A method to assist ships in passing through navigation tunnels

Abstract

This invention discloses a method for assisting ships in passing through navigation tunnels. It includes the following steps: Step 1: retracting the wheeled drive mechanism; Step 2: moving the towing platform to the waiting ship; Step 3: extending the wheeled drive mechanism; Step 4: the bow of the ship entering the concave structure of the towing platform; Step 5: connecting the towing platform to the bow mooring bollard or hull of the ship; Step 6: activating the wheeled drive mechanism to tow the towing platform and ship; Step 7: moving the towing platform to the exit of the navigation tunnel and disconnecting the towing platform from the bow of the ship; Step 8: the towing platform exiting the channel and waiting for oncoming ships in the double-lane navigation tunnel; Step 9: the oncoming ship passes through by its own propulsion; Step 10: the towing platform connecting with the oncoming ship and towing it through the tunnel; Step 11: the towing platform returning to the starting point of the navigation tunnel. This invention has the advantage of enabling ships to pass through long-distance navigation tunnels under conditions of large water level fluctuations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of shipping engineering technology, and more specifically to a method for assisting ships in passing through navigation tunnels. Background Technology

[0002] Water transport boasts advantages such as large capacity, low energy consumption, and low cost, making it the most important mode of freight transport in my country and the world. In navigation projects such as high dam navigability on mountainous rivers and inter-river canals, navigable tunnels are an effective, and sometimes the only, way to open up waterways and develop water transport, offering advantages over conventional open-cut channels such as reduced engineering workload, lower geological risks, and environmental friendliness. However, for navigable tunnels, especially long-distance navigable tunnels (i.e., tunnels exceeding 1 km in length), the following limitations exist: ① Due to technical feasibility and engineering investment constraints, the width of navigable tunnels cannot be as wide as that of conventional open-cut channels, making it easy for ships to rub against the tunnel walls when passing through, affecting ship safety and tunnel efficiency; ② Navigable tunnels are relatively enclosed environments, and exhaust gases generated by ships accumulate inside, making them difficult to expel and affecting air quality. Therefore, how to solve the problem of ships passing through long-distance navigable tunnels has always been a technical challenge in shipping engineering.

[0003] To address the issue of vessel passage, some scholars have proposed measures such as railcar traction. Railcar traction can partially overcome pollution and vessel restraint problems associated with self-propelled vessels, but it still has certain drawbacks or unresolved issues. For example, because the traction track is located at a fixed elevation inside the tunnel, under conditions of significant fluctuations in navigable water levels, the traction angle can become excessively large, reducing traction efficiency and affecting vessel buoyancy and navigation safety. Furthermore, using railcar traction in navigable tunnels is limited by track layout conditions, requiring larger tunnel excavation faces for track laying, significantly increasing investment costs and construction time. It also cannot achieve cyclical traction by the railcar, only enabling unidirectional traction on one side of long-distance navigable tunnels, and cannot achieve synchronous traction of vessels traveling in opposite directions over long distances. Moreover, vessels must return empty during traction operations, greatly increasing operating costs and reducing vessel passage efficiency, while also presenting significant technical challenges and engineering costs. In emergencies during traction, vessels struggle to brake effectively. Additionally, under conditions of large water level changes, the large angle at which the traction trolley pulls the vessel can easily cause it to become unstable. It is evident that existing technologies still struggle to effectively address the technical challenges of ships passing through long-distance navigation tunnels under conditions of significant water level fluctuations. Therefore, it is essential to develop a method that can solve the problem of ships passing through long-distance navigation tunnels under such conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for assisting ships in passing through navigation tunnels. This method allows ships to pass through navigation tunnels without self-propulsion, without occupying tunnel width, reducing tunnel excavation cross-section, and lowering engineering investment. Simultaneously, it enables ships to adapt to large water level fluctuations (under large water level fluctuations, the towing platform's traction force and the ship remain on the same plane, with traction efficiency approaching 100%, without affecting the ship's buoyancy) and pass through long-distance navigation tunnels. During towing, it provides a certain degree of constraint and limitation for the ship, ensuring stable posture while navigating within the tunnel and preventing collisions with tunnel sidewalls. It also provides significant braking force for the ship, facilitating braking and improving operational efficiency and safety. Using this method, the towing platform can be reused cyclically in dual-track navigation tunnels, improving ship passage efficiency.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is: a method for assisting ships in passing through navigation tunnels, characterized by comprising the following steps,

