Adaptive and multifunctional bridle system for multi-hull marine vessels

Abstract

A bridle system (30) arranged on a multi-hull marine vessel (200), the vessel comprising an anchor deployment and retrieval system (100) comprising a windlass (101), an anchor chain (102) connected to an anchor and operatively engaged with the windlass for deploying / retrieving the anchor and the anchor chain, the bridle system (30) comprising a bridle (10) comprising a port-side leg (11) and a starboard-side leg (12) connected to a chain hook (13) adapted for releasably engaging with the anchor chain (102) at any position along the anchor chain (102), where the bridle system (30) further comprises a port-side bow winch (21) for independently adjusting the length of the port-side leg (11) and a starboard-side bow winch (22) for independently adjusting the length of the starboard-side leg (12). A multi-hull marine vessel (200) comprising the bridle system (30) and a respective method of using a bridle (10) are herein also disclosed.

Description

Adaptive and multifunctional bridle system for multi-hull marine vesselsField of the invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bridle system on a multi-hull marine vessel, to a multi-hull marine vessel comprising the bridle system and to a method of using the bridle system.Background

[0002] Catamarans are marine vessels comprising two hulls (a port-side hull and starboard side hull) spaced apart and a bridge deck connecting the two hulls. Trimarans are marine vessels comprising a central main hull, a port-side hull and a starboard side hull spaced apart from the central hull and two bridge decks connecting the central hull with the port-side hull and the starboard side hull respectively. Multihull marine vessels such as catamaran and trimarans thus have a much wider beam compared to monohull marine vessels of equivalent length.

[0003] As most marine vessels, they typically also comprise an anchor deployment and retrieval system comprising a windlass, an anchor chain connected to an anchor and operatively engaged with the windlass and a chain roller for rolling the anchor chain when operating the windlass for deploying or retrieving the anchor. The windlass typically comprises an electric motor operated by means of an electronic command. Deploying the anchor typically comprises stopping movement of the vessel on a selected spot with the bow directed upwind, starting deploying the anchor by operating the windlass in one direction and when the anchor reaches the seafloor starting moving slowly in reverse and / or letting the wind cause a reverse movement while continuing deploying the anchor chain and trying to maintain the bow upwind, until a sufficient length of anchor chain has been deployed, typically for a length corresponding to at least three times and up to seven times or more the height between the chain roller and the seafloor at the location where the anchor is dropped. Once an appropriate length of chain has been deployed, the chain is typically engaged with a bridle, instead of a single-line snubber, which is more typical for monohull marine vessels. A bridle is basically a two-leg snubber, either y-spliced or independent-legged, having a port-side end fixed to a port-side bow eye-bolt or cleat or the like and a starboard-side end fixed to a starboard-side bow eye-bolt or cleat or the like respectively and another end or central part connected to an engagement tool or hook designed to be releasably engaged with the anchor chain at any desired position. Once the bridle has been engaged with the anchor chain, the anchor chain is further deployed until the tension is transferred from the windlass to the bridle. The bridle serves two main purposes on a multi-hull marine vessel. One purpose is that to prevent tensional strain on the windlass while at anchor thus preventing damaging the windlass and eventually loosing hold on the chain and to redistribute the load between the two legs and between the hulls. In particular, a bridle can help absorbing snatch loads that besides making living onboard uncomfortable, can be destructive for parts of the marine vessel, including the windlass. These loads also facilitate anchor drag or can unset the anchor altogether. Snatch loads occur when the forces generated from wind, waves and currents are sufficient to move the boat with enough energy to make the anchor chain taut. Once the anchor chain is tight, the boat decelerates instantaneously and imposes an extraordinary load on the anchor, anchor chain, vessel and hardware. A bridle can reduce snatch loads by acting as shock absorber, i.e. by absorbing much of the associated energy and slowing deceleration. Another purpose is that to achieve a stabilizing effect while at anchor by preventing the multi-hull marine vessel from excessive swings, which besides being also uncomfortable for living onboard may also cause the anchor chain to hit and damage the hulls and the chain roller. The length of the anchor chain being deployed can be determined either visually, e.g. by signs or marks, e.g. color marks at regular chain segments, e.g. every 10 m, and / or by an automatic chain counter. In order to ensure that the anchor is firmly set, gripped to the seafloor, especially if heavy winds are forecasted, it is a good practice to apply a sufficient pulling force to the deployed anchor chain by increasing the propulsion power in reverse up to or near to the maximum power. It is recommended to perform this operation after engaging the bridle in order to prevent damage to the windlass. If the anchor is set firmly and sufficient length of the chain has been deployed, the vessel will maintain a stationary position even under increased power, simulating a condition of heavy winds. If that is not the case, the anchor may have to be retrieved and the entire operation repeated, eventually starting at a different spot.

