Wireless Sensor Data Transmission for Autonomous Mining Drills

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing data transmission methods in surface mining drilling rigs are unreliable and prone to failure due to fatigue and weather conditions, which is a challenge for autonomous drilling where human intervention is absent and precise monitoring of operating parameters like RPM is crucial.

Innovation Solution

A wireless data transmission system using radio frequency signals, with a radio tachometer system and power harvesting techniques, is implemented to transmit data from sensors on the drilling rig to a remote location, ensuring reliable and efficient data collection and monitoring of operating parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired data transmission is used in drilling rigs, then data can be transmitted to monitor operating parameters, but the wiring fails due to fatigue and weather conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidwiring longevity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired data transmission system with a wireless communication system. The wireless system eliminates physical wiring that is subject to fatigue and weather-related failure, using electromagnetic signals instead to transmit data from sensors to the control system, thereby resolving the reliability and longevity contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If autonomous drilling is implemented, then human intervention is eliminated, but reliable data transmission becomes critical as there is no human to observe drilling parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous drilling capabilityVSAvoiddata transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements wireless communication to replace wired systems, ensuring reliable data transmission for autonomous drilling operations. The wireless system provides robust data transmission capability that is not susceptible to physical wiring failures, enabling autonomous operation without human observation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If wired tachometer system is used, then RPM can be monitored, but the constant flexing of wiring during rotary head movement causes frequent failure

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRPM measurement capabilityVSAvoidtachometer system reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the wired tachometer system with a wireless implementation. The wireless tachometer maintains accurate RPM measurement capability while eliminating the wiring that is subject to fatigue from constant flexing during rotary head movement, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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 solution provides a reliable and long-lasting method for data transmission in autonomous drilling rigs, enabling remote monitoring and control of drilling operations, improving the accuracy and efficiency of the drilling process.

Implementation Method 1

which uses a wireless transmitter to transmit data collected by sensors using radio frequency electromagnetic signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio frequency transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The wireless transmitter is powered by a vibration sensor that harvests energy from drill vibrations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration energy harvesting: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8836534B2Method and system for integrating sensors on an autonomous mining drilling rig
Publication Date: 2014.09.16 SANDVIK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AB
  • US8836534B2 patent drawing
  • US8836534B2 patent drawing
  • US8836534B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An autonomous drilling rig (200), including a carriage including a mast (204), a rotary head (202) configured to traverse up and down the mast (204), and a wireless transmission system. The wireless transmission system includes a wireless transmitter (208) mounted on the rotary head (202) and configured to send a wireless signal to a wireless receiver (210). The wireless transmitter (210) includes a first connector (209) configured to engage with a first sensor, wherein the sensor measures at least one operating parameter. The wireless transmission system further includes the wireless receiver (210) configured to receive the wireless signal from the wireless transmitter (208), wherein the wireless signal comprises the at least one measured operating parameter, and a display unit (610) operatively connected to the wireless receiver (210) and configured to display the measured operating parameter.