Device for transforming conventional port bollards into smart bollards

Abstract

Device for transforming conventional port bollards (1) into intelligent bollards, characterized by comprising detection sensors (5) strategically placed on the bollard to cover the contact area of the mooring line, configured to detect the presence of a mooring line and connected by a cable (4) to an electronic box (2); said electronic box includes a microcontroller configured to process the data received from the sensors (5), a communication system configured to transmit, manage or make available the processed information, directly or indirectly, to central systems, databases or port management systems, in real time or delayed, visual signaling by means of light emitting diodes (LEDs) (6) to indicate the operational status of the bollard, and autonomous or connected power supply, which may include solar panels (3), rechargeable batteries or other suitable energy sources to ensure the operation of the device in port environments.

Description

Device for transforming conventional port bollards into intelligent bollards TECHNICAL SECTOR This utility model application falls within the field of port engineering and intelligent management devices applied to maritime infrastructure. More specifically, the invention relates to control, monitoring, and communication devices for vessel mooring points, such as bollards (also known as no-ride markers), through the integration of sensor technologies and IoT connectivity. It is well known that conventional bollards in ports lack detection and connectivity devices that would allow for optimized management. This deficiency leads to inefficiencies in key areas such as billing for usage time, identifying unforeseen unmoorings, and controlling unauthorized use. The present invention aims to resolve these deficiencies by means of a device that transforms existing conventional bollards into smart bollards, providing new real-time management and security capabilities without the need for replacement. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Currently, bollards, also known as mooring posts, are mechanical structures located on port docks whose main function is to serve as a secure mooring point for vessels. These elements are essential to guarantee the stability and safety of ships while docked. However, despite their operational importance, traditional bollards lack integrated devices that can detect whether they are in use or transmit real-time information to port management systems, which limits their ability to optimize logistical and administrative processes. In the current market, there are newly installed technologies that allow monitoring of the forces exerted by mooring lines on bollards, making it possible to identify their use. Likewise, advanced devices, such as hooks, have been developed. Quick escape devices (GER), designed to remotely release the mooring lines in emergency situations. These devices also have the ability to detect if they are in use. But so far, no device has been proposed that can upgrade existing bollards, equipping them with the intelligence to detect their use and communicate with port systems, without requiring replacement. This lack represents a limitation in the state of the art, since replacing bollards involves high economic and logistical costs. Consequently, the available solutions do not efficiently address the problem of modernizing existing bollards without resorting to complete infrastructure replacement, incorporating advanced functionalities, connectivity, and usage detection capabilities, which are essential for optimizing port management. EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION The present invention aims to transform existing conventional port bollards into connected smart devices. This solution enables real-time monitoring of the bollard's status (reserved, occupied, or free), as well as the automation of operational and administrative processes, such as billing based on the duration of a vessel's stay in port. Furthermore, it facilitates the identification of bollards reserved for a specific port call, providing clear information to mooring personnel and minimizing errors in the use of unassigned bollards. The invention consists of a modular device installed near the bollard, which connects to one or more sensors mounted on the bollard itself. This device eliminates the need to replace the bollards or make invasive modifications to the port infrastructure. The sensors detect the presence of mooring lines. The device uses wireless communication to transmit data in real time to port management systems via wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi, LoRa, or similar, depending on the specific needs of the installation. The device includes LED indicators to show the bollard's status using distinct light signals. The main features of the device include: Usage detection: using sensors, it automatically identifies the occupancy of the bollard. Real-time communication: sends the collected data to central port management systems using wireless technology. Visual signaling: provides immediate indications of the bollard's status, improving operability and management in the port. The device's design ensures resistance to the harsh conditions of the port environment, including humidity, salinity, and extreme temperatures. Its installation requires no specialized tools and causes no significant disruption to port operations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To complement the description being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is included as an integral part of said description, in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented: Figure 1. Perspective view of the existing bollard from the quayside towards the sea. The bollard (1) is shown in its usual position on the quayside, along with the detection device (5) for identifying the presence of mooring lines, the electronic box (2) equipped with indicator lights (6), and the cable routing (4) that connects the bollard sensors to the electronic box. A solar panel (3) is also included as an example of an autonomous power source to provide energy to the device, although this option is not the only one. Figure 2. Perspective view of the bollard from the sea side towards the land, opposite to the orientation shown in Figure 1. This image shows the device integrated into the bollard (1), which includes the detection device (5), the electronic box (2) connected to the wiring (4), and a solar panel (3) presented as an example of a possible power source for the device. The interconnections between the main components are highlighted, without limiting the energy configuration options. Figure 3.- Side view of the bollard from the sea side towards land, perpendicular to the orientation of Figure 1. The bollard (1) is shown with the detection device (5) installed in the contact area of ​​the mooring lines. The electronic box (2), equipped with indicator lights (6), is connected to the sensors by wiring (4). A solar panel (3), shown as a possible autonomous power source, is positioned to capture energy, although other alternative power sources could be used. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION The preferred embodiment of the present invention focuses on the installation of a modular device designed to transform existing conventional bollards (1) into intelligent devices capable of detecting use and communicating in real time with port management systems without the need to replace them with new ones. This device is designed to be integrated non-invasively into the existing infrastructure, without requiring the replacement of the bollards or any structural modifications. The device includes: Sensors (5) installed on the bollard detect the moorings. These sensors, connected by cable (4) to the electronic box (2), automatically detect whether the bollard is in use or free depending on whether or not a mooring is present. An electronic box (2) houses a microcontroller responsible for processing the data from the sensors. The processed data is transmitted wirelessly to a centralized database or a real-time port management system. It also features LED indicators (6). This device is protected against adverse marine conditions such as humidity, salinity, and temperature fluctuations. Solar panel (3), presented as an autonomous power supply option, designed to capture solar energy and power the device's microcontroller. Autonomous power allows operation in port environments with limited electrical access, ensuring device functionality in locations where electrical infrastructure is limited or inaccessible. The possibility of using alternative power sources, such as rechargeable batteries or connections to existing electrical grids, is also considered, depending on the specific installation requirements. The LED signaling (6) visible on the electronic box (2) allows port operators and mooring personnel to quickly and visually identify the status of the bollard, indicating whether it is reserved, occupied, or free using distinct light signals. This helps prevent operational errors, such as mooring to bollards not intended for or reserved for other vessels. The device's design ensures quick and easy installation, requiring no specialized tools or additional construction work. Furthermore, its modularity allows it to be adapted to different types of bollards and progressively installed on port docks.

Claims

1. Device for transforming conventional port bollards (1) into intelligent bollards, characterized by comprising detection sensors (5) strategically placed on the bollard to cover the contact area of ​​the mooring line, configured to detect the presence of a mooring line and connected by a cable (4) to an electronic box (2); said electronic box includes a microcontroller configured to process the data received from the sensors (5), a communication system configured to transmit, manage or make available the processed information, directly or indirectly, to central systems, databases or port management systems, in real time or delayed, visual signaling by means of light emitting diodes (LEDs) (6) to indicate the operational status of the bollard, and autonomous or connected power supply, which may include solar panels (3),Rechargeable batteries or other suitable power sources to ensure the device's operation in port environments.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection sensors (5) determine the bollard's state as occupied when they detect the presence of a mooring line in the contact area, or vacant when they do not detect such presence.

3. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it provides visual signaling by means of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (6) to indicate the bollard's states.