Inflatable fender management system and method

Abstract

The present invention provides a management system and method for an inflatable fender that suppresses wear on one side of the fender due to ship contact, thereby enabling more effective use of the fender. An inflatable fender (11A) is installed on the shore wall (10) in a manner that restricts the rotation of the cylinder axis (CL). Passive IC tags (2) are installed at intervals on opposite positions in the circumferential direction of the fender body (12). A communication device (7) capable of wireless communication with each IC tag (2) is installed on the outside of the inflatable fender (11A). The identification information of each IC tag (2), the circumferential setting position of each IC tag (2) on the fender body (12), and the circumferential configuration position of each IC tag (2) on the shore wall (10) are obtained as prior information. The computing device (8) determines the period of circumferential position fixation of the fender body (12) on the shore wall (10) based on the identification information of the IC tag (2) obtained by the communication device (7) using wireless communication, the circumferential configuration position of the IC tag (2) on the shore wall (10) when the identification information is obtained, and the prior information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a management system and method for inflatable fenders, and more specifically, to a management system and method for inflatable fenders that suppresses wear on one side of the fender due to ship contact, thereby enabling more effective use of the fender. Background Technology

[0002] Inflatable fenders include longitudinally inflatable fenders that use a counterweight connected to the underside (for example, see Patent Document 1). Longitudinally inflatable fenders are mostly installed in places such as quay walls by restricting the rotation of the cylindrical fender body around its axis. In such fenders, the same area of ​​the fender body repeatedly comes into contact with the ship, resulting in wear.

[0003] Therefore, without proper repositioning of the fender body around the cylinder axis to offset it circumferentially, a specific area of ​​the fender body will wear significantly. Even if most of the fender body is intact, significant wear in that specific area necessitates replacement of the fender, resulting in ineffective use of the fender. So-called transversely inflatable fenders may also be configured to restrict rotation of the fender body around the cylinder axis, in which case the same problem arises. Therefore, there is room for improvement in suppressing wear on one side of the fender due to ship contact, thereby enabling more effective use of the fender.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-117261 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a management system and method for an inflatable fender that suppresses wear on one side of the fender due to ship contact, thereby enabling more effective use of the fender.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the management system for the inflatable fender of the present invention monitors the state of the inflatable fender. The inflatable fender has a fender body with cup-shaped ends connected to both sides of a cylindrical body in the direction of the cylinder axis, and is positioned at the place of use in a manner that restricts the rotation of the inflatable fender around the cylinder axis. The management system for the inflatable fender is characterized by comprising: a passive IC (Integrated Circuit) disposed at circumferentially spaced opposite positions on the fender body. The system comprises an IC tag, a communication device disposed on the exterior of the inflatable fender and capable of wirelessly communicating with each IC tag, and a computing device. The identification information of each IC tag, the circumferential setting position of each IC tag on the fender body, and the circumferential configuration position of each IC tag in the usage location are known as prior information (preset information, advance information). The computing device determines the period during which the circumferential position of the fender body in the usage location is fixed based on the identification information of at least one IC tag obtained by the communication device using the wireless communication, the circumferential configuration position of the IC tag in the usage location when the identification information is obtained, and the prior information.

[0011] The present invention provides a management method for inflatable fenders to monitor the state of the inflatable fenders. The inflatable fenders have a fender body with cup-shaped ends connected to both sides of a cylindrical body in the direction of the cylindrical axis, and are installed at the place of use in a manner that restricts the rotation of the inflatable fenders around the cylindrical axis. The management method is characterized by setting passive IC tags at circumferentially spaced relative positions on the fender body, and configuring a communication device on the outside of the inflatable fenders capable of wirelessly communicating with each of the IC tags. The identification information of each IC tag, the circumferential setting position of each IC tag on the fender body, and the circumferential arrangement position of each IC tag at the place of use are known in advance as prior information. The computing device determines the period during which the circumferential position of the fender body at the place of use is fixed based on the identification information of at least one IC tag obtained by the communication device using the wireless communication, the circumferential arrangement position of the IC tag at the place of use when the identification information is obtained, and the prior information.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to the present invention, the computing device determines the period during which the fender body is positioned at the usage location and its circumferential position remains unchanged (the position fixing period) based on the identification information of at least one IC tag obtained by the communication device via the wireless communication, the circumferential configuration position of the IC tag at the usage location when the identification information is obtained, and the prior information. Therefore, using the determined position fixing period as an indicator, the fender body can be timely offset circumferentially around the cylinder axis to reposition the inflatable fender at the usage location. As a result, wear on the inflatable fender in areas offset to one side due to ship contact is suppressed, thus facilitating more efficient use of the inflatable fender. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an implementation method of an inflatable fender management system applied to longitudinally inflatable fenders, presented from a top-down perspective.

