Modular Winch Platform for Vertical Ore Stope Equipment Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current underground ore mining methods face safety risks due to proximity of miners and operators to blasting equipment, inefficient ore extraction processes, complex infrastructure setup, increased ventilation requirements, and geotechnical challenges, particularly in deep mines.
Innovation Solution
A modular platform system with a top platform and equipment deck connected by winches, allowing for safe and efficient transport of mining equipment between the surface and the stope, enabling remote operation and automation of drilling and blasting processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If miners and operators work in close proximity to blasting equipment for correct placement, then drilling and blasting accuracy is improved, but safety risks increase due to exposure to hazardous conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote control system as an intermediary between the operator and the drilling/blasting equipment. The operator controls the equipment from a safe location away from the stope, using electronic controls and monitoring systems to achieve precise drilling and blasting operations without direct physical proximity to hazardous areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation of drilling and blasting equipment with automated and remotely-controlled systems. This substitution allows precise control of equipment positioning and operation through electronic systems rather than direct human manipulation, maintaining accuracy while eliminating exposure to blasting hazards.
2Ease of operation
If traditional platform, lift, and elevator systems are used to transport miners and equipment to the blasting site, then access is provided, but travel time increases and safety risks remain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the operator from the hazardous blasting environment entirely, removing the need for repeated travel to and from the site. The operator remains in a safe control location while the equipment is remotely positioned and operated, eliminating the time loss associated with multiple trips between safe zones and blasting areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling and blasting equipment is equipped with autonomous capabilities including self-positioning, self-drilling, and automated blasting sequences. This self-service functionality reduces the need for continuous human intervention and eliminates travel time, as the equipment can operate autonomously once remotely positioned.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If infrastructure is set up to ensure miner and operator safety with current methods, then safety is improved, but setup complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex physical safety infrastructure with electronic and computational systems. Instead of building extensive protective structures, safe zones, and physical barriers, the solution uses remote sensing, communication systems, and automated control to maintain safety, significantly reducing infrastructure complexity and setup time.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple ventilation systems are installed to meet requirements for multiple sublevels and openings, then air quality and contaminant removal are improved, but system complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the source of contaminants (blasting operations) from the underground environment by performing them remotely. Since blasting occurs outside the stope or in controlled remote locations, contaminant generation within the mine is eliminated or greatly reduced, thereby reducing ventilation requirements and system complexity.
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
Enhances safety by reducing human exposure to hazardous conditions, improves efficiency through automated operations, and simplifies infrastructure setup, thereby reducing travel time and ventilation needs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one winch having at least one respective cable coupled thereto, the at least one winch mounted on the top platform, the at least one cable extendable through the access opening, the at least one cable having at least one respective cable end coupled to the equipment deck; wherein the at least one winch is operable to move the equipment deck
Data Source
AI summary
A modular platform system for vertical ore stope mining, comprising: a top platform having an access opening formed therein for accessing a raise opening of a raise above a stope of a mine; an equipment deck adapted to receive equipment; and, at least one winch having at least one respective cable coupled thereto, the at least one winch mounted on the top platform, the at least one cable extendable through the access opening, the at least one cable having at least one respective cable end coupled to the equipment deck; wherein the at least one winch is operable to move the equipment deck and the equipment between a raised position proximate a top of the raise at the top platform and a lowered position proximate a bottom of the raise at a top of or within the stope.