Vehicle Power Transfer Interface for Underground Mining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional material movement solutions in mining, such as diesel-powered engines and electrical cables, face challenges including emissions, high costs, limited flexibility, and complex power distribution systems, which hinder productivity and safety in underground operations.

Innovation Solution

A system and method involving a first vehicle and a second vehicle connected through an interface to transfer mechanical or electrical power, allowing the second vehicle to power the first vehicle when stationary, reducing the need for extensive power distribution systems and on-board power requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If diesel-powered engines are used to power mining equipment, then power and mobility are provided, but emissions and heat rejection require complex ventilation systems and after-treatment filters

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovepowerVSAvoidemissions

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces diesel-powered mechanical engines with an electric power system where a battery-powered vehicle provides power through an interface. This substitution eliminates combustion-based emissions while maintaining the ability to power mining equipment, directly addressing the harmful emissions problem while preserving power delivery capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Power

If electrical cables are installed to power mining machinery, then continuous power supply is achieved, but installation and maintenance require periodic shutdowns and reduce productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supplyVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery-powered vehicle carries its own power source (battery) and can autonomously provide power to mining equipment through a detachable interface without requiring fixed cable installations. This self-contained power delivery system eliminates the need for cable installation and maintenance activities, allowing continuous operation and maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Power

If electrical cables are used to power equipment, then power delivery is reliable, but flexibility of haul routes is reduced as cables cannot be driven over

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower deliveryVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic power delivery system where a battery-powered vehicle moves to provide power rather than using fixed electrical cables. This allows the power source to relocate along with the mining operation, enabling flexible haul routes that can be driven over and adapted to changing mine conditions without constraint from fixed cable routes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Power

If electrical cables are procured and installed for power delivery, then power supply capability is established, but costs increase due to procurement, installation and replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, long-term infrastructure (electrical cable installation) with a movable battery-powered vehicle that can be deployed and relocated as needed. This approach eliminates the need for costly cable procurement, installation, and periodic replacement, reducing overall costs while maintaining power supply capability through a more economical mobile platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

5Productivity

If mine development advances, then operational capacity increases, but electrical distribution system and cables must be reinstalled and advanced accordingly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational capacityVSAvoidelectrical distribution system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power delivery function from fixed infrastructure and assigns it to a mobile battery-powered vehicle. This segmentation allows the power source to independently follow mine development advances without requiring coordinated reinstallation of electrical distribution systems and cables, simplifying the overall system and reducing complexity as the mine expands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 simplifies power transfer, reduces costs, enhances safety by minimizing high-voltage systems, and eliminates diesel emissions, improving the efficiency and flexibility of material transport within mines.

Implementation Method 1

The traction motor is configured to convert electrical energy from the battery into a rotational output

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9718352B2System and method for material transfer and transport

Publication Date: 2017.08.01 TRANSPORTATION IP HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a system. The system includes a first vehicle, a second vehicle, and an interface between the first vehicle and the second vehicle. The interface is configured to enable the transfer of mechanical power from the second vehicle to the first vehicle when the first vehicle and the second vehicle are stationary.