Electromagnetic fender device and a mooring method using the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electromagnetic fender device (1). The present invention particularly relates to an electromagnetic fender device (1) comprising an electromagnet (6) and a fender body (2) for automated mooring of ships. The device further comprises a fender face (3) attached to the fender body (2) in a manner such that the fender face (3) is pivotally supported by the fender body (2) and is capable of pivoting thereon, at least one roller wheel (4) or at least one rotatable sphere (10), and at least one sensor (8) to detect the presence of a ship and / or the distance between the sensor (8) and a ship's hull (5), wherein, the electromagnet (6) is adapted generate a magnetic field along a planar surface and is further adapted to receive at least one signal from the sensor (8), and the sensor (8) is adapted to generate and transmit at least one signal to the electromagnet (6) in order to activate / deactivate the electromagnet (6) based on the said detected information. The present invention also relates to a mooring method using the electromagnetic fender device (1).

Description

[0001] ELECTROMAGNETIC FENDER DEVICE AND A MOORING METHOD USING THE SAME

[0002] Technical Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an electromagnetic fender device. The present invention further relates to an electromagnetic fender device comprising an electromagnet and a fender body for automated mooring of ships.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] Mooring is a fundamental practice in maritime operations, essential for the safe and secure anchoring of vessels. It involves the process of securing a ship or boat in a fixed location, typically by using ropes, chains, or other devices to connect the vessel to a stationary object such as a dock, buoy, or another vessel.

[0006] Mooring equipment, including ropes, chains, and anchors, is subjected to significant forces and wear over time. Failure of these components can lead to sudden and unexpected release of the vessel, posing a risk to personnel, nearby vessels, and infrastructure, thus requiring frequent maintenance of the equipment. In addition, mooring operations require coordination and teamwork among crew members, and any mistakes or errors in the process can result in accidents, injuries, or damage to the vessel or surrounding property. In congested port areas, artificial waterways or busy waterways, there is a risk of collisions between vessels during mooring or unmooring procedures. Mishaps such as vessels drifting off course, unexpected movements, or equipment malfunctions can result in accidents, property damage, and injury to crew members or bystanders. The tension and forces present in mooring lines also pose a potential hazard if they snap back suddenly. A snapped mooring line can cause severe injuries or even fatalities to personnel in the vicinity.

[0007] US 9205899 B2, CN 106638480 A, JP H05 339929 A and CN 106436651 A disclose a variety of fenders with electromagnets.

[0008] The existing fender devices and systems in the prior art propose a variety of solutions to some of the problems mentioned above. However, these documents merely disclose devices and systems to hold a marine vessel in place by means of magnetism and fail to provide a device or a system to prevent possible mishaps related to the ships’ drifting and unexpected movements. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electromagnetic fender device to overcome the drawbacks mentioned in relation to the known art. Another object of the present invention is to provide a low-maintenance and low-risk electromagnetic fender device with reduced complexity and long service life. These objects and further advantages are achieved by virtue of the combination of the features described in the appended claim 1.

[0009] Brief Description of the Figures

[0010] The figures, whose brief explanations are herewith provided, are solely intended for providing a better understanding of the present invention and are as such not intended to define the scope of protection or the context in which said scope is to be interpreted in the absence of the description.

[0011] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of the device according to the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the first embodiment of the device according to the present invention.

[0013] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the second embodiment of the device according to the present invention.

[0014] Brief Description of the Invention

[0015] The present invention relates to an electromagnetic fender device. The present invention further relates to an electromagnetic fender device comprising an electromagnet and a fender body for automated mooring of ships.

[0016] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the device further comprises, a fender face attached to the fender body in a manner such that the fender face is pivotally supported by the fender body and is capable of pivoting thereon, at least one roller wheel or at least one rotatable sphere, and at least one sensor to detect the presence of a ship and / or the distance between the sensor and a ship’s hull, wherein, the electromagnet is adapted generate a magnetic field along a planar surface and is further adapted to receive at least one signal from the sensor, and the sensor is adapted to generate and transmit at least one signal to the electromagnet in order to activate / deactivate the electromagnet based on the said detected information regarding a ship.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the sensor may be adapted to transmit an activation signal to the electromagnet if the distance between the sensor and a ship’s hull is detected to be below a predetermined threshold or a ship’s presence is detected.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the sensor may be adapted to transmit a deactivation signal to the electromagnet if the distance between the sensor and a ship’s hull is detected to be above a predetermined threshold or a ship’s absence is detected. In a preferred embodiment, the device may further comprise at least two roller wheels or at least two rotatable spheres, wherein the fender face has a symmetric shape and the roller wheels / rotatable spheres are placed symmetrically with respect to a central axis of the fender face.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the device may further comprise at least one supporting means.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the fender body may have the shape of a truncated cone to facilitate the pivotal movement of the fender face.

