Mining Dispatch Control System Optimizing Hauling Distances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dispatching systems in the mining industry, whether single-stage or multi-stage, fail to effectively integrate production targets and constraints into their optimization processes, leading to suboptimal material transport and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A control system that specifies and solves an optimization problem by setting production goals for loading tools, processors, and production arcs, sorting them based on travel distances, and modifying their order according to these goals, while using target values to produce production values for each component using a controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multi-stage systems are used to calculate production plans, then equipment usage optimization is improved, but the system returns only the most productive paths (shortest paths) without considering other production goals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the production planning process into distinct stages: (1) receiving multiple production goals from users, (2) sorting production arcs based on travel distances, (3) modifying the sorted order according to production goals, and (4) setting target values for loading tools, processors, and production arcs. This segmentation allows each stage to address specific requirements while collectively achieving both equipment optimization and production goal integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to traditional dispatching by incorporating multiple production goals (e.g., tonnage targets, blend specifications, production rates) as additional constraints and objectives in the optimization model. This transforms the single-objective shortest-path problem into a multi-dimensional optimization problem that simultaneously considers equipment productivity and production targets.
2Device complexity
If single-stage systems are used for dispatching, then system complexity is reduced, but production targets and constraints are not taken into account
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-sorting production arcs based on travel distances and pre-establishing the relationship between production goals and target values before the actual dispatching decision is made. This preliminary processing allows the system to maintain relatively simple structure while incorporating complex production constraints into the optimization model.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters by introducing production goals (tonnage, blend, rate) as additional parameters alongside traditional dispatching parameters. The system dynamically adjusts target values for loading tools, processors, and production arcs based on user-specified production goals, enabling the system to adapt to different production requirements without fundamentally changing its structure.
3Length of moving object
If traditional dispatching systems prioritize shortest paths, then hauling distance is minimized, but overall production optimization considering multiple goals is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the dispatching system dynamic by allowing the priority of production arcs to change based on current production goals and conditions. Rather than statically prioritizing shortest paths, the system dynamically adjusts the optimization criteria by incorporating production goals (tonnage targets, blend specifications, production rates) that can change over time, enabling flexible adaptation to varying production requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by selectively considering production arcs based on their alignment with production goals. Instead of always optimizing for shortest paths, the system partially prioritizes arcs that better serve production objectives, even if they are slightly longer, thereby achieving a balance between distance minimization and production optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for mining site production planning includes a control system configured to specify a problem-solving technique and associated optimization problem for a mining site by setting production goals for each of loading tools, processors and production arcs of the mining site, sorting the production arcs in an order based on travel distances, and modifying the order of the sorted production arcs based on the production goals for each of the loading tools, processors and production arcs. In addition, target values are set for each of the loading tools, processors and production arcs according to the order of the sorted production arcs. The control system is further configured to solve the optimization problem to produce production values for each of the loading tools, processors and production arcs based on the target values.