Optical Drill Rig Positioning With Projected Rock Face Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Positioning of rock drilling units in mining environments is challenging due to poor visibility and the need for accurate placement of drill holes, which can slow down operations and increase the risk of collisions with uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An optical positioning apparatus that projects two-dimensional light patterns onto the rock surface, using structured light patterns and cameras to provide intuitive visual data for operators, allowing for improved depth perception and distance detection without the need for machine vision or pattern recognition systems, and is easily mountable on existing rock drilling units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional positioning methods are used in underground mines, then the equipment is simple and easy to operate, but the visibility to target position is poor and positioning accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical positioning device that projects light patterns onto the rock face to create visible reference markers. This mediator translates the invisible or hard-to-see target positions into clearly visible optical patterns, allowing operators to accurately identify drill hole locations despite poor natural visibility in underground mines
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual positioning methods with an optical system. Instead of relying on physical measurements or manual marking, the system uses projected light patterns and optical references to indicate target positions, thereby improving positioning accuracy without adding mechanical complexity
2Extent of automation
If complex machine vision or pattern recognition systems are used to detect light patterns, then automated positioning can be achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified optical copy of the positioning information by projecting light patterns that directly represent target positions. Instead of using complex machine vision to interpret visual data, the system projects pre-defined optical patterns (such as crosshairs or grid patterns) that visually encode the positioning information, making automated detection unnecessary while maintaining simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential positioning function from complex vision systems. Rather than implementing full machine vision or pattern recognition capabilities, the system isolates and implements only the critical function of projecting reference patterns, thereby achieving automation assistance without the burden of complex computational systems
3Loss of information
If the operator looks at lower instruments for positioning data, then detailed information can be viewed, but the operator must move his head and eyes refocus, reducing operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions positioning information from a two-dimensional display (screens or instruments) to a three-dimensional spatial representation by projecting patterns directly onto the rock face. This allows the operator to view positioning data in the same spatial plane as the work area, eliminating the need to shift focus between different planes or move the head to check instruments
4Adaptability or versatility
If retro-fittable positioning devices are added to existing rock drilling units, then the solution is cost-effective and adaptable, but the device complexity and mounting requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the optical positioning device with universal mounting capabilities that can be adapted to various rock drilling unit configurations. The system uses standard mounting interfaces and flexible positioning mechanisms that work across different equipment types, allowing retro-fitting without requiring custom integration for each specific drilling unit model
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 the accuracy and speed of rock drilling operations by providing intuitive visual data directly on the rock surface, reducing the risk of collisions and improving depth perception, while being simple, inexpensive, and adaptable to various mining work devices.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one pattern illuminating device is configured to produce structured light. The structured light is produced by projecting a known pattern, such as grids or horizontal bars on to a surface under observation.
Data Source
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
A positioning apparatus, rock drilling rig and method for positioning. The apparatus (8) is for assisting positioning of a mining work device of a rock drilling rig (1) when drilling drill holes (13). The apparatus is an optical device mountable to the mining work device and comprises one or more pattern illuminating devices (15) for producing two-dimensional (2D) light patterns (14) on a rock surface (RS). The produced light patterns are used when positioning the mining work device to a desired position.