[0004] Retrieving the anchor typically comprises operating the windlass in the opposite direction while moving the multi-hull marine vessel forward, shortly pausing when the bridle hook is in proximity of the chain roller in order to disengage the bridle from the anchor chain and then continuing retrieving the anchor chain.

[0005] Sizing of the bridle is also very important, in terms of line diameter and length, besides its material, load capacity, etc. and should be chosen appropriately according to the size, weight and windage (size of the surface exposed to wind action), among other factors, of the marine vessel. At parity of other parameters, the length of the bridle can play one of the most significant roles for its function. The wider beam of multi-hull marine vessels compared to mono-hull marine vessels necessitates longer bridle legs compared to the snubber length of an equivalent length monohull. Short legs, even in moderate wind, cause higher loads on the bridle and parts of the marine vessel that the bridle is attached to. This is because by having shorter legs, hence wider spread apart, the inside angle where the legs meet at the splice (on y-splice bridles) or shackle (on independent-legged bridles) is increased, hence the force on each leg, particularly the lateral force, is increased. It is therefore more appropriate and safer to have a sufficient bridle length at which the inside angle is as small as possible, e.g. 45° or less, e.g. a length of up to 10 m or longer, depending on the vessel beam, especially for situations of heavy winds and heavy loads. A problem associated with too long bridles is however that the water depth may not be sufficient, and it is easy to end up in a situation where the bridle hook is sitting on the seafloor, especially at times of no wind or light winds.

[0006] Another problem often encountered at anchorage and strongly affecting comfort onboard is that while the bow is typically oriented upwind, waves may sometimes come from a direction different from that of the wind, e.g. because generated by an earlier wind with a different direction. If the waves come from one side of the marine vessel at anchorage, e.g. at an angle of 90° with respect to the wind angle, this causes the marine vessel to roll (oscillate by partial back and forth rotation about the longitudinal axis of the marine vessel from bow to stern), which is much more uncomfortable than pitching (oscillating by partial back and forth rotation about the traversal side-to-side axis) which occurs instead when waves come towards the bow or stern. It is therefore desirable that the angle of the wave direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the marine vessel is as small as possible.

[0007] Also, marine vessels rely on battery power storage for onboard instrumentation and electric appliances. Sufficient electrical power availability at all times and for all needs can be a challenge, especially for high-power demanding uses like air conditioning, heating, water making and the like, typically requiring intense use of a combustion-based generator. Thus, more and more often marine vessels comprise one or more renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, wind turbines and hydro-generators contributing to some extent to battery recharging and sustainable onboard living. In particular, there is a trend also in the yachting industry, like in the automobile industry, towards more ecological and sustainable solutions, which are based on the gradual replacement of combustion engines with electric motors and of fuel tanks with battery packs, thus using stored battery power also for propulsion, and almost exclusively renewable energy sources for recharging the batteries. Thus, the need for more power storage, for more energy sources, for faster and more efficient recharging, and for more efficient power management is higher and higher.General description

[0008] In view of the above background, an adaptive and multifunctional bridle system for multi-hull marine vessels is herein introduced that increases safety and comfort at anchorage by offering flexibility in having an appropriate bridle length in any circumstance while enabling to reduce roll caused by side waves, if required. Another advantage and possible additional function of the bridle system, according to certain embodiments, is that of not only working as shock absorber in cases of heavy winds but also to capture and store some of the wind energy.Other advantages will become apparent from the following description.

[0009] A multi-hull marine vessel comprising such bridle system and presenting the same advantages is herein also disclosed.

[0010] A method of using the bridle system and presenting the same advantages is herein also disclosed.

[0011] In particular, the bridle system of the present disclosure comprises a bridle comprising a port-side leg and a starboard-side leg connected to a chain hook adapted for releasably engaging with an anchor chain at any position along the anchor chain, as well as a port-side bow winch for independently adjusting the length of the port-side leg and a starboard-side bow winch for independently adjusting the length of the starboard-side leg.

[0012] The bridle system is particularly suitable for a multi-hull marine vessel, such as a catamaran or trimaran, due it its relatively wider beam compared to a mono-hull marine vessel of equivalent length.

[0013] A “multi-hull marine vessel” is a marine vessel with at least two hulls (catamaran) or three hulls (trimaran), designed for navigation on water, such as ocean, sea, lake, river, regardless of its use, e.g. as a leisure vessel, or for commercial or dedicated use, e.g. as a charter yacht, a fishing boat, or a larger ship for transporting people and / or goods and the like, and regardless of its means of propulsion. In particular, the multi-hull marine vessel of the present disclosure can be a motor and / or sailing multi-hull marine vessel, of any size, shape and form.

