Automated Mesh Installation Overlap Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mesh installation methods on rock surfaces, such as in underground mining, lack precision and efficiency in determining optimal positions for overlapping mesh installations, leading to potential safety hazards and increased risk of rock falls.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a processor and memory configured to obtain scanning data from sensors like cameras or lidar, detect installed meshes, determine their positions, and control the installation of additional meshes to overlap at specific edges, ensuring accurate and safe mesh placement using a mesh installation rig with booms and bolting mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual determination of mesh positions by human operator is used, then installation flexibility is maintained, but positioning precision and installation efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical positioning method with an automated optical scanning and computational processing system. Sensors (cameras, laser scanners) capture rock surface geometry and mesh positions, while computer algorithms automatically determine optimal mesh placement, eliminating the need for manual measurement and calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the mesh installation rig to automatically determine its own positioning and mesh placement without continuous human intervention. The rig scans the environment, processes the data, and autonomously calculates the optimal positions for mesh installation, making the system self-sufficient in the positioning task.
2Productivity
If automated mesh installation system is implemented, then installation efficiency and positioning precision are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh installation rig is designed as a multi-functional system that combines scanning capabilities (multiple sensor types), computational processing, automated positioning, and mesh installation functions in a single integrated platform. This universal system performs multiple tasks that would otherwise require separate equipment and operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer-based control system as an intermediary between the physical mesh installation rig and the installation process. This software intermediary processes sensor data, calculates optimal positions, and translates decisions into automated rig movements, simplifying the control architecture while enabling complex functionality.
3Reliability
If overlapping mesh installation is implemented, then rock fall protection reliability is improved, but material consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies overlapping mesh installation selectively based on local rock surface conditions and risk assessment. The computer algorithm analyzes the scanned rock geometry and determines where overlapping is necessary for adequate protection, rather than uniformly overlapping all meshes. This localized approach ensures reliability where needed while minimizing unnecessary material consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary scanning and planning of the rock surface before mesh installation begins. By pre-calculating the optimal mesh positions and overlap requirements based on the specific rock geometry, the system determines the minimum necessary material coverage to achieve reliable protection, avoiding excessive material use.
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 system enables precise and efficient installation of overlapping meshes, enhancing safety by preventing rock falls and reducing installation time and costs through automated and accurate positioning.
Implementation Method 1
obtain scanning data from at least one of the following: a camera, a radio detection and ranging sensor, or a light detection and ranging sensor laser
Data Source
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AI summary
Example embodiments generally relate to the field of mesh installation on a rock surface. An apparatus may obtain scanning data of a rock surface (140) to detect at least one first mesh (404) installed on the rock surface and a second mesh (401, 402) positioned for being installed on the rock surface; determine, based on the scanning data, at least one position where openings of the at least one first mesh and the second mesh overlap; and control mounting of the second mesh to the rock surface at the at least one position via the overlapping openings of the at least one first mesh and the second mesh.