Post-Drilling Unit Borehole Alignment via Range Finding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current post-drilling operations for loading objects into boreholes are inefficient and risky due to borehole deviations, requiring extensive manual labor and exposing personnel to hazardous environments, with existing technologies like contact sensing potentially damaging insertion objects.
Innovation Solution
A post-drilling unit equipped with a loading device, range finding device, and positioning system that measures distances inward the borehole to determine a loading position aligned with a predetermined reference distance, allowing for automated and mechanized alignment without direct interaction, using non-contact sensing means like lasers or radars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual alignment methods are used to load objects into boreholes, then personnel can directly observe and adjust positioning, but manual workload increases and personnel are exposed to hazardous mining environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated positioning system that uses range finding devices to measure distances and calculate loading positions. The system automatically determines the loading position by comparing measured distances with reference distances from the drilling plan, eliminating the need for manual observation and adjustment while maintaining high positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer-based control system as an intermediary between the loading device and the operator. This control system processes distance measurements, calculates optimal loading positions, and guides the loading operation, thereby reducing direct human exposure to hazardous environments while maintaining precise control over the loading process.
2Ease of operation
If contact sensing methods are used to detect misalignment, then feeding angle can be adjusted during insertion, but the insertion object may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary positioning calculations before the loading operation begins. The system calculates the optimal loading position in advance by comparing predetermined reference distances with actual measured distances, allowing alignment adjustments to be made before insertion rather than during insertion, thus preventing damage to the insertion object.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces contact-based sensing methods with non-contact range finding technology. The system uses electromagnetic or optical signals to measure distances to the borehole collar and calculate loading positions without physical contact, eliminating the risk of damaging the insertion object through mechanical contact while still enabling precise alignment adjustments.
3Reliability
If extensive manual adjustment is performed to account for borehole deviations, then loading accuracy can be maintained, but time consumption and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system automatically measures the actual borehole position using range finding devices, compares it with the predetermined drilling plan, and calculates the necessary corrections. This closed-loop feedback system quickly adapts to borehole deviations and determines optimal loading positions without requiring time-consuming manual adjustments, thereby maintaining accuracy while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual measurement and calculation processes with automated electronic range finding and computer-based positioning calculations. The system rapidly measures distances, processes data, and determines loading positions, significantly reducing the time required to account for borehole deviations while maintaining high loading accuracy.
4Ease of operation
If automated positioning systems are implemented to reduce manual workload, then personnel safety improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single automated positioning system that combines range finding, distance measurement, position calculation, and loading guidance. This multi-functional system handles various post-drilling operations (logging, blasting, rock bolt reinforcement, cleaning) through a unified positioning approach, reducing the need for separate specialized equipment while maintaining personnel safety.
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 method reduces manual workload, minimizes risk to personnel, and enhances productivity by ensuring precise and reliable loading of objects into boreholes, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and reducing the risk of damaging insertion objects.
Implementation Method 1
measuring one or more distances inward the borehole by means of the range finding device
Implementation Method 2
using non-contact sensing means like lasers or radars
Data Source
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AI summary
A process of positioning performed by a post-drilling unit, which post-drilling unit comprises a loading device (6) configured to load an object into a borehole with a longitudinal axis (A), a range finding device (7), and a positioning system, herein the process comprises steps of arranging the range finding device (6) in front of the borehole collar (8) by means of the positioning system; measuring one or more distances inward the borehole by means of the range finding device (7) in one or more measuring positions, wherein each measuring position is correlated to one measured distance; and determining a loading position enabling loading of at least a part of the object into the borehole, wherein the loading position is essentially in line with the borehole along the longitudinal axis (A), wherein the loading position is correlated to a predetermined reference distance, and wherein at least one measured distance is equivalent to the reference distance. A post-drilling unit, rig, computer program and computer-readable storage medium for the process of positioning are also described.