Mining Machine Laser Guidance for 3D Seam Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote-controlled continuous mining machines face challenges in maintaining alignment with mineral seams, especially when the seams vary in three dimensions, making it difficult to rectify the machine's orientation once it deviates from the seam.
Innovation Solution
A guidance system comprising a mining machine, a carriage with multiple laser emitters, and a guide assembly that includes indicators and targets, allowing for precise alignment of the machine's roll, pitch, and yaw axes with the seam plane, ensuring accurate orientation and positioning during mining operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If remote-controlled continuous mining machines are operated by an off-board human operator using a remote control device, then the operator can control the machine from a safe position, but the operator has difficulty maintaining alignment with the mineral seam when the seam varies in three dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces laser emitters and indicators as intermediary devices that project laser beams and display visual cues to assist the operator in maintaining alignment with the mineral seam. The laser emitters project beams that indicate the correct orientation, and the indicators provide visual feedback to the operator, serving as mediators between the operator and the complex task of maintaining precise alignment with three-dimensional seam variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the laser emitters continuously project laser beams that show the machine's current alignment status relative to the mineral seam. The indicators provide real-time visual feedback to the operator, allowing them to adjust the machine's orientation dynamically as the seam varies in three dimensions, thereby maintaining accurate alignment throughout the mining operation.
2Productivity
If the machine follows a three-dimensional varying seam, then more material can be mined, but the machine's orientation becomes difficult to rectify once it deviates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the laser emitters continuously project laser beams that pre-indicate the correct orientation path before the machine deviates from alignment. The indicators are positioned to show the ideal seam alignment in advance, allowing the operator to correct orientation deviations before they significantly impact productivity, thus maintaining both high material extraction and precise orientation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple laser emitters are used to indicate roll, pitch, and yaw axis alignment, then orientation accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the orientation guidance function into three independent laser emitter units, each responsible for indicating alignment of a specific axis (roll, pitch, or yaw). Each laser emitter and its corresponding indicator form a simple, independent measurement system for that axis, allowing precise measurement of all three orientation parameters while keeping each individual component relatively simple and manageable.
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
The guidance system enables the mining machine to remain aligned with the mineral seam, even when it is inclined, optimizing yield and reducing the need for manual adjustments, thereby improving operational efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The first emitter projects a first laser that is aligned with the seam plane, the second emitter projects a second laser, and the third emitter projects a third laser
Data Source
AI summary
A guidance system for mining a seam of material includes a mining machine, a carriage, and a guide assembly. The mining machine includes a cutter head and defines a roll axis extending the length of the machine, a pitch axis extending from one side of the machine to the other side, and a yaw axis extending from a top side of the machine to the bottom side. The carriage includes a first emitter, a second emitter, and a third emitter. The first emitter projects a first laser that is aligned with a seam plane. The second emitter projects a second laser, and the third emitter projects a third laser. The guide assembly includes a first indicator and a target. The first indicator is aligned with the second laser, and the target is aligned with the third laser. The relative positions of the first indicator with respect to the second laser and the target with respect to the third laser indicate the orientation of the roll axis, pitch axis, and yaw axis relative to the seam plane.