[0006] Step 1: Retract the wheel drive on the towing platform using the hydraulic telescopic mechanism of the device that assists the vessel in passing through the navigation tunnel;

[0007] Step 2: Using the auxiliary propulsion device of the auxiliary vessel to pass through the navigation tunnel, move the towing platform to the waiting vessel at the entrance of the navigation tunnel, connect the power supply device, and turn off the auxiliary propulsion device;

[0008] Step 3: Extend the wheel drive unit on the towing platform via the hydraulic telescopic mechanism to ensure close contact between the wheel drive unit and the tunnel sidewall;

[0009] Step 4: The vessel proceeds toward the navigation tunnel, slowly approaches the towing platform, and the bow of the vessel enters the concave structure of the towing platform. The vessel's engines are then shut off.

[0010] Step 5: Connect the triangularly arranged mooring bollards or electromagnetic connectors of the towing platform to the bow mooring bollards or hull of the ship, ensuring stability;

[0011] Step Six: Activate the wheel drive system and use the friction between the drive wheels and the tunnel sidewalls to tow the platform and the vessel.

[0012] Step 7: The towing platform pulls the vessel to the exit of the navigation tunnel, disconnects the towing platform from the bow of the vessel, and retracts the wheel drive on the towing platform using the hydraulic telescopic mechanism.

[0013] Step 8: Use the auxiliary propulsion unit to drive the towed platform out of the channel, and in the double-lane navigation tunnel, drive into the entrance of the opposite tunnel, wait for the opposite passing vessel or drive the opposite vessel to the starting point of returning to the navigation tunnel to drive the next vessel passing through the navigation tunnel.

[0014] Step Nine: Ships traveling in opposite directions proceed through the tunnel by their own propulsion.

[0015] Step 10: Connect the towing platform to the vessel going through the tunnel, and repeat steps 3 to 8 to tow the vessel through the tunnel according to the tunnel passage procedure.

[0016] Step 11: The towing platform returns to the starting point of the navigation tunnel and drives the next vessel through the tunnel.

[0017] Furthermore, there may be one or more towing platforms;

[0018] When there is one towing platform, the towing platform can be set at the bow of the ship to drive the ship's movement by traction, or it can be set at the stern of the ship to drive the ship's movement by jacking, assisting the ship in passing through navigation tunnels.

[0019] When there are two towing platforms, they are respectively set at the bow and stern of the ship, and simultaneously tow and push to drive the ship and assist it in passing through navigation tunnels.

[0020] Furthermore, a towing platform can assist one or more vessels in passing through navigation tunnels;

[0021] When a towing platform assists multiple vessels through a navigation tunnel by towing, the towing platform can be equipped with multiple concave structures 3.1. These different concave structures are spaced at certain intervals according to the vessel's width, allowing them to connect with multiple vessels simultaneously, thus towing multiple vessels. When a towing platform assists multiple vessels through a navigation tunnel by pushing, the towing platform can be equipped with multiple pushing devices simultaneously according to the vessel's width, thus allowing it to push multiple vessels at the same time.

[0022] In the above technical solution, the device for assisting ships to pass through navigation tunnels includes a towing platform, a wheel drive, an auxiliary positioning wheel, a connecting device, an auxiliary drive, a power supply device, and a storage battery;

[0023] The wheel drive, auxiliary positioning wheels, connecting device, auxiliary drive, power supply device and battery are all installed on the towing platform;

[0024] Wheel drives are mounted on both sides of the towing platform;

[0025] The auxiliary positioning wheels are located on both sides of the tail end of the towing platform;

[0026] The auxiliary thruster is located below the towing platform;

[0027] The power supply unit is installed on the side wall of the navigation tunnel;

[0028] The connecting device is located at the upper end of the towing platform and is also located at the tail end of the towing platform;

[0029] The auxiliary positioning wheel is located between the wheel drive and the connecting device.

[0030] In the above technical solution, the stern of the towing platform is provided with a concave structure that matches the shape of the bow of the navigable vessel;

[0031] Multiple sets of connecting devices are arranged along the concave structure, and are respectively arranged at the top and the tail end of the side wings of the concave structure.