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0016] Figure 3 This is an example shown from a side view. Figure 2 An explanatory diagram of longitudinally inflatable fender material.

[0017] Figure 4 This is illustrated using a longitudinal section perspective. Figure 3 An explanatory diagram of the interior of a longitudinally inflatable fender.

[0018] Figure 5 This example is shown from a top-down perspective. Figure 4 An explanatory diagram of the IC tag.

[0019] Figure 6 Examples are given from a positive perspective. Figure 5 An explanatory diagram of the IC tag.

[0020] Figure 7 It is Figure 4 An illustrated diagram showing the enlarged and exemplified state of wireless communication between the IC tag and the communication device.

[0021] Figure 8 This is an example to illustrate how to make Figure 2 An explanatory diagram of a longitudinally inflatable fender whose circumferential position has been offset and repositioned at the place of use.

[0022] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the structure of a management system that connects computing devices and terminal equipment via a communication network.

[0023] Figure 10This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an implementation method of a management system applied to a transversely inflatable fender, presented from a top-down perspective.

[0024] Figure 11 This is an example shown from a side view. Figure 10 An explanatory diagram of the inflatable fender material. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following describes the management system and method for the inflatable fender material of the present invention based on the illustrated embodiments.

[0026] Figures 1-4 The illustrated management system 1 for inflatable fenders is used to monitor the status of the inflatable fender 11A at the quay wall 10, where it is used. In this embodiment, the managed object is the longitudinal inflatable fender 11A (hereinafter referred to as fender 11A).

[0027] The management system 1 includes passive IC tags 2 (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) installed on the fender 11A, a communication unit 7, and a computing device 8. The communication unit 7 is located on the outside of the fender 11A and communicates wirelessly with each IC tag 2. The communication unit 7 and the computing device 8 are connected via wired or wireless means.

[0028] Fender 11A has a fender body 12 with cup-shaped ends 14a and 14b connected to both sides of the cylindrical body 13 in the cylindrical axis direction. A counterweight 16 is connected to one cup-shaped end 14a via a chain 17. The other cup-shaped end 14b has a metal cover 15 with a valve-like structure. The double-dotted line in the figure represents the boundary line between the body 13 and each cup-shaped end 14a and 14b, but this boundary line does not exist on the actual fender body 12. The single-dotted line CL in the figure represents the cylindrical axis of the body 13 (fender 11A). The cylindrical axis CL passes through the center of the cross section of the body 13 and each cup-shaped end 14a and 14b and extends thereafter. The direction in which the cylindrical axis CL extends is in the cylindrical axis direction.

[0029] The structure of the fender body 12 is described in detail. The body 13 is composed of multiple reinforcing layers stacked between the inner and outer rubber layers. Each reinforcing layer is a cord layer formed by pulling multiple cords parallel to each other. The body 13 is an offset structure in which the cords of the stacked and adjacent reinforcing layers intersect each other, and each cord is configured at a specified cord angle relative to the tube axis CL.

[0030] Each bowl-shaped end 14a, 14b is constructed by stacking multiple reinforcing layers between the inner and outer rubber layers. These multiple reinforcing layers alternately consist of reinforcing layers formed by cords extending radially from the apex of the bowl-shaped ends 14a, 14b, and reinforcing layers formed by cords extending in the circumferential direction, thus creating a so-called radial structure for each bowl-shaped end 14a, 14b. The specifications of the cords in the bowl-shaped ends 14a, 14b are essentially the same as those of the reinforcing layers in the body 13.

