3D Position Tracking for Mining Plant Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the precise position and location of plant components in dynamic mining processes, such as coal mining, are inadequate for accurately tracking changes in the absolute and relative locations of technical components due to mining progress and wear, which can lead to collisions and inefficiencies in the extraction process.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a measuring object with at least four clearly-defined object points, detectable by image sensors, to reconstruct the three-dimensional position of plant components relative to the detection unit, allowing for precise determination of the location and orientation of face conveyors and extracting machines in relation to shield-type support systems, thereby preventing collisions and optimizing the extraction process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If inertial navigation systems are used to determine position in two-dimensional space, then position data can be obtained, but accurate three-dimensional location tracking of plant components cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional inertial navigation to three-dimensional optical measurement by using image sensors to capture spatial coordinates of plant components in 3D space, enabling comprehensive location tracking that includes vertical dimension and spatial orientation
2Measurement precision
If multiple detection units are distributed along the shield-type support system to track plant components, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a sufficient number of object points (at least four) on each measuring object to enable complete 3D reconstruction, rather than distributing many detection units throughout the system. This partial action approach achieves full measurement capability with fewer components
3Measurement precision
If measuring objects with at least four object points are used on each plant component, then three-dimensional position reconstruction accuracy is improved, but the quantity of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the plant component's spatial position by detecting the coordinates of object points and reconstructing the 3D position through evaluation, rather than physically tracking the entire component with multiple sensors
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 solution enables accurate and efficient tracking of plant components, preventing collisions and optimizing the extraction process by providing precise location and orientation data, even in dynamic mining environments, thereby improving operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the position and/or location of at least one plant component being determined by way of an evaluation system that includes at least one detection unit... by means of which a change in the location or a change in the position of a plant component in relation to the surrounding area can be detected
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining the position and/or location of plant components of a mining extracting plant, which includes at least one face conveyor (8), a shield- type support system (1) having a plurality of shield- type support frames (2) and an extracting machine (6) that is moveable along the face conveyor (8), wherein the position and/or location of at least one plant component is determined by way of an evaluation system that includes at least one detection unit (25). In order to be able to determine the location and/or position of at least one plant component even in the case of a dynamic mineral mining process, the at least one detection unit (25) includes an image sensor, by way of which at least four object points (21), which are at a predetermined spacing to each other and are detectable within the optical wavelength range, of at least one measuring object (20) associated with one of the plant components, are detected. Using the evaluation system, the position and/or location of the plant component can be determined from the projection of the object points detected by way of the image sensor.