Underground Coal Mining Machine with Integrated Fluidized Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional coal mining methods are costly and environmentally polluting due to the need to transport coal to the surface for washing and conversion, and they become impractical at deep depths where human presence is hazardous.
Innovation Solution
An automatic coal mining machine with integrated excavation, preparation, fluidized conversion, and energy storage cabins, connected by detachable flexible components, which cuts, separates, and converts coal into liquid, gas, or electric energy underground, reducing the need for surface processing and minimizing pollution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional coal mining methods are used to transport coal to surface for washing and conversion, then coal can be processed and utilized, but transportation costs are very high and environmental pollution is severe
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the coal processing function from the mining location by deploying separate processing units (washing cabin, conversion cabin) that can be independently positioned and operated, allowing coal to be processed at or near the mine face rather than transported long distances to surface facilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional surface-based processing to underground in-situ processing, adding the dimension of vertical integration by bringing processing capabilities down to the coal seam level, thereby eliminating the need for upward transportation and surface processing
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional coal mining methods are used to transport coal to surface for washing and conversion, then coal can be processed and utilized, but environmental pollution sources are greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments pollution-generating processes into isolated underground processing units with dedicated containment and treatment systems, separating washing water, conversion emissions, and solid waste into distinct streams that can be treated locally rather than released to the environment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary treatment systems between the coal processing and the environment, including water recycling systems, gas treatment units, and waste containment facilities that mediate the interaction between processing operations and the surrounding environment, preventing direct pollution release
3Productivity
If traditional mining methods are used at deep depths, then coal can be extracted, but human presence becomes hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service automation where the excavation cabin, processing units, and support systems operate autonomously or with remote control, eliminating the need for human presence in hazardous deep mining environments while maintaining continuous production capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces human-operated mechanical systems with automated robotic systems, electronic control systems, and remote operation capabilities, substituting the mechanical aspect of human labor with automated machinery that can operate safely in extreme conditions
4Loss of energy
If integrated excavation and processing system is used underground, then transportation costs are reduced, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The complex integrated system is segmented into modular functional units (excavation cabin, washing cabin, conversion cabin, support cabin) that can be independently designed, manufactured, tested, and maintained, reducing the operational complexity of the overall system while maintaining integration benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal standardized components and interfaces that can be reused across different cabin types and configurations, reducing the variety of unique parts and systems needed, thereby simplifying maintenance and operation despite the integrated multi-functional nature of the system
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 approach reduces transportation costs, minimizes environmental pollution, and allows for remote operation of the mining process, enabling safe and efficient coal extraction and conversion in deep coal mines without the need to raise coal to the surface.
Implementation Method 1
a cutter dish for cutting coal mass is provided at a head of the first excavation cabin
Implementation Method 2
a movable screen jig, arranged on a bottom plate of the first coal preparation cabin and behind the second conveyor belt, so as to sort the raw coal transported by the second conveyor belt
Implementation Method 3
separate coal blocks from gangues in the raw coal
Implementation Method 4
the first fluidized conversion reaction cabin is connected to the first coal preparation cabin by a detachable flexible component, so as to convert the energy form of coal blocks into liquid, gas or electric energy
Implementation Method 5
convert the energy form of coal blocks into liquid, gas or electric energy
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic coal mining machine and a fluidized coal mining method are provided. A first excavation cabin is configured to cut coal seam to obtain raw coal and to be transported to a first coal preparation cabin for separating coal blocks from gangue. Then, the obtained coal blocks are transported to a first fluidized conversion reaction cabin. The first fluidized conversion reaction cabin converts the energy form of the coal block into liquid, gas or electric energy, which is transported to a first energy storage cabin for storing. Coal mining and conversion are carried out in underground coal mines, so it is not necessary to raise coal blocks to the ground for washing and conversion, thereby reducing the transportation cost of coal, improving the utilization degree of coal, and avoiding the pollution of the ground environment caused by waste in the mining and conversion process.