3D Finite Element Mesh for Mining Environment Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mining analysis methods are inefficient as they typically address individual issues separately, requiring multiple analyses to be conducted in parallel, which leads to an inefficient process.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising sensors, storage, and a processor that generates a three-dimensional mesh of finite elements using historical and real-time information to analyze the mining environment, allowing for integrated profiling and risk assessment of surface and subsurface areas, with the ability to update the mesh in real-time and refine elements based on significance and risk factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate analyses are conducted in parallel for different mining issues, then each individual issue can be analyzed, but the overall process becomes inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate analysis processes (surface analysis, subsurface analysis, risk profiling, resource monitoring) into a single integrated 3D finite element model. This unified model allows all analyses to be performed simultaneously on the same data structure, eliminating the need for parallel separate analyses and improving overall efficiency while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The 3D finite element model serves multiple functions simultaneously: it performs surface profiling, subsurface analysis, risk assessment, and resource monitoring. This multi-functional approach allows a single system to address multiple mining issues that previously required separate dedicated analyses, thereby improving productivity without compromising measurement precision.
2Ease of manufacture
If uniform finite element mesh is used throughout the mining environment, then the model is simple to generate, but it cannot provide detailed analysis for specific areas of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements non-uniform finite element meshing where the size and density of elements vary based on local requirements. Areas of interest such as zones with high risk of slope failure or regions requiring detailed resource monitoring have finer mesh elements, while less critical areas use coarser elements. This approach maintains ease of model generation while providing the necessary local analysis detail.
Solution Approach 2:
The finite element mesh is dynamically adjusted based on the significance of different locations in the mining environment. The system can refine or coarsen the mesh in specific regions as needed for different analysis scenarios, allowing the model to adapt to varying analytical requirements without requiring complete regeneration of the entire model.
3Device complexity
If historical information only is used for analysis, then the model is static and simple, but it cannot provide real-time risk assessment or monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously updates the 3D finite element model by integrating real-time sensor data with historical information. This continuous data flow allows the model to reflect current conditions in the mining environment, enabling real-time risk assessment and monitoring while maintaining the structured framework of the finite element analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time sensor feedback into the finite element model, allowing continuous monitoring and assessment of mining conditions. This feedback mechanism enables the model to detect changes in stress, strain, and other critical parameters, providing real-time risk assessment capabilities while building upon the established historical data framework.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables comprehensive, real-time analysis of mining environments, improving efficiency by integrating multiple analysis tasks into a single process, enhancing risk profiling and resource management through accurate and dynamic three-dimensional modeling.
Implementation Method 1
the real-time information is based on electro-magnetism and the processor receives the real-time information from ground penetrating radar
Implementation Method 2
the real-time information is based on acoustics and the processor receives the real-time information from an acoustic probe
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (1) for analyzing a mining environment includes an storage (3) for storing a historical information (5) related to the mining environment and transferring the historical information (5) to a processor (4), a sensor for receiving a real-time information (6) from the mining environment and transferring the real-time information (6) to the processor (4), and the processor (4) for receiving the historical information (5) from the storage (3) and a real-time information (6) from the sensor (12), and processing the historical information (5) and the real-time information (6) to generate a three dimensional mesh (7) of finite elements (8) for a volume of the mining environment.