Mooring rope damage monitoring system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mooring rope damage monitoring system comprising: a length detection module for obtaining length data of a set section of a mooring rope while the mooring rope is connected to a fixture located in a port; a tension detection module for obtaining tension data applied to the mooring rope; and a control device for monitoring damage to a first section of the mooring rope on the basis of the length data and the tension data.

Description

Mooring Rope Damage Monitoring System

[0001] The present invention relates to a mooring rope damage monitoring system.

[0002] In general, ships can be broadly classified into merchant ships, warships, fishing ships, and special work ships according to their purpose of use. Among these, merchant ships are ships whose purpose is to transport passengers or cargo to earn freight income, and are classified into cargo ships, passenger ships, and passenger ships.

[0003] For the purpose of mooring such vessels in ports, mooring system modeling and optimal placement methods, such as those described in Patent No. 10-1339184, are being developed.

[0004] In order to moor a ship in a port, equipment such as a mooring rope for winding an anchor chain on the ship and a mooring winch for winding the mooring rope are provided, and a mooring facility is provided in the port to secure the ship's mooring rope.

[0005] Double mooring ropes accumulate damage with continued use, and when the damage reaches a critical point, the mooring rope may break. While it's crucial to replace the mooring rope before this critical point is reached, the precise timing of replacement is difficult to determine, leading to unnecessary costs if replaced too early. However, replacing it too late can lead to the rope breaking during use, potentially posing a safety risk.

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a mooring rope damage monitoring system capable of managing damage to each section of a mooring rope in order to solve the above-mentioned problem.

[0007] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, a mooring rope damage monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a length detection module that obtains length data of a set section of a mooring rope while the mooring rope is connected to a fixture located at a port; a tension detection module that obtains tension data applied to the mooring rope; and a control device that monitors damage to a first section of the mooring rope based on the length data and the tension data.

[0009] The length detection module includes a reflector disposed on the mooring rope; and a lidar that generates the length data based on light reflected from the reflector.

[0010] The length detection module includes a transmitter disposed on the mooring rope; and at least one receiver generating the length data based on a wireless signal transmitted from the transmitter.

[0011] The tension detection module includes a load cell installed on a winch around which the mooring rope is wound; and a data transmission unit that wirelessly transmits data generated from the load cell to the control device.

[0012] The tension detection module includes a load cell installed on a shackle to which the mooring rope is connected; and a data transmission unit that transmits data generated from the load cell to the control device.

[0013] The control device generates stored accumulated data by accumulating the length data and the tension data, and monitors damage to each section of the mooring rope based on the accumulated data.

[0014] The above control device visualizes and outputs damage per section of the mooring rope.

[0015] The above control device calculates the residual tension value of the mooring rope based on the damage to each section of the mooring rope, and outputs an alarm when the residual tension value is below a reference value.

[0016] The control device estimates the residual tension value of the mooring rope in real time based on the length data and the tension data, and outputs an alarm when the residual tension value is below a reference value.

[0017] The above control device transmits a warning message to a user terminal via wireless communication when the residual tension value is below a reference value.

[0018] The above length detection module includes a GPS device disposed on the mooring rope.

[0019] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0020] According to the present invention, one or more of the following effects are achieved.

[0021] First, it is possible to manage damage by section of the mooring rope, which has the effect of allowing data-based decisions on when to replace the mooring rope depending on the degree of damage.

[0022] Second, it has the effect of reducing cost loss caused by early replacement of mooring ropes.

[0023] Third, it has the effect of preventing safety accidents caused by late replacement of mooring ropes.

[0024] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating the configuration of a ship and a mooring rope damage monitoring system deployed on the ship according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a drawing for reference in explaining a mooring rope damage monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a drawing for reference in explaining a length detection module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a drawing for reference in explaining a tension detection module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are drawings for reference in explaining a situation in which damage occurs to a mooring rope according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a drawing for reference in explaining the residual tension of a mooring rope according to the accumulation of damage to the mooring rope according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components will be given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not in themselves have distinct meanings or roles. In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0032] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0033] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0034] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0035] In this application, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating the configuration of a ship and a mooring rope damage monitoring system deployed on the ship according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a drawing for reference in explaining a mooring rope damage monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a drawing for reference in explaining a length detection module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a drawing for reference in explaining a tension detection module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Referring to the drawing, the mooring rope damage monitoring system (10) (hereinafter, “system”) can monitor damage to each section of a mooring rope (MR). The system (10) can set the mooring rope (MR) into multiple sections and monitor accumulated damage for each section.

