Mining Machine Cutting Path Control for Variable Geology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mining machines lack flexibility in cutting paths, requiring specialized personnel to travel to mining sites for updates, and are not adaptable to varying geological conditions.
Innovation Solution
A mining machine equipped with a data handling unit and control unit that allows for the reception and conversion of user-defined cutting paths from an external storage medium, enabling on-site customization and operation using automated cutting cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If machine-predefined cutting paths are used, then operation is simplified and automated, but adaptability to specific geological conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static machine-predefined cutting paths to dynamic user-definable cutting paths that can be customized and modified on-site based on actual geological conditions, allowing the cutting cycle to adapt flexibly to varying rock types, hardness, and mine geometry
Solution Approach 2:
A data handling unit is introduced as an intermediary component that receives cutting path data from external sources, converts it into machine-executable format, and interfaces with the control unit. This mediator enables easy customization of cutting paths without requiring specialized computing knowledge from operators
2Adaptability or versatility
If customized cutting paths are required, then adaptability to geological conditions improves, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase due to need for specialized personnel
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring personnel to write and implement complex software code, the system allows copying of cutting path definitions from external storage media (USB drives, memory cards) directly into the machine's control system. This copying mechanism simplifies the customization process to a basic file transfer operation that any operator can perform
Solution Approach 2:
The mining machine becomes self-sufficient in handling cutting path customization through its integrated data handling unit, eliminating the need for external specialized personnel to travel to the site. The machine automatically processes and converts cutting path data without requiring expert intervention
3Adaptability or versatility
If specialized personnel travel to mining sites for updates, then cutting path customization is achieved, but loss of time and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mining machine performs cutting path customization autonomously through its data handling unit, which can receive, convert, and process cutting path data directly at the mining site without requiring external personnel. This self-service capability eliminates travel time and enables immediate implementation of customized cutting paths
Solution Approach 2:
Cutting path data can be prepared and stored on external storage media in advance, allowing operators to load and implement customized cutting paths immediately upon arrival at the mining site or when geological conditions change, without waiting for personnel travel and manual software updates
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a mining machine (100) adapted for extraction of material from a deposit and a method for controlling operation of such a mining machine. According to an embodiment, the mining machine comprises a data handling unit (110) and a control unit (120). The data handling unit is adapted to receive, from an external storage medium (130), a data file (132) representative of a user-defined cutting path (114), and to send, to the control unit, data (112) corresponding to a cutting path selected among the user-defined cutting path and one or more machine-predefined cutting paths (118). The control unit is configured to control operation of the mining machine using an automatic cutting cycle in accordance with the selected cutting path corresponding to the data received from the data handling unit.