Mine Control System for Real-Time Excavation Progress Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Monitoring and controlling mine operations in large mines is challenging due to the difficulty in obtaining an overall view of the excavation progress and ensuring that operations adhere to the designed plan, as existing systems provide scattered information and require extensive infrastructure and skilled workers.

Innovation Solution

A mine control system where mine vehicles equipped with on-board monitoring means communicate with external control units to provide data for comparison with mine plans, allowing for real-time monitoring and updating of 3D models of the mine, enabling effective resource utilization and early detection of deviations without the need for extensive infrastructure or skilled labor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If traditional scattering information collection methods are used in mines, then infrastructure requirements are reduced, but the ability to obtain an overall view of mine operations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall view of mine operationsVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple monitoring functions (position tracking, excavation progress monitoring, resource utilization tracking) into a single integrated control unit that receives data from various mine vehicles. This merging of previously scattered information sources into one centralized system provides an overall view of mine operations while managing system complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving as a central hub that performs multiple tasks: collecting position data, comparing excavation progress against plans, monitoring resource utilization, and generating comprehensive reports. This universal approach allows one system to address multiple monitoring needs simultaneously, improving information completeness without proportionally increasing complexity.

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

2Measurement precision

If extensive surveying and measuring infrastructure is deployed in mines, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexcavation progress measurementVSAvoidsurveying infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables mine vehicles to monitor their own excavation progress and position autonomously. Each vehicle's control unit self-measures its own operational parameters (position, excavation volume, progress) and transmits this data to the central control unit. This self-service approach achieves precise measurement without requiring external surveying infrastructure or skilled measurement workers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical surveying infrastructure (theodolites, total stations, manual measurement equipment) with electronic sensing and data communication systems integrated into mine vehicles. This substitution uses electronic sensors and digital communication to achieve measurement precision while eliminating the need for extensive physical surveying infrastructure.

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

3Productivity

If manual monitoring methods are used in mines, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity and response time deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring efficiencyVSAvoidsystem operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously receives real-time data from mine vehicles and automatically compares excavation progress against the mine plan. This automated feedback mechanism provides immediate information on deviations from the plan, enabling rapid response and corrective actions. The system processes and analyzes data automatically, significantly improving monitoring efficiency and productivity compared to manual methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary automated analysis of monitoring data, comparing actual excavation progress against planned parameters before human operators need to review the information. This preliminary action filters and processes data in advance, presenting only relevant deviations and insights to operators, thereby maintaining ease of operation while dramatically improving productivity and response time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3094807B1Mine control system
Publication Date: 2019.10.16 SANDVIK MINING & CONSTR OY
  • EP3094807B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3094807B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3094807B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a mine control system for monitoring mine operations. The system comprises several mine vehicles provided with on-board monitoring means. Monitoring data is transmitted from the mine vehicle to a mine control system, which is provided with a mine plan. The mine control unit is configured to compare the received monitoring data with the mine plan and is determines the current state of the mine relative to the mine plan on the basis of the monitoring data.