[0032] In the above technical solution, the wheel drive includes a drive wheel, a drive motor, a spring device, and a hydraulic telescopic and synchronizing device;

[0033] The drive wheels are located on the outside of the towing platform and are driven by a drive motor to rotate in the horizontal plane;

[0034] The drive wheels are connected to the towing platform via a spring mechanism and a hydraulic telescopic and synchronization device.

[0035] The hydraulic telescopic and synchronization device can control the movement of the drive wheel in the direction perpendicular to the waterway. Through the telescopic arm, the extension distance of the drive wheel can be controlled to achieve the pressing and disengagement of the drive wheel from the side wall of the navigation tunnel.

[0036] The elastic device applies pressure to make the drive wheel press against the side wall of the navigation tunnel at a set pressure, providing the friction required to tow the vessel.

[0037] A sleeve hinge structure is set between the drive wheel and the elastic device, so that the drive wheel can float up and down and pitch within a certain range, ensuring that the drive wheel moves forward along the horizontal plane.

[0038] In the above technical solution, the auxiliary positioning wheel includes an auxiliary wheel, an elastic device, and a hydraulic telescopic device;

[0039] The auxiliary positioning wheel is connected to the towing platform via an elastic device and a hydraulic telescopic and synchronization device. The hydraulic telescopic device can control the movement of the drive wheel in the direction perpendicular to the waterway, realizing the pressing and releasing of the drive wheel against the sidewall of the navigation tunnel. The elastic device applies pressure to the auxiliary wheel, making the auxiliary wheel stick tightly to the tunnel sidewall, which can ensure that the auxiliary positioning wheel is in close contact with the tunnel sidewall at a set pressure.

[0040] In the above technical solution, there are multiple sets of auxiliary thrusters;

[0041] The auxiliary propulsion unit is powered by a battery and controls the towed platform's movement and steering in the water. When not towed and detached from the overhead contact line, it controls the towed platform to navigate autonomously in the channel outside the tunnel.

[0042] In the above technical solutions, the power supply devices are respectively installed in the navigation tunnel and at the top of the towing platform;

[0043] The power supply equipment includes the overhead contact line and the power receiving equipment;

[0044] The overhead contact line is embedded in the side wall of the navigation tunnel and is located above the highest design water level inside the navigation tunnel.

[0045] The power receiving device is located on the towing platform and receives power through the overhead contact line to provide power for towing the vessel;

[0046] The power supply device adopts a telescopic pole structure. When the water level changes, the connection between the towing platform and the contact network is maintained by the extension and retraction adjustment of the telescopic pole structure. When the ship is not towing, the telescopic pole structure is disconnected from the contact network.

[0047] In the above technical solution, the battery is installed on the towing platform. When the towing platform is detached from the overhead contact line, it provides power to the device that assists the ship in passing through the navigation tunnel, and drives the towing platform to travel and turn in the waterway.

[0048] In the above technical solution, the width of the towing platform is smaller than the net width of the navigation tunnel;

[0049] The towed platform includes a support platform and a float; the support platform is located on top of the float.

[0050] The wheel drive, auxiliary positioning wheel, connecting device, auxiliary drive, power supply device and battery are all mounted on the support platform;

[0051] The floating body has a ship-like structure;

[0052] The support platform has a flat deck structure.

[0053] Compared with traditional methods, the advantages of this invention are:

[0054] (1) The towing platform of the present invention forms a three-point stable connection structure with the ship, which can constrain and limit the ship's direction, effectively avoid the ship from rubbing against the tunnel sidewall, and improve driving safety and traffic efficiency; it solves the problem that ships are prone to rubbing against the tunnel sidewall when they sail through the tunnel by themselves, which affects the ship's driving safety and traffic efficiency.

[0055] (2) The power supply device used in this invention can assist ships to pass through long-distance navigation tunnels without self-propulsion, avoiding exhaust gas, oil pollution and noise pollution caused by self-propulsion, and better protecting the environment; it solves the problem of exhaust gas pollution in tunnels caused by ships self-propulsion when passing through tunnels in the prior art.