[0031] like Figure 4 As illustrated, the internal space of the fender body 12 contains air a and a predetermined amount of ballast water W. When in use, the internal pressure of the fender body 12 is limited to approximately 50 kPa to 100 kPa. The ballast water W and the counterweight 16 exert a vertically downward force on the fender body 12, which balances the buoyancy acting on the fender body 12, such that one bowl-shaped end 14a becomes the lower end of the fender body 12, and the other bowl-shaped end 14b becomes the upper end of the fender body 12.

[0032] Multiple fenders 11A maintain the vertical extension direction of the cylindrical axis CL and are spaced apart from each other on the quay wall 10. Multiple fixing ropes 18, one end of which is fixed to the quay wall 10, are connected to the metal cap 15 of each fender 11A. Furthermore, each fender 11A is positioned on the quay wall 10 in a manner that restricts rotation about the cylindrical axis CL. Therefore, each fender 11A is fixed to the quay wall 10 with minimal circumferential displacement around the cylindrical axis CL. Figure 1 As illustrated, the vessel 19, moored on the quay wall 10, approaches and then contacts each of the fenders 11A.

[0033] IC tags 2 are positioned at circumferentially spaced positions opposite each other on the main body 12 of the fender. In this embodiment, four IC tags 2 are arranged at 90° intervals circumferentially around the cylindrical axis CL in the upper cup-shaped end 14b. Each IC tag 2 is positioned above water. The number of IC tags 2 is not limited to four; for example, two IC tags 2 may be arranged at 180° intervals circumferentially.

[0034] The outer surface of the fender body 12 is marked with markings S indicating the circumferential positions of each IC tag 2. In this embodiment, four markings S extending in the vertical direction are marked on the upper cup-shaped end 14b at 90° intervals circumferentially around the cylindrical axis CL. Furthermore, each IC tag 2 is positioned within the range between adjacent markings S in the circumferential direction. The markings S can be formed by bonding a rubber sheet (e.g., a white rubber sheet) with a color different from the surface color (black) of the fender body 12, or by applying a coating or the like.

[0035] In detail, each mark S extends from the central portion of the upper bowl-shaped end 14b in a vertical direction to the upper end of the body 13. An IC tag 2 is disposed near the midpoint of the circumferential spacing between adjacent marks S in the circumferential direction. Therefore, adjacent marks S in the circumferential direction indicate that an IC tag 2 is disposed at the circumferential position between these marks S.

[0036] The marking S only needs to indicate the circumferential position of each IC tag 2 as seen from the appearance of the fender 11A, and therefore other methods can also be used. For example, it can be designed as follows: the marking S is marked on the outer surface of the fender body 12 at a position corresponding to the circumferential position of each IC tag 2. To avoid being worn away by contact with the quay wall 10 and the ship 19, the marking S is preferably marked at least on the outer surface of the upper cup-shaped end 14b.

[0037] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As illustrated, the IC tag 2 has an IC chip 3 and an antenna portion 4 connected to the IC chip 3. This embodiment uses an IC tag 2 that integrates a pressure sensor 6a and a temperature sensor 6b. The IC tag 2 may optionally include both the pressure sensor 6a and the temperature sensor 6b. The fender 11A may not include either the pressure sensor 6a or the temperature sensor 6b. Alternatively, separate pressure sensors 6a and 6b may be connected to the IC tag 2, even if they are not integrated.

[0038] The IC chip 3 is very small; for example, its vertical and horizontal dimensions are both less than 50 mm (based on outer diameter), and its thickness is less than 5 mm. The antenna section 4 is also very small. In this embodiment, the antenna section 4 is a dipole antenna composed of single metal wires extending symmetrically from the left and right sides of the IC chip 3. The length of each single metal wire is approximately 10 mm to 200 mm.

[0039] The IC chip 3 can optionally store tag-specific information such as the identification number A of the IC tag 2, as well as other necessary information. The IC tag 2 adopts a standard, commonly used specification, such as an RFID tag.

