Mining Machine Shield and Boom Dynamics for Cutting Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional underground mining machines face challenges in efficiently cutting and loading mineral material due to limitations in the movement and positioning of cutting heads and shields, which affect the cutting efficiency and material transfer process.
Innovation Solution
The mining machine incorporates a chassis, boom, cutting head, and shield with independent pivot and translational movement capabilities, allowing for simultaneous cutting and material direction onto a conveyor, with a sumping frame and hydraulic actuators enabling precise control and efficient material handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the boom and shield are rigidly connected to move together, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the cutting efficiency and material loading geometry deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The boom and shield are separated into independent movable components. The boom can translate and pivot independently, while the shield can translate independently along the chassis axis. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving cutting efficiency and material loading geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a rigid connection to a dynamic, independently controllable configuration. Hydraulic actuators enable the boom and shield to move independently with precise control, allowing optimal positioning during cutting operations to enhance productivity.
2Length of moving object
If the cutting head and shield are positioned far from the chassis, then the cutting reach is improved, but the machine weight and ground pressure worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The boom and shield are designed as movable components that can extend and retract along the chassis axis. This dynamic positioning allows the cutting head to reach further when needed while maintaining a compact configuration during transport, optimizing both cutting reach and weight distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes movement along the chassis axis (longitudinal dimension) in addition to vertical movement. The boom and shield can translate forward and backward, providing extended cutting reach without proportionally increasing machine weight, as the mass is distributed along the length of the chassis.
3Device complexity
If the boom is only capable of translational movement, then the mechanical complexity is reduced, but the positioning precision and cutting versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The boom combines multiple movement capabilities (translation along the chassis axis and pivoting relative to the chassis) into a single component. This merging of movement modes provides precise positioning and cutting versatility while maintaining relatively simple mechanical implementation through hydraulic actuators.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A mining machine includes a chassis, a boom, a cutting head, and a shield supported for movement relative to the chassis. The chassis includes a first end and a second end, and defines a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The boom includes a first end and a second end, and the boom is supported for movement relative to the chassis. The boom translates in a first direction and is pivotable relative to the chassis between first and second positions. The cutting head is coupled to the second end of the boom and is supported for rotation relative to the boom. The cutting head is rotatable about a cutting head axis. The shield is supported for movement relative to the chassis and positioned proximate the cutting head. In some embodiments, the shield is coupled to a sumping frame supported for movement relative to the chassis.