Automated Mine Material Delivery System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current material handling systems in underground mines with shafts and hoists face inefficiencies in inventory management, delivery, and cage utilization, leading to high costs, waste, and manual intervention, which are not effectively addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
An automated material inventory and delivery system integrating software platforms, Payload Autonomous Carriers (PACs), and smart containers for real-time tracking and just-in-time delivery, reducing manual intervention and optimizing cage usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If materials are delivered manually using forklifts and skids, then flexibility in handling different materials is maintained, but labor costs and delivery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling (forklifts, skids) with an automated robotic system featuring a mobile robot, robotic arm, and automated container handling. The robot navigates to containers, uses a robotic arm to grasp and lift materials, and delivers them automatically, eliminating manual labor while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable control.
2Reliability
If materials are stored in large surface warehouses, then inventory availability is improved, but carrying costs and space utilization worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements just-in-time delivery by monitoring material consumption in real-time and automatically triggering replenishment orders when inventory reaches predetermined thresholds. Materials are delivered to containers only when needed, eliminating the need for large storage warehouses and reducing carrying costs while maintaining inventory availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service inventory management through automated monitoring sensors that track material levels in containers and autonomously generate replenishment requests. The mobile robot automatically retrieves and delivers materials without human intervention, allowing the system to service itself and eliminating the need for manual inventory management and large storage facilities.
3Productivity
If the cage is used for material delivery, then production bottleneck is addressed, but cage availability for workers and ore transport is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments material delivery from ore transport and worker access by introducing autonomous mobile robots that operate independently in the mine environment. These robots handle material transport between containers and working areas, allowing the cage to be dedicated exclusively to ore transport and worker access, thereby eliminating the production bottleneck without reducing cage versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile robot acts as an intermediary between material storage containers and the cage system. It receives materials from containers, transports them to working areas, and returns empty containers for replenishment, thereby decoupling material delivery operations from cage availability and allowing the cage to focus on its primary functions of transporting workers and ore.
4Device complexity
If manual inventory tracking is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but accuracy and real-time monitoring capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback through sensors mounted on containers and the mobile robot that automatically track material inventory levels, container locations, and delivery status in real-time. This data feeds into a centralized control system that monitors and manages inventory accuracy, providing precise, real-time information without requiring complex manual tracking procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses an automated material inventory and delivery system for underground mines using a shaft and hoist transporting material from the surface to working areas. The system includes means for automatically and paperless processing orders for supplies from a plurality of locations within the mine. The system communicates to client through a plurality of terminals located throughout the mine and tracks material received, stored and distributed using electronic inventory tracking means. Loading and unloading of material into and out of the cage is automatic and includes automatic guided vehicle means to gather the ordered material and deliver to the cage. The system includes means whereby consumable supplies are autonomously delivered to a working area to ensure sufficient material is on hand to meet production targets. Ore may be transported to the surface using the cage and ore containers, optimizing the use of the hoist and increasing mine production.