[0040] IC chip 3 is disposed on the surface of substrate 5. Pressure sensor 6a and temperature sensor 6b, which are connected to IC chip 3, are disposed on the back side of substrate 5. Antenna portion 4 (metal single wire) protrudes from and extends from substrate 5. It should be noted that antenna portion 4 is not limited to dipole antenna, and can adopt various known types, such as ceramic antenna formed on substrate 5.

[0041] The IC tag 2 is covered by the insulating layer 5a, making the IC tag 2 electrically insulated from the outside. However, the detection parts of the pressure sensor 6a and temperature sensor 6b are not covered by the insulating layer 5a and are exposed from the surface of the insulating layer 5a. As the insulating layer 5a, resins such as ABS, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyimide, and epoxy resin can be used. Because polyvinyl chloride has excellent flexibility, it is very suitable for covering the long antenna part 4 (metal single wire).

[0042] In this embodiment, the IC tag 2 is embedded in the inner rubber layer of the fender body 12. Alternatively, the IC tag 2 can be attached to the inner surface of the fender body 12 and installed by covering its surface with a rubber component. Of the IC tags 2 embedded in the fender body 12, only the detection portions of the pressure sensor 6a and temperature sensor 6b are exposed within the internal space of the fender 11A.

[0043] In the main body 12 of the fender, the cup-shaped end 14b is less prone to deformation and less susceptible to external forces, therefore the IC tag 2 is preferably disposed at the cup-shaped end 14b. In addition, the dipole-type antenna part 4, which is made of a single metal wire, has excellent bending durability, thus helping to avoid damage caused by repeated deformation of the main body 12 of the fender.

[0044] Pressure sensor 6a detects the internal pressure of the fender 11A. Pressure sensor 6a can be of any known type, as long as it can be mounted on IC tag 2. The detection data D1 detected by pressure sensor 6a is transmitted from IC tag 2 to communicator 7.

[0045] Temperature sensor 6b detects the temperature inside the fender 11A. Temperature sensor 6b can be of any known type, as long as it can be mounted on IC tag 2. The detection data D2 detected by temperature sensor 6b is transmitted from IC tag 2 to communicator 7.

[0046] The communication unit 7 communicates wirelessly with each IC tag 2. Specifically, as follows... Figure 7As illustrated, the communication unit 7 includes a radio wave transmitter 7a and a radio wave receiver 7b. The radio wave transmitter 7a transmits a radio wave R1 to the IC tag 2. Upon receiving the transmitted radio wave R1 via the antenna unit 4, the IC tag 2 generates power and activates. Using this power, the activated IC tag 2 transmits a response radio wave R2 via the antenna unit 4, which is received by the radio wave receiver 7b. In this way, wireless communication is achieved between the IC tag 2 and the communication unit 7 by transmitting the response radio wave R2 based on the transmitted radio wave R1. Through this wireless communication (response radio wave R2), identification information A, detection data D1, D2, etc., are transmitted from the IC tag 2 to the communication unit 7 and acquired.

[0047] The communicator 7 adopts a standard, readily available specification that enables wireless communication between itself and the passive IC tag 2 (RFID tag). Thus, the IC tag 2 and the communicator 7 constitute an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system. In this embodiment, a portable, handheld communicator 7 is used. Because a passive IC tag 2 is used, the upper limit of the communication distance between the IC tag 2 and the communicator 7 is, for example, approximately 1 meter.

[0048] The identification information A and detection data D1 and D2 acquired by the communication unit 7 are input into the arithmetic unit 8. The arithmetic unit 8 uses the input data to perform various calculations. A known computer can be used as the arithmetic unit 8. In this embodiment, the communication unit 7 and the arithmetic unit 8 are separate, but it can also be designed so that the communication unit 7 has the functions of the arithmetic unit 8, thereby omitting the separate arithmetic unit 8.

[0049] The following describes an example of the steps for using the management system 1 to monitor the status of the fender 11A.

[0050] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As illustrated, the fender 11A is mounted on the quay wall 10 in a manner that restricts rotation about the cylinder axis CL. In this embodiment, the fender body 12 is positioned such that... Figure 2 In the illustrated top-down view, the side of the fender body 12 with the IC tag 2a is positioned in contact with the quay wall 10. In the top-down view, the side of the fender body 12 with the IC tag 2c, opposite to the IC tag 2a, is in contact with the vessel 19 moored to the quay wall 10.