[0056] (3) The towing platform in this invention is equipped with a floating body that can float on the water surface with changes in water level. The towing platform is at the same height as the ship, so that the traction force and the ship are always on the same plane. The traction efficiency is high and does not affect the ship's floating state. It enables the ship to adapt to the conditions of large water level fluctuations and pass through long-distance navigation tunnels. It solves the problem in the prior art that the traction angle of the railcar is too large under the conditions of large water level fluctuations, which reduces the traction efficiency and changes the ship's floating state, affecting the ship's safety.

[0057] (4) The present invention only requires the contact wire to be embedded above the side wall of the navigation tunnel, without occupying the space of the navigation tunnel, which can effectively save the space of the navigation tunnel, reduce the amount of tunnel excavation and engineering investment; and solves the problem that the existing technology of railcar traction (side arrangement) occupies the width of the navigation tunnel, increases the excavation cross section and engineering investment.

[0058] (5) After the towing platform of the present invention tows the ship through the navigation tunnel, the towing platform can propel itself to the entrance of the opposite tunnel using only its own battery. The towing platform can be reused to continuously drive ships at the tunnel entrances on both sides of the central pier for tunnel navigation, which greatly improves navigation efficiency. It solves the problem that the existing technology of the traction railcar in the tunnel is difficult to reuse, which affects the navigation efficiency.

[0059] This invention is applicable to navigation engineering projects such as waterways and locks with navigation tunnels. Using this invention, ships can be better assisted in passing through navigation tunnels, thus improving the practicality of navigation tunnels. This invention has strong applicability and is suitable for assisting ships in passing through navigation tunnels that are either curved or vertical. Attached Figure Description

[0060] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of the method for assisting ships in passing through navigation tunnels according to the present invention.

[0061] Figure 2 This is a rendering of a towing platform connecting a vessel to a navigation tunnel, as described in this invention.

[0062] Figure 3 This is an overall rendering of the towing platform in this invention.

[0063] Figure 4 This is a top view of the towing platform in this invention.

[0064] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the towing platform of the present invention at low water levels.

[0065] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the towing platform of the present invention at high water levels.

[0066] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection method between the towing platform and the ship in this invention.

[0067] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a towed platform used in a cyclical manner in a dual-lane navigation tunnel according to the present invention.

[0068] In the diagram: 1-Navigation vessel, 2-Navigation tunnel, 3-Towing platform, 3.1-Concave structure, 4-Channel, 5-Central pier, 6-Opposite-direction tunnel, 7-Bearing platform, 8-Floating body, 9-Drive wheel, 10-Auxiliary positioning wheel, 11-Driver, 12-Synchronous shaft, 13-Connecting device, 14-Auxiliary drive, 15-Telescopic mast, 16-Power receiving device, 17-Rubber fender, 18-Power supply device. Detailed Implementation

[0069] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these descriptions do not constitute a limitation of the present invention and are merely illustrative. The advantages of the present invention will become clearer and easier to understand through this description.

[0070] Referring to the attached diagram, a method for assisting ships in passing through navigation tunnels includes the following steps:

[0071] Step 1: Retract the wheel drive on towing platform 3 using the hydraulic telescopic mechanism of the device that assists the vessel in passing through the navigation tunnel;

[0072] Step 2: Using the auxiliary propulsion device of the auxiliary vessel passing through the navigation tunnel, the towing platform 3 is driven to the entrance of the navigation tunnel 2 to wait for the vessel, the power supply device 18 is connected, and the auxiliary propulsion is turned off;

[0073] Step 3: Extend the wheel drive on the towing platform 3 through the hydraulic telescopic mechanism to ensure close contact between the wheel drive and the tunnel sidewall, so that the ship can maintain a stable posture when traveling in the navigation tunnel, avoid collision with the tunnel sidewall, and at the same time provide greater braking force for the ship, making it easier to brake, improving operating efficiency and safety.

[0074] Step 4: The vessel proceeds toward the navigation tunnel 2, slowly approaches the towing platform 3, and the bow of the vessel enters the concave structure of the towing platform 3. The vessel's engines are then shut off.

[0075] Step 5: Connect the triangularly arranged mooring bollards or electromagnetic connectors of the towing platform 3 to the bow mooring bollards or hull of the ship to ensure stability;

[0076] Step Six: Activate the wheel drive system and use the friction between the drive wheels and the tunnel sidewalls to tow the towing platform 3 and the ship.