[0041] The system (10) can accumulate and store data on how much force was applied to each section of the mooring rope (MR) and from when to when.

[0042] The system (10) can provide an image that allows the user to visually check the damage to each section of the mooring rope (MR) based on accumulated data.

[0043] The system (10) can output an alarm or transmit a warning message to a user terminal by comparing damage to one of a plurality of sections of a mooring rope (MR) with a preset threshold based on accumulated data.

[0044] The system (10) may include a length detection module (50), a tension detection module (60), and a control device (100).

[0045] The length detection module (50) can obtain length data for a mooring rope (MR).

[0046] The length detection module (50) can obtain length data of a set section of a mooring rope (MR) while the mooring rope (MR) is connected to a fixture located at a port. Here, the set section can be described as a section between a chock (CK) and a shackle (CK).

[0047] For example, the length detection module (50) can obtain a first distance value between the chock (CK) and the shackle (SK) while the mooring rope (MR) is connected to a fixture located at a port, and can specify a point or section corresponding to the chock (CK) in the entire mooring rope (MR).

[0048] The length detection module (50) may include a lidar (51) and a reflector (51a).

[0049] The reflector (51a) may be placed on the mooring rope (MR). For example, the reflector (51a) may be placed around the shackle (SK) of the mooring rope (MR). The reflector (51a) may be placed on each of a plurality of mooring ropes (MR).

[0050] Meanwhile, depending on the embodiment, the reflector (51a) may be implemented as a rat guard to prevent the movement of rodents entering the ship.

[0051] The lidar (51) can generate length data based on light reflected from a reflector (51a).

[0052] The lidar (51) can obtain a first distance value between the choke (CK) and the shackle (SK) based on the reflected light that is returned when the laser light is reflected by the reflector (51a). The physical distance between the reflector (51a) and the shackle (SK) is determined when the reflector (51a) is placed, and the physical distance between the lidar (51) and the choke (CK) is also determined when the lidar (51) is placed. Therefore, when the distance value between the lidar (51) and the reflector (51a) is obtained, the length detection module (50) can obtain the first distance value between the choke (CK) and the shackle (SK).

[0053] The lidar (51) may include an optical transmitter, an optical receiver, and at least one processor electrically connected to the optical transmitter and the optical receiver, processing the received signal, and generating data on the length of a set section of a mooring rope (MR) based on the processed signal. The lidar (51) may be implemented using a TOF (Time of Flight) method or a phase-shift method.

[0054] The lidar (51) can be placed at an appropriate location on the ship. For example, the lidar (51) can be placed around the chock (CK).

[0055] Meanwhile, depending on the embodiment, the lidar (51) may be configured in multiple units.

[0056] The length detection module (50) may include an RF (Radio Frequency) receiver (52) and an RF transmitter (52a). According to an embodiment, the RF receiver (52) and the RF transmitter (52a) may be devices that exchange UWB (Ultra Wide Band) signals.

[0057] The RF transmitter (52a) may be placed on the mooring rope (MR). For example, the RF transmitter (52a) may be placed around the shackle (SK) of the mooring rope (MR). The RF transmitter (52a) may be placed on each of a plurality of mooring ropes (MR).

[0058] The RF receiver (52) can generate length data based on a wireless signal transmitted from the RF transmitter (52a).

[0059] The RF receiver (52) can obtain a first distance value between the choke (CK) and the shackle (SK) based on the RF signal transmitted from the RF transmitter (52a). The physical distance between the RF receiver (52) and the shackle (SK) is determined when the RF receiver (52) is placed, and the physical distance between the RF receiver (52) and the choke (CK) is also determined when the RF receiver (52) is placed. Therefore, when the distance value between the RF receiver (52) and the RF transmitter (52a) is obtained, the length detection module (50) can obtain the first distance value between the choke (CK) and the shackle (SK).