[0021] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a mooring system comprising at least two of the above-mentioned devices.

[0022] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for mooring of ships. The method comprises the steps of:

[0023] - providing, an electromagnetic fender device (1),

[0024] - detecting, the presence of a ship or the distance between the sensor (8) and a ship’s hull (5),

[0025] - activating, the electromagnet (6) if the distance between the sensor (8) and a ship’s hull (5) is detected to be below a predetermined threshold or a ship’s presence is detected, or,

[0026] - deactivating, the electromagnet (6) if the distance between the sensor (8) and a ship’s hull (5) is detected to be above a predetermined threshold or a ship’s absence is detected.

[0027] References

[0028] 1. Device

[0029] 2. Fender body

[0030] 3. Fender face

[0031] 4. Roller wheel

[0032] 5. Hull

[0033] 6. Electromagnet

[0034] 7. Body of water

[0035] 8. Sensor

[0036] 9. Supporting means

[0037] 10. Rotatable sphere Detailed Description of the Invention

[0038] The present invention relates to an electromagnetic fender device comprising an electromagnet and a fender body for automated mooring of ships.

[0039] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the electromagnetic fender device (1) further comprises: a fender face (3) attached to the fender body (2) in a manner such that the fender face

[0040] (3) is pivotally supported by the fender body (2) and is capable of pivoting thereon, at least one roller wheel (4) or at least one rotatable sphere (10), and at least one sensor (8) to detect the presence of a ship and / or the distance between the sensor (8) and a ship’s hull (5), wherein, the electromagnet (6) is adapted to generate a magnetic field along a planar surface and is further adapted to receive at least one signal from the sensor (8), and the sensor (8) is adapted to generate and transmit at least one signal to the electromagnet (6) in order to activate / deactivate the electromagnet (6) based on the said detected information regarding a ship.

[0041] When the electromagnet (6) is activated by the signal that is generated and transmitted by the sensor (8), a magnetic field is created and therefore a ship’s hull (5) is held in place by means of the magnetic force created between the fender device (1) and a ship’s hull (5), as can be seen in FIG. 1.

[0042] Further, the fender face (3) is attached to the fender body (2) in a manner such that the fender face (3) is pivotally supported by the fender body (2) and is capable ofpivotingon the fender body (2). This allows the fender face (3) to pivot on the fender body (2) with a limited degree of movement in response to a ship’s movement when the electromagnet (6) is activated and the ship’s hull (5) and the fender device (1) are magnetically locked. This may be achieved with a ball joint assembly or any mechanism deemed fit for the purpose. Thus, mishaps related to the ships’ drifting and unexpected movements are prevented as well as possible damages to the fender device (1). Said unexpected movements and drifting may arise from weather conditions or sea waves, such as surging waves and tidal waves.

[0043] The device further comprises at least one roller wheel (4) or at least one rotatable sphere (10), as can be seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. The roller wheel (4) or the rotatable sphere (10) is used to facilitate the movement of a ship in case of unexpected movements and drifting thereof. The roller wheel

[0044] (4) / the rotatable sphere (10) allows a ship’s hull (5) to slide on the fender face (3) without damaging the ship or the fender device (1), while maintaining the magnetic lock between the ship’s hull (5) and the fender device (1). A device (1) with at least one roller (4) wheel may be used on, for example, berths and piers, slightly above the level of a body of water (7, see FIGS. 2 and 3) like typical fenders, and a device (1) with atleastone rotatable sphere (10) maybe used in harsher conditions such as a narrow canal (i.e., within canal locks), or a dock (e.g., graving dry dock, shiplift) or a shipyard berth to further facilitate the movement of a ship and the mooring operation. Thus, a low-risk and low-maintenance, environmentally friendly fender device (1) that does not necessitate the use of pistons or hydraulic systems is obtained by virtue of the combination of the features mentioned. A part or the whole of the fender device (1) may be made of rubber, and the fender face (3) may be made of a metallic material or an alloy with elastic properties.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment of the fender device (1), the sensor (8) may be adapted to transmit an activation signal to the electromagnet (6) if the distance between the sensor (8) and a ship’s hull (5) is detected to be below a predetermined threshold or a ship’s presence is detected. Similarly, the sensor (8) may be adapted to transmit a deactivation signal to the electromagnet (6) if the distance between the sensor (8) and a ship’s hull (5) is detected to be above a predetermined threshold or a ship’s absence is detected. Said threshold may be chosen according to the size of the fender device (1) and / or the size of the roller wheel (4) or the rotatable sphere (10). These two embodiments may be combined to obtain a further advantageous fender device (1) for a fully automated mooring operation.