[0051] First, the identification information A of each IC tag 2, the circumferential setting position of each IC tag 2 on the main body 12 of the fender, and the circumferential configuration position of each IC tag 2 on the quay wall 10, which is the place of use, are obtained, and this information is input and stored in the computing device 8 as pre-operational information. Figure 2In the fender 11A, the identification information A of IC tags 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d is stored in the arithmetic unit 8. Furthermore, regarding the circumferential placement of IC tags 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d on the fender body 12, each IC tag 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d is arranged at equal intervals (90°) circumferentially, and the position data indicating the degree of circumferential offset of each tag relative to the mark S is stored in the arithmetic unit 8. For example, a mark S is pre-set as a reference, and the position data indicating the circumferential position of each IC tag 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d relative to this reference mark S is stored in the arithmetic unit 8. Based on this position data, by visually inspecting the fender 11A to confirm the reference mark S, the circumferential placement position of each IC tag 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d on the fender body 12 can be determined.

[0052] Then, determine the circumferential arrangement of each IC tag 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d relative to the quay wall 10 with the fender 11A installed on the quay wall 10. This circumferential arrangement can be determined based on the circumferential arrangement of each IC tag 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d on the fender body 12 and the position of the reference mark S, which is visually confirmed by observing the fender 11A. Specifically, Figure 2 In this configuration, IC tag 2a is positioned adjacent to the quay wall 10, IC tag 2c is positioned opposite the quay wall 10, IC tag 2b is positioned between IC tags 2a and 2c in a clockwise direction relative to IC tag 2a, and IC tag 2d is positioned between IC tags 2a and 2c in a counterclockwise direction relative to IC tag 2a. The circumferential positions of each IC tag 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d on the quay wall 10 are stored in the computing device 8. Alternatively, with the fender 11A installed on the quay wall 10, the communication device 7 on the quay wall 10 wirelessly communicates with the IC tag 2 positioned adjacent to the quay wall 10 to obtain the identification information A of the IC tag 2. Based on the obtained identification information A, it is confirmed that the IC tag 2 positioned adjacent to the quay wall 10 is IC tag 2a. Furthermore, since the circumferential positions of each IC tag 2 on the main body 12 of the fender are known, the circumferential positions of other IC tags 2b, 2c, and 2d on the quay wall 10 can also be known.

[0053] As mentioned above, the management of the status of the fender 11A is initiated only after prior information has been obtained. For each fender 11A, at fixed intervals or after each fixed interval, such as... Figure 7As illustrated, the communication device 7 on the quay wall 10 wirelessly communicates with the IC tag 2 located adjacent to the quay wall 10, obtains the identification information A of the IC tag 2, and stores the result in the computing device 8. For example, this wireless communication is performed every week or every month to obtain information on the IC tag 2 located adjacent to the quay wall 10 in chronological order for each fender 11A.

[0054] If the identification information A obtained through this wireless communication remains unchanged, the position of the IC tag 2 located adjacent to the shore wall 10 remains unchanged. Therefore, it can be determined that the fender body 12 of the fender 11A is disposed on the shore wall 10 and its circumferential position has not changed. Thus, the computing device 8 determines the period during which the identification information A of the IC tag 2 remains unchanged, obtained in chronological order, as the period during which the fender body 12 is disposed on the shore wall 10 and its circumferential position has not changed (position fixed period X).

[0055] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated configuration of the fender 11A, the contact portion of the vessel 19 moored to the quay 10, which is attached to the side of the fender body 12 with the IC tag 2c, experiences localized wear due to frequent contact. If the position fixation period X is too long, the wear on this contact portion will increase; therefore, an upper limit for the position fixation period X needs to be preset.

[0056] Furthermore, if the position is fixed for a period exceeding the upper limit, the main body 12 of the fender hull is shifted circumferentially around the cylinder axis CL and repositioned on the quay wall 10. This allows... Figure 2 The fender 11A in its set state becomes Figure 8 The settings shown are as follows.

