Swing Arm Plow for Automated Debris Removal in Longwall Mining

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Solution Overview

Problem

The removal of falling debris during the process of removing a shield from a shield panel in longwall mining is labor-intensive and time-consuming, requiring manual shoveling and hauling, and there is a need for an automated mechanism that can operate remotely to clear debris without obstructing the space.

Innovation Solution

A swing-arm plow mechanism attached to a walker-shield connecting bar, which includes a plow panel hinged to the bar and a sweeping actuator, allows for the automatic removal of debris by swinging in an arc to push debris away from the area, with the option of extending a sliding plow panel to clear a larger area and retracting to minimize size when not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual shoveling and hauling is used to remove debris, then the space can be cleared for replacement shield or equipment, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris removal efficiencyVSAvoidtime required for debris removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The swing-arm plow is attached to the walker-shield connecting bar and automatically sweeps debris away from the shield removal area as the shield is being removed. The system uses the existing shield removal motion to drive the debris removal function, eliminating the need for separate manual shoveling and hauling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The swing-arm plow is positioned and ready to sweep debris before the shield removal is complete. By performing the sweeping action during the shield removal process itself, the system clears the area in advance of when it will be needed for replacement shield or equipment placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Area of stationary object

If a compact plow design is used, then the space in front of the connecting bar is minimally obstructed, but the sweeping capability may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace availability in front of connecting barVSAvoidsweeping coverage area

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The plow panel is hinged to the walker-shield connecting bar, allowing it to swing in an arc during the sweeping operation. This dynamic configuration enables the plow to cover a larger sweeping area when needed while maintaining a compact position when not in use, thus preserving space in front of the connecting bar.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the operator is positioned close to the swing-arm plow for direct control, then operation is simpler, but operator safety is compromised due to proximity to falling debris

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator control accessibilityVSAvoidoperator exposure to falling debris

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The walker-shield connecting bar serves as an intermediary carrier that transports the swing-arm plow to the debris area. The operator can control the plow from a remote position through the connecting bar mechanism, eliminating the need for direct proximity to dangerous falling debris while maintaining operational control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12000284B1Swing arm plow apparatuses and methods

Publication Date: 2024.06.04 SWANSON IND

AI summary

A longwall mining swing arm plow. The swing arm plow includes a plow panel attached to a walker-shield connecting bar by a hinge and a sweeping actuator attached to the walker-shield connecting bar at a first end and the swing-arm plow at a second end to push the swing-arm plow in an arc around the hinge.