[0046] The device (1) and the electromagnet (6) may also be adapted to generate a reversed magnetic field on demand or automatically, to push a ship’s hull (5) away from the device (1), when the ship no longer needs to be moored, or the ship is in a dock, or the ship is passing through a narrow canal. In this regard, the automatic activation of the electromagnet (6) may indicate generating a magnetic field to push or pull a ship’s hull (5) within the context of the invention. Methods and circuitries to generate a magnetic field with an electromagnet and to change the direction of a magnetic field created by an electromagnet are well-known in the art The electromagnetic fender device (1) according to the present invention is particularly advantageous for this purpose when a rotatable sphere (10) is used, as it can be used to ensure that the ship does not damage its surroundings, i.e., dock, and the ship is not damaged.

[0047] The device (1) may comprise more than one sensor (8) to detect whether there is any problem with the orientation of a ship during / after the mooring operation, and this information may be used to correct the orientation of the ship by means of the electromagnet (6) to ensure that the ship’s hull (5) remains parallel to the fender face (3).

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment of the fender device (1), the device (1) may further comprise at least two roller wheels (4) or at least two rotatable spheres (10), wherein the fender face (3) has a symmetric shape and the roller wheels (4) / rotatable spheres (10) are placed symmetrically with respect to a central axis of the fender face (3). This ensures that the mechanical stress that a ship’s hull (5) may exert to the fender device (1) during or after the mooring operation is distributed evenly along the device (1) and and the risk of damaging the device (1) and the ship are minimized. More preferably, at least four roller wheels (4) or at least four rotatable spheres (10) may be used, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment of the fender device (1), the device (1) may further comprise at least one supporting means (9). Said supporting means (9) may be in the form of chains or ropes, to further support the fender face (3).

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment of the fender device (1), the fender body (2) may have the shape of a truncated cone to facilitate the pivotal movement of the fender face (3). The fender face (3) is attached to the smaller side of the fender body (2) as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, providing a greater range of freedom of pivotal movement for the fender face (3).

[0051] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a mooring system comprising at least two of the devices (1).

[0052] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for mooring of ships. The method comprises the steps of:

[0053] - providing an electromagnetic fender device (1),

[0054] - detecting, the presence of a ship or the distance between the sensor (8) and a ship’s hull (5),

[0055] - activating, the electromagnet (6) if the distance between the sensor (8) and a ship’s hull (5) is detected to be below a predetermined threshold or a ship’s presence is detected, or,

[0056] - deactivating, the electromagnet (6) if the distance between the sensor (8) and a ship’s hull (5) is detected to be above a predetermined threshold or a ship’s absence is detected.

[0057] Further advantages, the possible embodiments and uses of the invention shall be apparent from the explanations above and exemplary drawings appended to the present description.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An electromagnetic fender device (1) for automated mooring of ships, comprising an electromagnet (6) and a fender body (2), characterized in that the device further comprises:- a fender face (3) attached to the fender body (2) in a manner such that the fender face (3) is pivotally supported by the fender body (2) and is capable of pivoting thereon,- at least one roller wheel (4) or at least one rotatable sphere (10), and- at least one sensor (8) to detect the presence of a ship and / or the distance between the sensor (8) and a ship’s hull (5), wherein,- the electromagnet (6) is adapted generate a magnetic field along a planar surface and is further adapted to receive at least one signal from the sensor (8), and the sensor (8) is adapted to generate and transmit at least one signal to the electromagnet (6) in order to activate / deactivate the electromagnet (6) based on the said detected information regarding a ship.

2. The electromagnetic fender device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor (8) is adapted to transmit an activation signal to the electromagnet (6) if the distance between the sensor (8) and a ship’s hull (5) is detected to be below a predetermined threshold or a ship’s presence is detected.

3. The electromagnetic fender device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor (8) is adapted to transmit a deactivation signal to the electromagnet (6) if the distance between the sensor (8) and a ship’s hull (5) is detected to be above a predetermined threshold or a ship’s absence is detected.

4. The electromagnetic fender device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) comprises at least two roller wheels (4) or at least two rotatable spheres (10), wherein the fender face (3) has a symmetric shape and the roller wheels (4) / rotatable spheres (10) are placed symmetrically with respect to a central axis of the fender face (3).

5. The electromagnetic fender device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) further comprises at least one supporting means (9).

6. The electromagnetic fender device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fender body (2) has the shape of a truncated cone to facilitate the pivotal movement of the fender face (3).

7. A mooring system comprising at least two of the devices (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

8. A method for mooring of ships, comprising the steps of:- providing, an electromagnetic fender device (1) according to claim 2 or 3,- detecting, the presence of a ship or the distance between the sensor (8) and a ship’s hull (5),- activating, the electromagnet (6) if the distance between the sensor (8) and a ship’s hull (5) is detected to be below a predetermined threshold or a ship’s presence is detected, or,- deactivating, the electromagnet (6) if the distance between the sensor (8) and a ship’s hull (5) is detected to be above a predetermined threshold or a ship’s absence is detected.

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