[0077] Step 7: The towing platform 3 travels to the exit of the navigation tunnel 2, the cable between the towing platform 3 and the bow of the ship is untied, and the wheel drive on the towing platform 3 is retracted through the hydraulic telescopic mechanism.

[0078] Step 8: Use the auxiliary propulsion to drive the towed platform 3 out of the channel. In the dual-lane navigation tunnel, it can enter the entrance of the opposite tunnel and wait for the opposite passing vessel or drive the opposite vessel to the starting point of returning to the navigation tunnel 2 to drive the next forward passing vessel through the navigation tunnel.

[0079] Step Nine: Ships traveling in opposite directions proceed through the tunnel by their own propulsion.

[0080] Step 10: Connect towing platform 3 with the vessel going through the tunnel in the opposite direction, and repeat steps 3 to 8 to tow the vessel through the tunnel in the opposite direction according to the tunnel passage procedure.

[0081] Step 11: Tow platform 3 returns to the starting point of navigation tunnel 2 and waits for the next vessel to pass through the tunnel.

[0082] Furthermore, the device for assisting vessels in passing through navigation tunnels includes a towing platform 3, a wheel drive, an auxiliary positioning wheel 10, a connecting device 13, an auxiliary drive 14, a power supply device 18, and a battery.

[0083] The towing platform is a hull structure that can float on the water surface;

[0084] The wheel drive, auxiliary positioning wheel 10, connecting device 13, auxiliary drive 14, power supply device 18 and storage battery are all mounted on the towing platform 3;

[0085] Wheel drives are mounted on both sides of the towing platform 3;

[0086] The auxiliary positioning wheels 10 are located on both sides of the tail end of the towing platform 3;

[0087] The auxiliary thruster is located below the towing platform 3;

[0088] The power supply unit is installed on the side wall of the navigation tunnel 2;

[0089] The connecting device 13 is located at the upper end of the towing platform 3 and is set at the tail end of the towing platform 3;

[0090] The auxiliary positioning wheel 10 is located between the wheel drive and the connecting device 13.

[0091] Furthermore, there may be one or more towing platforms;

[0092] When there is one towing platform, the towing platform can be set at the bow of the ship to drive the ship's movement by traction, or it can be set at the stern of the ship to drive the ship's movement by jacking, assisting the ship in passing through navigation tunnels.

[0093] When there are two towing platforms, they are respectively set at the bow and stern of the ship, and simultaneously tow and push to drive the ship and assist it in passing through navigation tunnels.

[0094] Furthermore, a towing platform can assist one or more vessels in passing through navigation tunnels;

[0095] When a towing platform assists multiple vessels through a navigation tunnel by towing, the towing platform can be equipped with multiple concave structures 3.1. These different concave structures are spaced at certain intervals according to the vessel's width, allowing them to connect with multiple vessels simultaneously, thus towing multiple vessels. When a towing platform assists multiple vessels through a navigation tunnel by pushing, the towing platform can be equipped with multiple pushing devices simultaneously according to the vessel's width, thus allowing it to push multiple vessels at the same time.

[0096] Furthermore, the stern of the towing platform 3 is provided with a concave structure 3.1 that matches the shape of the bow of the navigable vessel; the rear of the towing platform 3 is concave, with side wings extending on both sides. The concave part matches the shape of the bow of the navigable vessel, so that the bow can be inserted into the concave structure and ensure that the bow does not contact the towing platform.

[0097] Multiple sets of connecting devices 13 are arranged along the concave structure 3.1, and are respectively arranged at the top and the tail end of the side wing of the concave structure 3.1; three sets of mooring bollards or electromagnetic connectors are installed on the towing platform, respectively located at the ends of the two side wings and the front of the "concave" shape; the three sets of connecting devices can be connected to the mooring bollards at the bow of the ship or the hull, forming a triangular structure to maintain a stable connection between the towing platform and the ship and to ensure directional stability during navigation. The connecting devices can be mooring bollards or electromagnetic connectors.

[0098] Furthermore, the wheel drive unit is one or more sets.

[0099] Furthermore, the wheel drive includes a drive wheel 9, a drive motor, a spring device, and a hydraulic telescopic and synchronizing device;

[0100] The drive wheel 9 is located on the outside of the towing platform 3 and is driven by a drive motor to rotate in the horizontal plane;

[0101] The drive wheel 9 is connected to the towing platform 3 via an elastic device and a hydraulic telescopic and synchronization device.

