A ship draft automatic detection system
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522289050.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-11-03
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-10-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing ship draft detection technologies suffer from insufficient accuracy and poor environmental adaptability, making it difficult to meet the high-precision, real-time operation requirements of modern ships.
An automatic detection system consisting of a high-precision linear displacement sensor and a float block is used. The float block moves the measuring plate according to the water level. Combined with a wireless transmission module and an alarm module, it can achieve real-time accurate detection and over-limit early warning.
It achieves high-precision, real-time draft depth detection, reduces human error, improves detection efficiency and reliability, adapts to harsh marine environments, reduces maintenance frequency and cost, and provides safe navigation assurance.
Smart Images

Figure CN224929206U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of shipbuilding, and in particular to an automatic ship draft detection system. Background Technology
[0002] A ship's draft is a core parameter reflecting its cargo capacity, buoyancy balance, and navigational safety. It directly determines a ship's navigability in different waterways, ports, and shoals. When the draft exceeds the channel depth limit, it can easily lead to grounding or reef collisions; while too shallow a draft will compromise the ship's stability and increase the risk of capsizing in rough seas. Therefore, timely and accurate monitoring of draft throughout the entire process of navigation, berthing, and cargo loading and unloading is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and efficiency of ship operations.
[0003] Currently, the methods for detecting ship draft mainly focus on two categories: manual inspection and simple semi-automatic inspection. Both have significant technical shortcomings and are difficult to meet the high-precision, real-time operation requirements of modern ships. Firstly, traditional manual inspection methods rely on manual operation, and their accuracy and efficiency are constrained by multiple factors. This method typically involves crew members visually observing pre-set draft markings on the hull or directly measuring water depth using tools such as sounding rods and hammers to deduce the draft. On the one hand, its accuracy is easily affected by external environmental factors; on the other hand, manual readings are highly subjective, and deviations in observation angles and differences in personnel experience can produce millimeter-level or even centimeter-level errors, making it unsuitable for draft inspection in narrow channels, shallow waters, and other challenging environments.
[0004] Secondly, existing simple semi-automatic detection devices have limitations in functionality and insufficient environmental adaptability. To improve the shortcomings of manual detection, some technical solutions use a "fixed scale + camera image recognition" method to achieve semi-automatic detection. However, such devices are prone to blurring of scale markings due to seawater corrosion and the attachment of marine organisms (shellfish, algae), which in turn leads to image recognition failure.
[0005] Based on this, we propose an automatic ship draft detection system. Utility Model Content
[0006] To address the technical problems of draft detection mentioned in the background art, this utility model provides an automatic draft detection system for ships.
[0007] This utility model is achieved by the following technical solution: an automatic ship draft detection system, including a ship body, and a draft measuring mechanism is fixedly installed on the side of the ship body. The draft depth measuring mechanism includes a depth measuring scale. One end of a connecting bracket is fixedly installed on the inner surface of the depth measuring scale, and the other end of the connecting bracket is welded to the surface of the ship's hull. The surface of the depth measuring scale is marked with graduations. A power supply is fixedly installed at the top of the depth measuring scale. A movable measuring plate is slidably engaged with the surface of the depth measuring scale. A locking bolt is threaded through the surface of the movable measuring plate and abuts against the side wall of the depth measuring scale. A float is fixedly connected to the outer side of the movable measuring plate. A measuring sensor is connected to the top of the movable measuring plate. The power supply and the measuring sensor are connected by a wire.
[0008] When a ship is sailing, anchoring, or loading / unloading cargo, its draft changes. For example, an increase in cargo load leads to a deeper draft, while a decrease in cargo load leads to a shallower draft, and the corresponding water level changes accordingly. The float, due to its own buoyancy, floats on the water surface. When the water level changes, the float moves up and down synchronously, causing the fixedly connected movable measuring plate to slide along the guide groove of the depth measuring scale. The measuring sensor is a high-precision linear displacement sensor with a measurement accuracy of no less than 1 cm. Its probe extends through the top of the float and is electrically connected to the probe. The measuring sensor at the top of the movable measuring plate detects the displacement of the movable measuring plate relative to the depth measuring scale in real time—this displacement is directly equivalent to the change in the ship's draft, thus converting the "change in water level" into "quantifiable displacement detection data," completing the real-time acquisition of draft.
[0009] As a further optimization of this utility model, the float block is made of high-density polyethylene injection molding, and the float block has a honeycomb reinforcing rib structure inside; the outer surface of the float block is coated with marine antifouling coating.
[0010] As a further optimization of this utility model, the locking bolt can lock the position of the moving measuring plate during system calibration or special working conditions, such as ship maintenance, to ensure the stability of the reference data.
[0011] As a further optimization of this utility model, guide grooves are provided on both sides of the depth measuring ruler along the length direction, and the moving measuring plate is slidably engaged in the guide grooves to slide up and down.