[0014] The multi-hull marine vessel comprises an anchor deployment and retrieval system, typically arranged on a foredeck. The term “on the foredeck” may include parts located above the foredeck and parts inside or below the foredeck or entirely above the foredeck, entirely inside the foredeck or entirely below the foredeck, as long as it is accessible from the foredeck.

[0015] The term “anchor deployment and retrieval system” as used herein refers to a system for facilitating dropping / deployment of an anchor attached to an anchor chain along with a certain length of the anchor chain and hoisting / retrieval of the deployed anchor chain and anchor attached thereto. In particular, the anchor deployment and retrieval system comprises a windlass, an anchor chain connected to an anchor and operatively engaged with the windlass for deploying / retrieving the anchor and the anchor chain.

[0016] A “windlass” can be any suitable type of windlass, including windlass with vertical axis and windlass with horizontal axis, configured to deploy and retrieve any type of anchor chain that is operatively engaged with the windlass. In particular, the windlass may be a gypsy-type windlass including a wheel, also called barboten, with indentations, cavities or protrusions sized to match the size of a corresponding linked anchor chain in order to engage and translate the anchor chain in a forward or reverse direction (up or down) depending on the direction of operation of the windlass. In particular, the windlass typically comprises a windlass motor providing power to the windlass / barboten upon operation. The windlass motor may be an integral part of the windlass or may be externally connected to the windlass and is typically an electric motor, typically powered by DC current, e.g. connected to a 12 V, 24 V or 48 V power source. The power of the windlass motor may be dimensioned according to the size of the windlass and of the anchor-chain / anchor, which is related to the size of the marine vessel, e.g. from as little as 500 W up to several thousand W. The windlass motor may be operated by electronic command means, e.g. wirelessly controlled using wireless communication technology and / or through a hardwired connection. Other driving means such as hydraulic or pneumatic are also possible.

[0017] The anchor deployment and retrieval system may further comprise a chain counter, that is an electronic device configured to automatically determine the length of the anchor chain being deployed / retrieved, e.g. by counting the rotations of the windlass / barboten after calibration based on the known length of a chain segment / number of chain links translated upon one single rotation.

[0018] The anchor chain is typically deployed from and retrieved into an anchor-chain compartment, typically accessible also from the foredeck.

[0019] The anchor deployment and retrieval system, typically, also comprises a chain roller for rolling the anchor chain when operating the windlass for deploying / retrieving the anchor and the anchor chain. A “chain roller” is basically a wheel rotatable about a horizontal axis mounted to a support that can act as a guiding element, preventing the anchor chain to roll or slide out of the wheel. The wheel can be made of rubber, metal, plastics or combinations thereof and typically comprises a concave circumference to facilitate guiding of the chain. The support can comprise a tilting and / or damping mechanism for at least partially reducing friction and the impact of abrupt pull forces (snatch loads) on the wheel that could cause damage or deformations to the wheel itself or its axis, as well as to the support and the parts of the vessel that the support is fixed to. The tilting and / or damping mechanism is less effective at reducing the impact of lateral pull forces, which can still cause damage or deformations, especially to the support and guide element. The chain roller is typically located also on the foredeck, typically forward with respect to the windlass and with the axis of the wheel at an angle that results orthogonal to the anchor chain segment stretched between the windlass and the chain roller (when the anchor chain is centered on the chain roller), and at a height that results in the segment of the anchor chain between the windlass and chain roller to be about horizontal. The chain roller is typically but not necessarily about longitudinally in line with the windlass, meaning that the distance of the chain roller on the foredeck from the central longitudinal axis of the marine vessel is about the same or as close as possible to the distance of the windlass from the central longitudinal axis of the marine vessel. Minor deviations are possible according to some designs, e.g. in case of a double anchor deployment / retrieval system with two windlasses and two chain rollers.

[0020] The windlass and the chain roller are typically located on the foredeck about centrally between the two hulls in case of a catamaran or on the central hull in case of a trimaran. The term “about centrally” includes locations biased more towards the port-side hull or starboard side hull, but typically between the port-side hull and the starboard-side hull. Also, some vessels may have more than one, e.g. two windlasses, operatively engaged with respective anchor chains and anchors, e.g. one main windlass and anchor chain / anchor and one back-up windlass and anchor chain / anchor.