[0057] Figure 8 The exemplified fender material 11A is from Figure 2 The fender body 12 is reset by rotating it 90° clockwise around the cylinder axis CL. Since there are markings S at 90° intervals on the outer surface of the upper cup-shaped end 14b, the fender body 12 can be set at the position offset 90° clockwise by referring to these markings S.

[0058] When the fender body 12 is offset circumferentially around the cylinder axis CL to reposition the fender 11A onto the quay wall 10, this repositioning information is stored in the computing device 8. The circumferential configuration positions of each IC tag 2 at the quay wall 10 are updated and stored in the computing device 8. Then, in this repositioned state, a new management operation to monitor the status of the fender 11A begins. The new management operation and... Figure 2The management operation is the same as when it is set up. Then, the fender body 12 is offset 90° clockwise with the cylinder axis CL as the center and the fender 11A is reset. Thus, the fender 11A is used alternately so that the side of the fender body 12 with each IC tag 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d is in contact with the ship 19.

[0059] According to the management system 1, the fixed position period X determined in the above manner can be used as an indicator to timely offset the fender body 12 circumferentially around the cylinder axis CL and reset it to the quay wall 10. This suppresses wear on the fender 11A in areas offset to one side due to contact with the ship 19. As a result, the situation where the fender 11A needs to be replaced due to most of the fender body 12 being intact but a portion being significantly worn can be avoided, thus facilitating more efficient use of the fender 11A.

[0060] It should be noted that if X exceeds the upper limit during the fixed position period, the fender 11A can be reset by shifting the main body 12 of the fender 12 circumferentially by 180° with the cylinder axis CL as the center, or by shifting it counterclockwise by 90°. Although the circumferential offset or direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) of the main body 12 of the fender 12 with the cylinder axis CL can be appropriately set, in order to suppress uneven wear of the main body 12 of the fender 12 circumferentially due to contact with the ship 19, a rotation of the main body 12 circumferentially offset with the cylinder axis CL is performed.

[0061] In this embodiment, whenever the IC tag 2 communicates wirelessly with the communication unit 7, the detection data D1 and D2 from the pressure sensor 6a and temperature sensor 6b can also be acquired. That is, by using the communication unit 7 to communicate wirelessly with the IC tag 2, the internal pressure and internal temperature of the fender 11A can be easily monitored. Therefore, based on the time-dependent changes in the internal pressure and internal temperature of the fender 11A, it is beneficial to have a more detailed understanding of the condition of the fender 11A (whether there are any abnormalities, etc.).

[0062] like Figure 9 As illustrated, the management system 1 is preferably configured such that the computing device 8 is connected to the required terminal equipment 9 via a communication network such as the Internet. For example, the computing device 8 sends the required information (setting status, internal pressure data, internal temperature data, etc.) from the terminal equipment 9 of relevant parties such as the management office of the fender 11A operating company (user), the sales company of the fender 11A, and the manufacturing company, located far from the place of use of the fender 11A. According to this configuration, the relevant parties owning these terminal equipment 9 can monitor and manage the status of the fender 11A from a location far from the place of use of the fender 11A.

[0063] like Figure 10 , Figure 11 As illustrated, this management system 1 can also be applied to the so-called transversely inflatable fender 11B (hereinafter referred to as fender 11B). The fender 11B is installed horizontally on the quay wall 10 with one bowl-shaped end 14a as the left and the other bowl-shaped end 14b as the right. A fixing rope 18, with one end fixed to the quay wall 10, is connected to the metal cap 15 located at each bowl-shaped end 14a, 14b. Furthermore, the fender 11B is installed on the quay wall 10 in a manner that restricts rotation around the cylinder axis CL.

[0064] On the right-hand bowl-shaped end 14b, four IC tags 2 are arranged at equal intervals (90°) circumferentially around the cylindrical axis CL. Furthermore, four marks S extending in the left-right direction are marked on the right-hand bowl-shaped end 14b at equal intervals (90°) circumferentially around the cylindrical axis CL. Thus, an IC tag 2 is positioned between each adjacent mark S in the circumferential direction.

