Sensor-Detectable Machine Chisel for Selective Mineral Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Selective mineral extraction in mining is challenging due to visual obstructions and reliance on operator skill, leading to increased costs and environmental impact, as conventional methods require frequent interruptions for visual inspections and lack real-time process control.
Innovation Solution
A machine chisel with a sensor-detectable scale that senses material properties during extraction, allowing continuous monitoring and precise material removal without operator intervention, using sensors to detect movements and deformations of the chisel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection methods are used for selective material removal, then operator can identify valuable minerals, but dust and extracted material obstruct the operator's view requiring frequent interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the operator's visual inspection system with a sensor-based detection system. Sensors mounted on the extraction machine detect material properties (such as density, hardness, or other physical characteristics) in real-time, substituting human visual assessment with automated mechanical/electronic detection. This eliminates the need for interruptions to clear dust and stockpile material, maintaining continuous operation while preserving or improving identification accuracy.
2Loss of information
If frequent visual inspections are conducted to monitor ore body characteristics, then up-to-date information can be obtained, but significant time is lost and mining output is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system enables continuous monitoring of material properties during the extraction process without interruption. As the extraction machine removes material, sensors continuously detect and record physical characteristics, providing an unbroken stream of information about ore body changes. This eliminates the discontinuous nature of visual inspections where operation must pause, ensuring both continuous data collection and continuous production.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously sensing material properties and immediately processing this information to guide extraction decisions. The sensor data provides instantaneous feedback on ore body characteristics, allowing the system to adapt to changes in mineral composition or geological conditions without delay, maintaining both information currency and operational continuity.
3Measurement precision
If manual visual inspection is used for selective extraction, then operator skills and experience determine inspection quality, but consistent accurate detection is difficult and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs the detection function autonomously without requiring operator expertise in mineral identification. The sensors automatically measure material properties and the system independently processes this data to identify valuable minerals, making the detection capability self-sufficient. This removes the dependency on operator skill and experience, providing consistent results regardless of who operates the equipment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a machine chisel (100), a retaining device (300), a removing system (600) and a method. The machine chisel (100) can comprise: a chisel tip (102); a shank (104), which extends away from the chisel tip along a longitudinal axis (107) of the machine chisel; and a reference body (106), which has at least one scale (112) which is made of a magnetisable material and can be detected by sensors, the reference body, the shank and the chisel tip being rigidly connected to one another. The retaining device (300) can comprise: a chisel holder (302) having an opening (316) to receive a machine chisel; a locking device (202, 402) which is designed to make a form fit with the machine chisel received in the opening, thereby limiting movement of the machine chisel; a receiving region (320) to receive a portion of the machine chisel, the accommodating region being exposed relative to the opening; and at least one sensor (306), which is disposed on the receiving region and is designed to contactlessly detect the portion extending into the receiving region, and/or the reference body (106) being designed to be connected to the shank (104) with a form fit.