[0060] The RF receiver (52) can be placed at an appropriate location on the ship. For example, the RF receiver (52) can be placed around the choke (CK).

[0061] There may be a plurality of RF receivers (52). The length detection module (50) can obtain a first distance value between the choke (CK) and the shackle (SK) through a triangular layer method.

[0062] The length detection module (50) may include a camera.

[0063] The camera may include at least one lens, at least one image sensor, and at least one processor electrically connected to the image sensor to process a signal received therefrom and generate data about an object based on the processed signal.

[0064] The camera can be implemented as a stereo camera. The stereo camera can detect the shackle (SK) in the acquired image and obtain a distance value from the camera to the shackle (SK). Since the physical distance between the stereo camera and the choke (CK) is determined when the stereo camera is placed, by obtaining the distance value between the stereo camera and the shackle (SK), the length detection module (50) can obtain a first distance value between the choke (CK) and the shackle (SK).

[0065] The stereo cameras can be placed at any suitable location on the vessel. For example, the stereo cameras can be placed around the chock (CK).

[0066] The length detection module (50) may include a GPS device.

[0067] The GPS device may be placed on the mooring rope (MR). For example, the GPS device may be placed around the shackle (SK) of the mooring rope (MR).

[0068] The GPS device may be a Real Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS device.

[0069] The system (10) may further include a GPS base. The GPS base may be located at a location with precisely known latitude, altitude, and longitude. The GPS base may perform a function of correcting errors in location data generated by the GPS device. The corrected location data may be referred to as corrected location data.

[0070] A GPS device can exchange data with a GPS base and generate corrected position data.

[0071] The control device (100) can calculate the length data of the set section based on the correction position data. The control device (100) can obtain the position information of the GPS device based on the correction position data. The control device (100) can obtain the draft information from the draft gauge installed on the ship. The control device (100) can obtain the current information from an external device. The control device (100) can obtain the height value of the chalk (CK) based on the sea level based on the draft information and the current information. The control device (100) can obtain the height value of the shackle (SK) based on the sea level. The height value of the shackle (SK) based on the sea level can be obtained by a user input. The control device (100) can obtain the length value between the shackle (SK) and the chalk (CK) based on the position information of the GPS device and the height value of the chalk (CK).

[0072] The length detection module (60) may include a data transmission unit. The data transmission unit may wirelessly transmit data generated by the length detection module (60) to the control device (100).

[0073] The tension detection module (60) can obtain tension data applied to the mooring rope (MR).

[0074] The tension detection module (61) may include a load cell (61, 62) and a data transmission unit.

[0075] The load cell (61) can be installed in a winch (WC) on which a mooring rope (MR) is wound. For example, the load cell (61) can be inserted into a winch (WC) brake to detect the tension of the mooring rope (MR).

[0076] The load cell (61) can be installed on a shackle (SK) to which a mooring rope (MR) is connected.

[0077] The data transmission unit can wirelessly transmit data generated from the tension detection module (60) to the control device (100).

[0078] The control device (100) can be located on the ship.

[0079] The control device (100) may include a communication unit (110), a processor (170), a memory (140), and an output unit (150).

[0080] The communication unit (110) can wirelessly exchange signals with devices external to the control device (100). The communication unit (110) can include at least one of a transmitting antenna, a receiving antenna, an RF (Radio Frequency) circuit capable of implementing various communication protocols, and an RF element to perform communication.

[0081] The output unit (150) is a device for communication between the control device (100) and the user. The output unit (150) can provide the user with information generated by the control device (100).

[0082] The memory (140) is electrically connected to the processor (170). The memory (140) can store basic data for the unit, control data for controlling the operation of the unit, and input / output data. The memory (140) can store data processed by the processor (170). The memory (140) can be configured in hardware form by at least one of ROM, RAM, EPROM, flash drive, and hard drive. The memory (140) can store various data for the overall operation of the electronic device (100), such as a program for processing or controlling the processor (170). The memory (140) can be implemented as an integral part of the processor (170). Depending on the embodiment, the memory (140) can be classified as a sub-component of the processor (170).