[0065] In this embodiment, the main body 12 of the fender is in Figure 11 The side of the fender body 12 with IC tag 2d, as illustrated in the side view, is positioned in contact with the quay wall 10. In the side view, the side of the fender body 12 with IC tag 2b, which is opposite to IC tag 2d, is in contact with the vessel 19.

[0066] When the management system 1 is applied to the fender 11B, the same management operations as those for the fender 11A described above must be performed. When the management system 1 is applied to the fender 11B, the various arrangements described in the case of the fender 11A can also be performed.

[0067] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0068] 1: Management System

[0069] 2: IC tag

[0070] 3: IC chips

[0071] 4: Antenna section

[0072] 5: Substrate

[0073] 5a: Insulation layer

[0074] 6a: Pressure sensor

[0075] 6b: Temperature sensor

[0076] 7: Communication equipment

[0077] 7a: Radio wave transmitting unit

[0078] 7b: Radio wave receiving unit

[0079] 8: Computing device

[0080] 9: Terminal equipment

[0081] 10: Shore wall

[0082] 11A, 11B: Inflatable fender material

[0083] 12: Main body of fender material

[0084] 13: Torso

[0085] 14a, 14b: Cup-shaped end

[0086] 15: Metal cover

[0087] 16: Heavy Hammer

[0088] 17: Chain

[0089] 18: Secure the rope

[0090] 19: Ships

[0091] W: Ballast water

[0092] A: Identification information

[0093] D1, D2: Detection data

[0094] S: Marker

Claims

1. A management system for an inflatable fender, the management system monitoring the state of the inflatable fender, the inflatable fender having a fender body with cup-shaped ends connected to both sides of a cylindrical body along the cylindrical axis, and being installed at the place of use in a manner that restricts the rotation of the inflatable fender around the cylindrical axis. The management system for the inflatable fender includes: passive IC tags disposed at circumferentially spaced opposite positions on the main body of the fender; a communication device disposed on the outside of the inflatable fender and capable of wirelessly communicating with each of the IC tags; and a computing device. The identification information of each IC tag, the circumferential setting position of each IC tag on the main body of the fender, and the circumferential configuration position of each IC tag at the place of use are known in advance as information. The computing device determines the period during which the position of the fender body is fixed in the circumferential direction at the place of use based on the identification information of at least one IC tag obtained by the communication device using the wireless communication, the circumferential configuration position of the IC tag at the place of use when the identification information is obtained, and the prior information.

2. The management system for the inflatable fender material according to claim 1, wherein, The management system for the inflatable fender has a pressure sensor that detects the air pressure of the fender body. The communication device uses the wireless communication to acquire the detection data of the pressure sensor and inputs it into the computing device.

3. The management system for the inflatable fender material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The inflatable fender is a longitudinally inflatable fender installed at the place of use, having a counterweight connected to one of the bowl-shaped ends, one of the bowl-shaped ends being the lower end of the fender body and the other of the bowl-shaped ends being the upper end of the fender body.

4. The inflatable fender management system according to claim 3, wherein, Each of the IC tags is disposed on another of the bowl-shaped ends.

5. The management system for the inflatable fender material according to claim 4, wherein, On the outer surface of the other bowl-shaped end, there is a mark indicating the circumferential position of each of the IC tags.

6. A management method for an inflatable fender, wherein the management method monitors the state of the inflatable fender, the inflatable fender having a fender body with cup-shaped ends connected to both sides of a cylindrical body along the cylindrical axis, and is installed at the place of use in a manner that restricts the rotation of the inflatable fender around the cylindrical axis. in, Passive IC tags are placed at spaced-apart positions on the circumference of the main body of the fender. A communication device capable of wirelessly communicating with each IC tag is disposed on the outside of the inflatable fender. The identification information of each IC tag, the circumferential position of each IC tag on the main body of the fender, and the circumferential position of each IC tag in the usage environment are known in advance as pre-existing information. The computing device determines the period during which the position of the fender body is fixed in the circumferential direction at the place of use based on the identification information of at least one IC tag obtained by the communication device using the wireless communication, the circumferential configuration position of the IC tag at the place of use when the identification information is obtained, and the prior information.

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