[0012] As a further optimization of this utility model, the measuring sensor is a high-precision linear displacement sensor with a measurement accuracy of not less than 1cm, and the probe end of the measuring sensor extends through the top of the float block, and the measuring sensor and its probe end are electrically connected.
[0013] As a further optimization of this utility model, a wireless transmission module is fixedly installed on the surface of the mobile measuring plate. The wireless transmission module is electrically connected to the measuring sensor and uses the 4G communication protocol to transmit the measurement data to the control console on the ship's bridge in real time.
[0014] As a further optimization of this utility model, a wireless transmission module is fixedly installed on the surface of the mobile measuring plate. The wireless transmission module is electrically connected to the measuring sensor. The draft data collected by the measuring sensor is transmitted to the wireless transmission module in real time. The wireless transmission module adopts the 4G communication protocol and sends the data to the control console on the bridge of the ship in real time, so that the staff can intuitively obtain the current draft information of the ship on the control console without the need for on-site observation.
[0015] As a further optimization of this utility model, an alarm module is provided at the control console of the ship's main body. The alarm module is wirelessly connected to the measuring sensor. The alarm module has a preset draft safety threshold. When the draft detected by the measuring sensor exceeds the threshold, the alarm module emits an audible and visual alarm signal.
[0016] As a further optimization of this utility model, an alarm module is provided at the control console of the ship's main body. This alarm module is wirelessly connected to the measuring sensor, and the alarm module has a preset draft safety threshold, which is set according to the channel depth, ship stability requirements, etc. When the real-time draft detected by the measuring sensor exceeds the preset safety threshold of the alarm module, if the draft is too deep and may cause grounding, or if the draft is too shallow and affects stability, the alarm module will be immediately triggered and emit an audible and visual alarm signal to remind the control console staff to take timely adjustment measures, such as unloading cargo or adjusting ballast water, to ensure the safety of the ship's navigation or berthing.
[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: 1. This utility model system uses a high-precision linear displacement sensor with an accuracy of no less than 1 cm as the core detection component. It can capture the displacement changes of the moving measuring board driven by the buoy in real time and directly convert them into accurate draft data. This avoids problems such as manual visual calibration, observation angle deviation when using depth sounding tools, and differences in personnel experience, completely eliminating human errors at the millimeter to centimeter level. At the same time, the wireless transmission module on the moving measuring board transmits data to the bridge control console in real time via the 4G protocol, eliminating the need for on-site operation by the crew and realizing fully automated detection. It is especially suitable for scenarios with high accuracy requirements, such as narrow channels and shoals, significantly improving detection efficiency and reliability.
[0018] 2. The float block of this utility model is injection molded from high-density polyethylene, with an internal honeycomb reinforcing rib structure. This ensures stable buoyancy to accurately follow water level changes while also providing high-strength impact resistance. The marine antifouling coating sprayed on the outer surface effectively resists seawater corrosion and the adhesion of shellfish and algae, avoiding the recognition failure problem caused by blurred scales in traditional "fixed scale + image recognition" devices. Furthermore, the depth measuring ruler is securely welded to the hull of the vessel via a connecting bracket. All components are adapted to the harsh marine environment, reducing equipment failures caused by environmental factors, lowering the frequency and cost of daily maintenance, and extending the system's service life.
[0019] 3. This utility model system incorporates an alarm module wirelessly connected to the measurement sensors on the ship's main control console. This module can pre-set draft safety thresholds that meet the requirements of channel depth and ship stability. When changes in cargo load or water level fluctuations cause the ship's draft to exceed the threshold (e.g., too deep, risking grounding; too shallow, risking capsizing), the alarm module immediately issues audible and visual alarm signals. Without continuous manual monitoring, it promptly alerts staff to take measures such as unloading cargo and adjusting ballast water, proactively mitigating navigation and berthing risks. This fills the gap in traditional detection methods that rely on manual monitoring and are prone to missing warnings, providing crucial protection for ship operational safety. 4. This invention ensures stable sliding of the moving measuring plate through guide grooves on both sides of the depth measuring scale, preventing offset from affecting data accuracy; the locking bolts can lock the position of the moving measuring plate during system calibration or special working conditions, such as ship maintenance, ensuring stable reference data. Simultaneously, the scale on the surface of the depth measuring scale can serve as an auxiliary observation benchmark, providing intuitive reference for staff even in the event of wireless transmission or temporary sensor failure. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This utility model Figure 1 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure of region A in the middle; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the draft depth measuring mechanism of this utility model; Figure 4 This utility model Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the cross-section of the structure.