[0083] The processor (170) can be electrically connected to the communication unit (110), the memory (140), and the output unit (150) to exchange signals. The processor (170) can be implemented using at least one of application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing functions.

[0084] The control device (100) may include at least one printed circuit board (PCB). The communication unit (110), memory (140), output unit (150), and processor (170) may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board.

[0085] The control device (100) can wirelessly exchange data with the length detection module (50) and the tension detection module (60).

[0086] The control device (100) can receive length data from the length detection module (50) through the communication unit (110).

[0087] The control device (100) can receive tension data from the tension detection module (60) through the communication unit (110).

[0088] Meanwhile, the operation of the control device (100) can be understood to be performed by the processor (170) unless otherwise stated.

[0089] The control device (100) can obtain length data of a set section of a mooring rope (MR). The control device (100) can calculate the length value of the set section of the mooring rope (MR) based on data received from the length detection module (50).

[0090] The control device (100) can obtain tension data acting on the mooring rope (MR).

[0091] The control device (100) can monitor damage to a first section of a mooring rope (MR) based on length data and tension data. Here, the first section can be defined as a section of the mooring rope (MR) that comes into contact with a choke (CK).

[0092] The control device (100) can generate stored accumulated data by accumulating length data and tension data. Based on the accumulated data, the control device (100) can monitor damage to each section of the mooring rope (MR).

[0093] The control device (100) can visualize damage to each section of the mooring rope (MR) and output it through the output unit (150). For example, the control device (100) can divide the mooring rope (MR) into multiple sections and display different colors depending on the degree of damage to each of the multiple sections. For example, the control device (100) can highlight and display a second section among the multiple sections in which the accumulated damage exceeds a reference value.

[0094] The control device (100) can calculate the residual tension value of the mooring rope (MR) based on the damage to each section of the mooring rope (MR). If the residual tension value is below a reference value, the control device (100) can output an alarm through the output unit (150).

[0095] The control device (100) can estimate the residual tension value of the mooring rope (MR) in real time based on length data and tension data. The control device (100) can output an alarm when the residual tension value is below a reference value.

[0096] For example, the control device (100) may include a software module or hardware module (hereinafter, “AI module”) that implements artificial intelligence (AI). The control device (100) may input acquired data into the AI ​​module and utilize data output from the AI ​​module.

[0097] The artificial intelligence module can perform machine learning on input data using at least one artificial neural network (ANN). The artificial intelligence module can output driving plan data through machine learning on the input data.

[0098] The control device (100) can estimate the residual tension value of the mooring rope (MR) in real time based on length data and tension data input in real time using an artificial intelligence module, and output an alarm when the residual tension value is below a reference value.

[0099] The control device (100) can transmit a warning message to the user terminal via wireless communication of the communication unit (110) when the residual tension value is below the reference value.

[0100] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are drawings for reference in explaining a situation in which damage occurs to a mooring rope according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] FIG. 7 is a drawing for reference in explaining the residual tension of a mooring rope according to the accumulation of damage to the mooring rope according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] Referring to the drawing, the mooring rope (MR) extends from the winch (WC) through the chock (CK) to the shackle (SK) when connected to a fixture located in a port. Damage to the mooring rope (MR) occurs at the point or section where it passes through the hole in the chock (CK). When connected to a fixture located in a port, damage occurs when a portion of the mooring rope (MR) comes into contact with the chock (CK) due to the influence of waves and wind, causing friction. In addition, since the mooring rope (MR) connection form varies from port to port, the point or section of the mooring rope (MR) that is damaged varies from port to port.

[0103] As illustrated in Fig. 5, if a portion of a mooring rope (MR) is in contact with a chock (CK) and moves due to wind or waves, friction may occur, causing damage to a portion of the mooring rope (MR). If the damage accumulates, the mooring rope (MR) may break, and the broken mooring rope (MR) may cause a safety accident to nearby people.

