Decentralized Mine Production System Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mine production systems face limitations due to centralized architecture, which results in network availability issues, impractical integration of advanced devices, and rigid truck allocation strategies that do not account for real-life variations in equipment performance and load handling.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized system with a central computer unit and mobile computer units on equipment, enabling independent operation and communication using modern wireless technologies, allowing for real-time tracking and optimization of mobile equipment status, location, and allocation strategies that adapt to individual equipment performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a centralized architecture is used, then system control and data management are simplified, but network availability requirements increase to near 100% and mobile equipment cannot operate in areas without network coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the centralized architecture into distributed mobile computing units, each with its own processor, display, and database. This segmentation allows mobile equipment to operate independently without continuous network connectivity, resolving the contradiction between architectural simplicity and network availability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Mobile equipment is equipped with autonomous computing capabilities including local databases and processors that enable the equipment to perform control functions independently. This self-service capability eliminates the need for constant centralized control and network connectivity, allowing operation in areas without network coverage.
2Device complexity
If a centralized control system is used, then data processing is consolidated, but integration of advanced devices like video cameras, radars, and high-precision GPS becomes impractical due to wireless bandwidth constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system distributes processing capabilities to mobile equipment through integrated processors and communication interfaces. This segmentation enables advanced devices to be directly integrated with mobile equipment without burdening a centralized system, as each mobile unit handles its own data processing locally.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces local processors and communication interfaces as intermediaries between advanced devices and the central database. These intermediaries enable data exchange without requiring direct connection to the centralized system, thus facilitating integration of advanced devices while managing bandwidth constraints.
3Productivity
If rigid allocation strategies based on predetermined assignments or mathematical models are used, then theoretical optimization is achieved, but real-life operation becomes less than ideal due to inability to adapt to variations in equipment performance and load handling
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic allocation strategies where mobile equipment can independently adjust operations based on real-time conditions. The distributed architecture allows each unit to adapt to variations in equipment performance and load handling without requiring rigid predetermined assignments, thus achieving both optimization and adaptability in real-life operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The system contains a central computer unit having a first database controlled by a first logic unit. At least one mobile computer unit is joined with the mobile equipment. Each of the mobile computer units has a second database controlled by a second logic unit. At least one wireless communication device enables communication between said first logic unit and said second logic unit, wherein said mobile computer unit is operable independent of the first logic unit.