[0102] The hydraulic telescopic and synchronization device can control the drive wheel 9 to move in the direction perpendicular to the waterway, so as to achieve the pressing and disengagement of the drive wheel 9 from the side wall of the navigation tunnel;

[0103] The elastic device can apply pressure to make the drive wheel 9 press against the side wall of the navigation tunnel 2 at a set pressure, providing the friction required to tow the vessel.

[0104] A sleeve hinge structure is provided between the drive wheel 9 and the elastic device, so that the drive wheel can float up and down and pitch within a certain range, ensuring that the drive wheel advances along the horizontal front.

[0105] Furthermore, the auxiliary positioning wheel 10 includes an auxiliary wheel, a spring device, and a hydraulic telescopic device;

[0106] The auxiliary positioning wheel 10 is connected to the towing platform 3 via an elastic device and a hydraulic telescopic and synchronization device. The hydraulic telescopic device can control the movement of the drive wheel in the direction perpendicular to the waterway, realizing the pressing and disengagement of the drive wheel from the sidewall of the navigation tunnel. The elastic device applies pressure to the auxiliary wheel, making the auxiliary wheel stick tightly to the tunnel sidewall, which can ensure that the auxiliary positioning wheel is pressed tightly against the tunnel sidewall with a set pressure.

[0107] Furthermore, there can be multiple sets of auxiliary thrusters;

[0108] The auxiliary propulsion unit is powered by a battery and can control the towed platform's movement and steering in the water. Its main function is to control the towed platform to navigate autonomously in the channel outside the tunnel when it is not towed and is detached from the overhead contact line.

[0109] Furthermore, the power supply device 18 is respectively installed on the upper end of the navigation tunnel 2 and the towing platform 3;

[0110] The power supply device 18 includes a contact wire and a power receiving device 16;

[0111] The overhead contact line is embedded in the side wall of the navigation tunnel 2 and is located above the highest design water level inside the navigation tunnel 2. This ensures that the waterway width is not occupied and that the safety of ships is guaranteed when passing through.

[0112] The power receiving device 16 is installed on the towing platform 3, and its function is to receive power through the contact wire to provide power for towing the vessel.

[0113] The power supply device 16 adopts a multi-section telescopic rod structure 15. When the water level changes, the connection between the towing platform 3 and the contact network can be ensured by the telescopic adjustment of the telescopic rod structure 15. When the ship is not towing, the telescopic rod structure 15 can be detached from the contact network.

[0114] Furthermore, the battery is installed on the towing platform 3, which can provide power to the device that assists the ship in passing through the navigation tunnel when the towing platform 3 is detached from the catenary, and drive the towing platform 3 to travel and turn in the waterway.

[0115] Furthermore, the width of the towing platform 3 is slightly smaller than the net width of the navigation tunnel 2;

[0116] The towing platform 3 includes a support platform 7 and a float 8; the support platform 7 is located on the upper part of the float 8; the upper part of the towing platform is the support platform 7, and the lower part is the float 8. The float 8 provides buoyancy to the towing platform, ensuring that the towing platform can float on the water surface and is basically at the same height as the ship.

[0117] The wheel drive, auxiliary positioning wheel 10, connecting device 13, auxiliary drive 14, power supply device 18 and storage battery are all mounted on the support platform 7;

[0118] Float 8 has a ship-like structure;

[0119] The support platform 7 has a flat deck structure.

[0120] To more clearly illustrate the advantages of the method for assisting ships in passing through navigation tunnels described in this invention compared with existing technologies, the researchers compared the two technical solutions, and the comparison results are shown in the table below:

[0121]

[0122] As can be seen from the table above, compared with the prior art, the method for assisting ships to pass through navigation tunnels described in this invention has high ship navigation safety, high ship navigation efficiency, low investment and operating costs, strong applicability, and can be recycled within the tunnel.

[0123] Example

[0124] The present invention will now be described in detail using an example of its application to assist vessels in passing through a curved navigation tunnel. This will also provide guidance for applying the present invention to assist vessels in passing through other navigation tunnels.

