Wireless Process Control for Mobile Mining Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wired systems for controlling mobile mining equipment are limited by their need for extensive cabling, which reduces mobility and is prone to physical and environmental damage, making them inefficient for remote operations and relocation.
Innovation Solution
A wireless process control system using multiple wireless networks operating on different radio frequency bands to enable real-time monitoring and control of mobile equipment, with equipment data collectors and controllers communicating through first and second wireless bridges to a host equipment control computer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired systems are used for process control, then communication reliability is improved, but mobility and range of operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired cabling system with a wireless communication system using radio frequency bridges. This substitution eliminates the physical constraints of cables while maintaining communication functionality, thereby improving mobility and range of operation without sacrificing control capabilities.
2Reliability
If wired systems are used for process control, then communication stability is improved, but ease of operation is reduced due to cabling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication function from the physical cabling infrastructure and implements it through wireless radio frequency bridges. This removes the cumbersome cabling requirements while maintaining stable communication, significantly improving ease of operation for mobile equipment.
3Reliability
If wired systems are used for process control, then data transmission reliability is improved, but loss of time is increased during relocation
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication system allows dynamic reconfiguration and rapid deployment without physical cabling. When relocating equipment, the wireless network can be quickly re-established without the time-consuming tasks of disconnecting, collecting, and reconnecting extensive cable arrays, thus reducing recommissioning time while maintaining data transmission reliability.
4Measurement precision
If wired systems are used for process control, then communication accuracy is improved, but device complexity is increased due to cabling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical cabling system with wireless radio frequency communication bridges. This eliminates the need for extensive physical connections, reducing device complexity while maintaining communication accuracy through wireless data transmission protocols.
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
The system allows for reliable remote monitoring and control of mobile equipment, minimizing communication interruptions and reducing the time required for recommissioning, while enhancing mobility and reducing the risk of physical damage to cabling.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of first wireless bridges are positionable on at least one of the plurality of mobile equipment, with each of the first wireless bridges operative to communicate according to a first radio frequency band, operative to transmit the first set of status and operational data for processing
Data Source
AI summary
A system for wireless process control comprises at least a first wireless network, which is used to communicate real-time instructions and data between one or more pieces of mobile equipment to at least one other piece of mobile equipment. In one variant, a second wireless network is provided, using a different radio frequency band, to concurrently communicate the same or substantially the same real-time instructions and data as are communicated over the first wireless network.