[0104] The system (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention can provide information on accumulated damage per section of a mooring rope (MR). The system (10) provides information on the remaining tension of the mooring rope (MR) and when the mooring rope (MR) will be cut, thereby enabling preparation for cutting the mooring rope (MR) in advance.

[0105] As illustrated in Fig. 6, a mooring rope (MR) is connected at one end to a winch (WC) with a chock (CK) in between, and at the other end to a shackle (SK). When the magnitude and direction of the force acting on the mooring rope (MR) from the winch (WC) side and the magnitude and direction of the force acting on the mooring rope (MR) from the shackle (SK) side are determined, the control device (100) can calculate the magnitude and direction of the force acting on the first section of the mooring rope (MR). The control device (100) can calculate damage to the first section based on the magnitude and direction (610) of the force acting on the first section of the mooring rope (MR).

[0106] As illustrated in Fig. 7, the residual strength of a mooring rope (MR) decreases over time. As described above, when a mooring rope (MR) is used while a vessel is moored in a port, damage occurs in the section of the mooring rope (MR) that comes into contact with the chock (CK), and as a result, the residual strength decreases further compared to when the mooring rope (MR) is not used.

[0107] The system (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention can identify a portion (first section) of a mooring rope (MR) that comes into contact with a choke (CK) based on data generated by a length detection module (50). The system (10) can obtain information on the time at which force is applied to the first section, and the magnitude and direction of the applied force based on data generated by a tension detection module (60). The system (10) can monitor damage to the mooring rope (MR) based on the obtained information and data.

[0108] The present invention described above can be implemented as computer-readable code on a medium having a program recorded thereon. Computer-readable media include all types of recording devices that store data that can be read by a computer system. Examples of computer-readable media include hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state disks (SSDs), silicon disk drives (SDDs), ROMs, RAMs, CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, and optical data storage devices. Furthermore, the computer may include a processor or a control unit. Therefore, the above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect, but rather as illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A length detection module that acquires length data of a set section of the mooring rope while the mooring rope is connected to a fixture located at a port; A tension detection module for obtaining tension data applied to the above mooring rope; and A mooring rope damage monitoring system comprising a control device for monitoring damage to a first section of the mooring rope based on the length data and the tension data.

2. In paragraph 1, The above length detection module, a reflector placed on the above mooring rope; and A mooring rope damage monitoring system comprising a lidar that generates the length data based on light reflected from the reflector.

3. In paragraph 1, The above length detection module, a transmitter placed on the above mooring rope; and A mooring rope damage monitoring system comprising at least one receiver that generates the length data based on a wireless signal transmitted from the transmitter.

4. In paragraph 1, The above tension detection module, A load cell installed on a winch on which the above mooring rope is wound; and A mooring rope damage monitoring system including a data transmission unit that wirelessly transmits data generated from the load cell to the control device.

5. In paragraph 1, The above tension detection module, A load cell installed on a shackle to which the above mooring rope is connected; and A mooring rope damage monitoring system including a data transmission unit that transmits data generated from the load cell to the control device.

6. In paragraph 1, The above control device, Accumulate the above length data and the above tension data to generate stored accumulated data, A mooring rope damage monitoring system that monitors damage to each section of the mooring rope based on the above accumulated data.

7. In paragraph 6, The above control device, A mooring rope damage monitoring system that visualizes and outputs damage per section of the above mooring rope.

8. In paragraph 6, The above control device, Based on the damage to each section of the above mooring rope, the residual tension value of the above mooring rope is calculated, A mooring rope damage monitoring system that outputs an alarm when the above residual tension value is below a reference value.

9. In paragraph 1, The above control device, Based on the above length data and the above tension data, the residual tension value of the mooring rope is estimated in real time, A mooring rope damage monitoring system that outputs an alarm when the above residual tension value is below a reference value.

10. In paragraph 8 or 9 The above control device, A mooring rope damage monitoring system that transmits a warning message to a user terminal via wireless communication when the above residual tension value is below a reference value.

11. In paragraph 1 The above length detection module, A mooring rope damage monitoring system comprising a GPS device disposed on the above mooring rope.

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