[0125] In a curved navigation tunnel, when ships navigate by themselves or tow, their maneuverability is poor, their track width is wide, and they are prone to rubbing against the tunnel sidewalls. Therefore, a wider tunnel is required, which increases the project investment and reduces the towing efficiency.

[0126] This embodiment uses the method of the present invention to assist ships in passing through a curved navigation tunnel. The specific method is as follows:

[0127] Step 1: Retract the wheel drive on towing platform 3 using the hydraulic telescopic mechanism of the device that assists the vessel in passing through the navigation tunnel;

[0128] Step 2: Using the auxiliary propulsion device of the auxiliary vessel passing through the navigation tunnel, the towing platform 3 is driven to the entrance of the navigation tunnel 2 to wait for the vessel, the power supply device 18 is connected, and the auxiliary propulsion is turned off;

[0129] Step 3: Extend the wheel drive on the towing platform 3 through the hydraulic telescopic mechanism to ensure close contact between the wheel drive and the tunnel sidewall;

[0130] Step 4: The vessel proceeds toward the navigation tunnel 2, slowly approaches the towing platform 3, and the bow of the vessel enters the concave mechanism of the towing platform 3, and the vessel's engine is shut off.

[0131] Step 5: Connect the triangular mooring bollard or electromagnetic connector of towing platform 3 to the bow mooring bollard or hull of the ship to ensure stability;

[0132] Step Six: Activate the wheel drive system and use the friction between the drive wheels and the tunnel sidewalls to tow the towing platform 3 and the ship.

[0133] Step 7: The towing platform 3 travels to the exit of the navigation tunnel 2, the cable between the towing platform 3 and the bow of the ship is untied, and the wheel drive on the towing platform 3 is retracted through the hydraulic telescopic mechanism.

[0134] Step 8: Use the auxiliary propulsion unit to drive the towed platform 3 out of the channel. In the dual-lane tunnel, it can enter the entrance of the opposite tunnel and wait for the opposite passing vessel.

[0135] Step Nine: Ships traveling in opposite directions proceed through the tunnel by their own propulsion.

[0136] Step 10: Connect towing platform 3 with the vessel going through the tunnel in the opposite direction, and tow the vessel through the tunnel in the opposite direction according to the tunnel passage procedure;

[0137] Step 11: Tow platform 3 returns to the starting point of navigation tunnel 2 and waits for the next vessel to pass through the tunnel.

[0138] Conclusion: This embodiment utilizes the method of the present invention to assist ships in navigating a curved navigation tunnel without self-propulsion using a towing platform and power supply device. It produces no exhaust fumes, oil spills, or noise pollution. The towing platform is driven by drive wheels to haul the ship, resulting in high traction efficiency. The towing platform can float on the water surface with changes in water level, adapting to large water level fluctuations. Under these fluctuations, the traction force of the towing platform and the ship remains on the same plane, achieving a traction efficiency close to 100%, without affecting the ship's buoyancy. This effectively saves on the width of the navigation tunnel (in this embodiment, the width of the curved navigation tunnel is only slightly larger than the ship's width), reducing engineering investment and enabling bidirectional ship passage. The towing platform and ship form a stable three-point connection structure, constraining the ship's direction and effectively preventing collisions with the tunnel walls. Furthermore, the towing platform's close contact with the tunnel further constrains the ship, further reducing the risk of collisions.

[0139] All other unspecified parts belong to the prior art.

