Roadheader guidance

Roadheader guidance systems provide an automated means to minimising operating expenses while maximising the accuracy of cut. We achieve this by using a unique, computer-driven machine operator’s ‘total station’ (display screen).

We have developed a roadheader guidance system that provides clear and accurate cutterhead information in the harshest of conditions.

To measure the location and orientation of the roadheader, at least two defined points of the roadheader (EDM prisms) must be measured in three dimensional space. Their exact location relative to the roadheader axis and local roadheader coordinate system must be determined only once – at roadheader system setup.

Since the location of the prisms in the roadheader coordinate system was established at roadheader set-up, and the roll and pitch of the roadheader are known at all times, the centre of the pivot mechanism of the cutter arm can be readily located in global three-dimensional space.

The system computer combines the position of the roadheader, the cutter tool arm orientation, the previously stored tunnel design centerline and profile to provide the machine operator with a real-time display of the cutting tool location relative to the design profile.

System components

• A total station is setup on the wall behind the Roadheader. The total station is programmed to continuously measure to two prisms mounted on the main body of the machine.
• A dual-axis level sensor continuously updates the orientation of the machine with respect to gravity.
• At least three movement sensors relate the position of the cutterhead to the main body of the roadheader.

Information from the above equipment is compiled and calculated by the system PC and software. Results for the real-world cutterhead location relative to the design profile are then shown on the screen for the operator to view and follow.

Features

• Sensing interface which is compatible with our own sensors or pre-existing sensor networks.
• Vector-based data storage and calculations which provide perfectly accurate model of the tunnel.
• Real-time productivity which enables operators and managers to keep track of their progress.
• Surface to face connectivity which enables data transfer to and from the cutting face.