizing a pin member with magnetic material for secure fastening within a passage, allowing the laser to be operated independently and detached easily, with a cap for closure to prevent dirt entry when not in use, reducing production costs and minimizing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If switch means are included in the anchoring system to control laser operation during attachment and detachment, then the laser can be automatically controlled, but the production costs increase and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the switch means from the anchoring system entirely, extracting the problematic automatic control mechanism that caused increased complexity and cost. The laser is instead controlled independently by the user, separating the anchoring function from the laser control function, thereby simplifying the anchoring system while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into independent components: the anchoring means for securing the laser, and the laser instrument itself with its own control mechanisms. This segmentation allows the anchoring system to be simple and robust while the laser retains its full functionality and control capabilities, resolving the contradiction between automation and complexity.
2Extent of automation
If switch means and electric circuits are included in the anchoring system, then the laser operation can be controlled during attachment and detachment, but the reliability decreases due to working parts that easily get damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The switch means and electric circuit components are extracted from the anchoring system, eliminating the fragile working parts that reduced reliability. The anchoring system becomes a simple mechanical fastening device with no moving parts or electronic components that could fail, while laser control is handled separately by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring system is designed as a simple, robust, disposable-like component that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than a complex reliable system with many parts. By removing all working parts and electronic components, the anchoring means becomes inherently more reliable despite being simpler, as there are no parts to wear or fail.
3Extent of automation
If the laser is integrated with the anchoring means through electric circuits, then the laser can be automatically turned on and off, but the ease of operation decreases and the laser can only be used in conjunction with the attachment means
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independent functional units: the anchoring means for mounting and the laser instrument for measurement. The laser can be attached to or removed from the anchoring system at any time without affecting its operational capability, as control is independent. This segmentation provides flexibility and ease of operation while eliminating the constraints of integrated automatic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser instrument is designed to be universally usable both when mounted on the anchoring system and when used independently. By removing the electric circuit integration, the laser gains multi-functionality, allowing it to serve as both a mounted alignment tool and a portable measurement device, thereby improving ease of operation and versatility.
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
The magnetic fastening system reduces production costs, minimizes damage, and allows the laser to be used independently of the anchoring system, enhancing usability and reliability in harsh mining environments.
Implementation Method 1
the body comprises first means for fastening the pin member within the passage. Preferably, the first means comprises magnetic material.
Data Source
AI summary
An anchoring system (10) comprising an anchor (12) and a pin member (14). The anchor (12) comprises a body (16) configured to be inserted in a support surface (18). The body (16) provides an elongate passage ((22) configured to receive and support the pin member (14). The elongate passage (22) provides an open end (30) providing an opening (32). The opening (32) is provided for receiving an end (34) of the pin member (14) therethrough. The anchor (12) and pin member (14) provide a fastening arrangement (36) for fastening the pin member (14) within the passage (22), when the pin member (14) is inserted through the opening (32) into position within the passage (22).