Claims

1. A method for assisting ships in passing through navigation tunnels, characterized in that: The device includes an auxiliary vessel for passing through a navigation tunnel, which includes a towing platform, a wheel drive, an auxiliary positioning wheel, a connecting device, an auxiliary drive, a power supply device, and a battery. The wheel drive, auxiliary positioning wheels, connecting device, auxiliary drive, power supply device and battery are all installed on the towing platform; Wheel drives are mounted on both sides of the towing platform; The auxiliary positioning wheels are located on both sides of the tail end of the towing platform; The auxiliary drive is located below the towing platform; The power supply unit is installed on the side wall of the navigation tunnel; The connecting device is located at the upper end of the towing platform and is also located at the tail end of the towing platform; The auxiliary positioning wheel is located between the wheel drive and the connecting device; The stern of the towing platform is equipped with a concave structure that matches the shape of the bow of a navigable vessel; Multiple sets of connecting devices are arranged along the concave structure, and are respectively arranged at the top and the tail end of the side wings of the concave structure; The method includes the following steps: Step 1: Retract the wheel drive on the towing platform using the hydraulic telescopic mechanism of the device that assists the vessel in passing through the navigation tunnel; Step 2: Using the auxiliary propulsion device of the auxiliary vessel to pass through the navigation tunnel, the towed platform is driven to the waiting vessel at the entrance of the navigation tunnel, the power supply is connected, and the auxiliary propulsion is turned off; Step 3: Extend the wheel drive unit on the towing platform via the hydraulic telescopic mechanism; Step 4: The vessel proceeds toward the navigation tunnel, slowly approaches the towing platform, and the bow of the vessel enters the concave structure of the towing platform. The vessel's engines are then shut off. Step 5: Connect the triangularly arranged mooring bollards or electromagnetic connectors of the towing platform to the bow mooring bollards or hull of the ship. Step Six: Activate the wheel drive system and use the friction between the drive wheels and the tunnel sidewalls to tow the platform and the vessel. Step 7: The towing platform pulls the vessel to the exit of the navigation tunnel, disconnects the towing platform from the bow of the vessel, and retracts the wheel drive on the towing platform using the hydraulic telescopic mechanism. Step 8: Use the auxiliary propulsion unit to drive the towed platform out of the channel, and in the double-lane navigation tunnel, drive into the entrance of the opposite tunnel, wait for the opposite passing vessel or drive the opposite vessel to the starting point of returning to the navigation tunnel to drive the next vessel passing through the navigation tunnel. Step Nine: Ships traveling in opposite directions proceed through the tunnel by their own propulsion. Step 10: Connect the towing platform to the vessel going through the tunnel, and repeat steps 3 to 8 to tow the vessel through the tunnel according to the tunnel passage procedure. Step 11: The tow platform returns to the starting point of the navigation tunnel, waiting to drive the next vessel through the tunnel.

2. The method for assisting ships in passing through navigation tunnels according to claim 1, characterized in that: A wheeled drive system includes a drive wheel, a drive motor, a spring mechanism, and a hydraulic telescopic and synchronizing mechanism. The drive wheels are located on the outside of the towing platform; The drive wheels are connected to the towing platform via a spring mechanism and a hydraulic telescopic and synchronization device. The hydraulic telescopic and synchronizing device controls the movement of the drive wheels in the direction perpendicular to the waterway. The elastic device applies pressure to make the drive wheel press tightly against the side wall of the navigation tunnel at a set pressure; A sleeve hinge structure is installed between the drive wheel and the elastic device.

3. The method for assisting ships to pass through navigation tunnels according to claim 2, characterized in that: The auxiliary positioning wheel includes an auxiliary wheel, a spring mechanism, and a hydraulic telescopic mechanism; The auxiliary positioning wheel is connected to the towing platform through an elastic device and a hydraulic telescopic device. The elastic device assists the positioning wheel in pressing tightly against the tunnel sidewall with a set pressure.

4. The method for assisting ships in passing through navigation tunnels according to claim 3, characterized in that: There are multiple sets of auxiliary thrusters; The auxiliary propulsion unit is powered by a battery and controls the towed platform's movement and steering in the water. When not towed and detached from the overhead contact line, it controls the towed platform to navigate autonomously in the channel outside the tunnel.

5. The method for assisting ships in passing through navigation tunnels according to claim 4, characterized in that: Power supply units are installed in the navigation tunnel and on the upper part of the towing platform; The power supply equipment includes the overhead contact line and the power receiving equipment; The overhead contact line is embedded in the side wall of the navigation tunnel and is located above the highest design water level inside the navigation tunnel. The power receiving device is located on the towing platform; The power supply device adopts a telescopic pole structure.

6. The method for assisting ships in passing through navigation tunnels according to claim 5, characterized in that: The battery is installed on the towing platform.

7. The method for assisting ships in passing through navigation tunnels according to claim 6, characterized in that: The towed platform includes a support platform and a float; the support platform is located on top of the float. The wheel drive, auxiliary positioning wheel, connecting device, auxiliary drive, power supply device and battery are all mounted on the support platform; The floating body has a ship-like structure.

Images