Mining Vehicle Position Selection for Reachable Drill Plans

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Solution Overview

Problem

Selecting an optimal depth location for a drilling pattern and drill rig position in changing mine conditions is challenging, affecting the effectiveness of tunneling processes.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method for automatically selecting a mining vehicle position using a processor and memory to determine a drill plan, navigation plane, and predefined variations, considering obstacles and vehicle dimensions, to ensure all drill holes are reachable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual selection of drill rig position is used, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but positioning accuracy and drilling efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-positioning by automatically calculating the optimal drill rig position based on tunnel geometry, drill plan, and vehicle dimensions. The automated positioning system selects the target position without human intervention, improving positioning accuracy while the modular architecture keeps system complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated computational system that uses processors to calculate optimal positions based on geometric data, drill plans, and predefined criteria. This substitution of manual operation with automated computation resolves the contradiction between positioning precision and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated position selection is implemented, then drilling efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calculations of the optimal drill rig position before drilling operations begin. By pre-determining the target position based on tunnel geometry, navigation plane, and vehicle characteristics, the system enables efficient drilling operations without requiring complex real-time adjustments during drilling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the computational model, including variations in tunnel geometry, drill plan parameters, and vehicle dimensions, to automatically determine the optimal position. This parametric approach improves drilling efficiency through automated adaptation while maintaining manageable system complexity through mathematical modeling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If multiple position variations are evaluated, then positioning accuracy is improved, but computational time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition selection accuracyVSAvoidcomputational time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system evaluates multiple predefined position variations around the initial calculated position to ensure optimal selection. By considering several candidate positions with different offsets and orientations, the system achieves accurate position selection while limiting computational effort through the use of predefined variation patterns rather than exhaustive search.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4343108B1An apparatus and a method for selecting a position for a mining vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 SANDVIK MINING & CONSTR OY
  • EP4343108B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4343108B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4343108B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Example embodiments provide an apparatus for selecting a position for a mining vehicle in a mine for drilling. The apparatus comprises at least one processor and at least memory, the at least one memory comprising instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to select a drill plan associated with a tunnel line for a tunnel to be excavated; select a position of a navigation plane for the drill plan with respect to the tunnel line; determine a first position for the mining vehicle based on the drill plan and the position of the navigation plane; obtain information on a plurality of predefined variations of the first position; determine a plurality of second position for the mining vehicle based on the first position and the information on the plurality of variations; and select, from the plurality of second positions, a target position for the mining vehicle based on the first position and at least one criterion.