[0021] Explanation of key symbols: 1. Main body of the ship; 2. Draft measuring mechanism; 21. Depth measuring ruler; 22. Connecting bracket; 23. Scale; 24. Power supply; 25. Moving measuring plate; 26. Locking bolt; 27. Float block; 28. Measuring sensor; 29. Wire. Detailed Implementation
[0022] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, without conflict, the various embodiments or technical features described below can be arbitrarily combined to form new embodiments.
[0023] Example 1: Please combine Figures 1-4 This embodiment proposes an automatic ship draft detection system, including a ship body 1, and a draft measuring mechanism 2 is fixedly installed on the side of the ship body 1. The draft depth measuring mechanism 2 includes a depth measuring ruler 21. One end of a connecting bracket 22 is fixedly installed on the inner surface of the depth measuring ruler 21, and the other end of the connecting bracket 22 is welded to the surface of the ship's hull 1. The surface of the depth measuring ruler 21 is provided with a scale 23. A power supply 24 is fixedly installed at the top of the depth measuring ruler 21. A movable measuring plate 25 is slidably engaged with the surface of the depth measuring ruler 21. A locking bolt 26 is threaded through the surface of the movable measuring plate 25. The locking bolt 26 is threaded through the side wall of the movable measuring plate 25 and abuts against the side wall of the depth measuring ruler 21. A float block 27 is fixedly connected to the outer side of the movable measuring plate 25. A measuring sensor 28 is connected to the top of the movable measuring plate 25. The power supply 24 and the measuring sensor 28 are connected by a wire 29.
[0024] Furthermore, the float block 27 is made of high-density polyethylene injection molding, and the float block 27 has a honeycomb reinforcing rib structure inside; the outer surface of the float block 27 is coated with marine antifouling coating.
[0025] The specific technical solution involves the following steps: When the main body of the vessel 1 is navigating, anchoring, or loading / unloading cargo, its draft changes. For example, an increase in cargo load leads to a deeper draft, while a decrease in cargo load leads to a shallower draft, resulting in a corresponding change in water level. The float block 27 floats on the water surface due to its own buoyancy. When the water level changes, the float block 27 moves up and down synchronously, driving the movable measuring plate 25, which is fixedly connected to it, to slide along the guide groove of the depth measuring ruler 21. The measuring sensor 28 is a high-precision linear displacement sensor with a measurement accuracy of not less than 1 cm. Its probe extends through the top of the float block 27 and is electrically connected to the probe. The measuring sensor 28 at the top of the movable measuring plate 25 detects the displacement of the movable measuring plate 25 relative to the depth measuring ruler 21 in real time. This displacement is directly equivalent to the change in the draft of the main body of the vessel 1, thereby converting the "change in water level" into "quantifiable displacement detection data" and completing the real-time acquisition of draft.
[0026] It should be noted that guide grooves are provided on both sides of the depth measuring ruler 21 along the length direction, and the movable measuring plate 25 is slidably engaged in the guide grooves to slide up and down.
[0027] Furthermore, the measuring sensor 28 is a high-precision linear displacement sensor with a measurement accuracy of not less than 1 cm, and the probe end of the measuring sensor 28 extends through the top of the float block 27, and the measuring sensor 28 is electrically connected to its probe end.
[0028] A wireless transmission module is fixedly installed on the surface of the mobile measuring board 25. The wireless transmission module is electrically connected to the measuring sensor 28 and uses the 4G communication protocol to transmit the measurement data to the control console on the ship's bridge in real time.
[0029] In the specific technical solution, a wireless transmission module is fixedly installed on the surface of the mobile measuring plate 25. The wireless transmission module is electrically connected to the measuring sensor 28. The draft data collected by the measuring sensor 28 is transmitted to the wireless transmission module in real time. The wireless transmission module adopts the 4G communication protocol and further sends the data to the control console of the bridge of the ship's main body 1 in real time, so that the staff can intuitively obtain the ship's current draft information on the control console without the need for on-site observation.
[0030] An alarm module is installed at the control console of the main body 1 of the vessel. The alarm module is wirelessly connected to the measuring sensor 28. The alarm module has a preset draft safety threshold. When the draft detected by the measuring sensor 28 exceeds the threshold, the alarm module will issue an audible and visual alarm signal.
[0031] More specifically, the control console of the ship's main body 1 is equipped with an alarm module. This alarm module is wirelessly connected to the measurement sensor 28, and the alarm module has a preset draft safety threshold, which is set according to the channel depth, ship stability requirements, etc. When the real-time draft detected by the measurement sensor 28 exceeds the preset safety threshold of the alarm module, if the draft is too deep, it may cause grounding, or if the draft is too shallow, it may affect stability. The alarm module will be triggered immediately and emit an audible and visual alarm signal to remind the control console staff to take timely adjustment measures, such as unloading cargo or adjusting ballast water, to ensure the safety of the ship's navigation or berthing.
[0032] Working principle of automatic ship draft detection system 1. Core process of real-time draft detection The system achieves real-time and accurate detection of draft by using a float that moves synchronously with the water level and sensors that detect displacement. When the ship's main body 1 is sailing, anchoring, or loading / unloading cargo, its draft changes. For example, an increase in cargo load leads to a deeper draft, while a decrease in cargo load leads to a shallower draft, and the corresponding water level changes accordingly. The float block 27 floats on the water surface due to its own buoyancy. When the water level changes, the float block 27 moves up and down synchronously, driving the movable measuring plate 25, which is fixedly connected to it, to slide along the guide groove of the depth measuring ruler 21. The measuring sensor 28 is a high-precision linear displacement sensor with a measurement accuracy of not less than 1 cm. Its probe extends through the top of the float block 27 and is electrically connected to the probe end. The measuring sensor 28 at the top of the movable measuring plate 25 detects the displacement of the movable measuring plate 25 relative to the depth measuring ruler 21 in real time. This displacement is directly equivalent to the change in the draft of the ship's main body 1, thereby converting the "change in water level" into "quantifiable displacement detection data" and completing the real-time acquisition of the draft.
[0033] 2. Detection of wireless data transmission process The collected draft data is transmitted to the control console in real time via a wireless transmission module, enabling remote monitoring. A wireless transmission module is fixedly installed on the surface of the mobile measuring plate 25. This wireless transmission module is electrically connected to the measuring sensor 28. The draft data collected by the measuring sensor 28 is transmitted to the wireless transmission module in real time. The wireless transmission module uses the 4G communication protocol to send the data to the control console on the bridge of the ship's main body 1 in real time, so that the staff can intuitively obtain the ship's current draft information on the control console without the need for on-site observation.
[0034] 3. Draft Exceedance Alarm Process The system uses preset thresholds and alarm modules to provide proactive early warnings for drinking water safety. An alarm module is installed at the control console of the main body 1 of the vessel. This alarm module is wirelessly connected to the measuring sensor 28, and the alarm module has a preset safe draft threshold, which is set according to the channel depth, vessel stability requirements, etc. When the real-time draft detected by the measuring sensor 28 exceeds the preset safe threshold of the alarm module, if the draft is too deep, it may cause the vessel to run aground, or if the draft is too shallow, it may affect stability. The alarm module will be triggered immediately and emit an audible and visual alarm signal to remind the control console staff to take timely adjustment measures, such as unloading cargo or adjusting ballast water, to ensure the safety of the vessel's navigation or berthing.
[0035] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. Any non-substantial changes and substitutions made by those skilled in the art based on this utility model shall fall within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.
Claims
1. An automatic ship draft detection system, comprising a ship hull (1), characterized in that, A draft measurement mechanism (2) is fixedly installed on the side of the hull of the ship body (1). The draft depth measuring mechanism (2) includes a depth measuring ruler (21). One end of a connecting bracket (22) is fixedly installed on the inner surface of the depth measuring ruler (21). The other end of the connecting bracket (22) is welded to the surface of the ship body (1). The surface of the depth measuring ruler (21) is provided with a scale (23). A power supply (24) is fixedly installed at the top of the depth measuring ruler (21). A movable measuring plate (25) is slidably engaged on the surface of the depth measuring ruler (21). A locking bolt (26) is threaded through the surface of the movable measuring plate (25). The locking bolt (26) is threaded through the side wall of the movable measuring plate (25) and abuts against the side wall of the depth measuring ruler (21). A float block (27) is fixedly connected to the outer side of the movable measuring plate (25). A measuring sensor (28) is connected to the top of the movable measuring plate (25). The power supply (24) and the measuring sensor (28) are connected by a wire (29).
2. The automatic ship draft detection system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The measuring sensor (28) is a high-precision linear displacement sensor with a measurement accuracy of not less than 1 cm. The probe end of the measuring sensor (28) extends through the top of the float block (27), and the measuring sensor (28) is electrically connected to its probe end.
3. The automatic ship draft detection system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the mobile measuring board (25) is fixedly equipped with a wireless transmission module. The wireless transmission module is electrically connected to the measuring sensor (28) and uses the 4G communication protocol to transmit the measurement data to the control console of the ship's bridge in real time.
4. The automatic ship draft detection system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The float block (27) is injection molded from high-density polyethylene, and the float block (27) has a honeycomb reinforcing rib structure inside; the outer surface of the float block (27) is coated with marine antifouling paint.
5. The automatic ship draft detection system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The depth measuring ruler (21) has guide grooves on both sides along the length direction, and the movable measuring plate (25) slides up and down in the guide grooves.
6. The automatic ship draft detection system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, An alarm module is provided at the control console of the ship body (1). The alarm module is wirelessly connected to the measurement sensor (28). The alarm module has a preset draft depth safety threshold. When the draft detected by the measurement sensor (28) exceeds the threshold, the alarm module emits an audible and visual alarm signal.