[0021] A “bridle” according to the present disclosure is basically a two-leg snubber having a port-side leg and a starboard-side leg, either y-spliced or independent-legged, connected to an engagement tool or hook designed to be engaged and disengaged with the anchor chain at any desired position. A substantial difference with respect to conventional bridles is that whereas conventional bridles have a port-side leg fixed to a port-side bow eye-bolt or cleat or the like and a starboard-side leg fixed to a starboard-side bow eye-bolt or cleat or the like respectively, and hence have a fixed length, the bridle of the present disclosure comprises a port-side leg at least partially wound or windable around a port-side bow winch and a starboard-side leg at least partially wound or windable around a starboard-side bow winch respectively, and hence have a variable and adjustable length. The bridle legs are typically ropes or lines or strips made of a material that has a certain elasticity and strength as well as the ability to withstand the marine environment, e.g. nylon. The diameter of the lines should be commensurate to the load that they can be subject to, which depends on the size, type, and weight of the marine vessel. According to the present disclosure, materials offering larger tensional strength and durability with smaller diameters and weight are preferred, even at expense of elasticity, e.g. made of aramid fibers, e.g. KevlarTM, or e.g. made of DyneemaTM(ultra high molecular weight polyethylene) that on a weight-for-weight basis is 15 times stronger than steel. The smaller diameter or thickness at parity of strength (load capacity) enables to wind more line or strip at parity of volume and hence to increase the range of adjustable length for each bridle leg.

[0022] The term “bow winch” as used herein refers to any suitable type of winch, including winches with vertical axis and winches with horizontal axis, comprising a spool (drum), hence also called a drum winch, configured to wind / unwind a bridle leg thereby adjusting its length as needed and located at the bow, i.e. in proximity of the foremost part of a marine vessel. In particular, the port-side bow winch is located at the port-side bow, e.g. on or inside or below the foredeck as far as possible forwards and port-side or on or inside the bow of the port-side hull whereas a starboard-side bow winch is located at the starboard-side bow, e.g. on or inside or below the foredeck as far as possible forwards and starboard side or on or inside the bow of the starboard-side hull.

[0023] Unlike other winches typically located at other positions on sailing marine vessels, that are actually capstans although referred to as winches, and are configured to pass on a line or rope by rotating only in one direction, the bow winches are configured to rotate in both directions by winding up the respective bridle legs upon rotation in one direction and unwinding them upon rotation in the opposite direction. The bridle legs may therefore be stored at least partially on the respective bow winches.

[0024] In their simplest form, the bow winches may be manual winches that can be operated by a hand crank. They may include a solenoid brake and / or a mechanical brake or ratchet and pawl which prevents it unwinding unless the pawl is retracted. According to an embodiment, the bow winches are electric winches, each driven by an electric motor configured to be individually and / or jointly operated by electronic command means, e.g. wirelessly controlled using wireless communication technology and / or through a hardwired connection.

[0025] The bow winch motors can be powered e.g. by DC current, e.g. by connection to a 12 V, 24 V or 48 V power source. The power of the bow winch motor may be dimensioned according to the size of the bow winch and to the loads involved, however, the power required for operating a bow winch is normally smaller compared to the power required to operate the windlass, thus the power of the bow winch motor can be smaller than that of the windlass motor. Other driving means such as hydraulic or pneumatic are also possible.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the bridle system comprises resilient means connected to the bow winches acting as shock absorbers in case of snatch loads. A bow winch may comprise for example an outer drum for winding / unwinding the respective bridle leg and an inner rotor connected to the motor and / or hand crank, the inner rotor and the drum being connected by resilient means, e.g. a spring, having an elastic force such that upon rotating the rotor in any direction also the outer drum rotates in the same direction. Once rotation of the rotor is stopped and the bridle is subject to a snatch load, the force of the snatch load being larger than the elastic force of the resilient means, the outer drum is enabled to rotate to some extent relative to the stationary inner rotor by tensioning the resilient means and to return to the original rest position once the snatch load is removed and the resilient means is relaxed. The resilient means is thus configured to absorb the shock caused by snatch loads, that may otherwise cause damages to the bow winch and its support besides being uncomfortable for onboard living. This feature can be particularly advantageous if a bridle material with relatively smaller inherent elasticity is used, e.g. if a material that prioritizes larger tensional strength and smaller diameters / thickness rather than elasticity is used, as mentioned above.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the electronic command means are common electronic command means for operating both the bow winches and the windlass or separate electronic command means in communication with each other, so that from each, both the bow winches and the windlass can be operated. For example, the common electronic command means may comprise independent up / down or forward / backward commands, e.g. in the form of buttons, for each of the windlass, the port-side bow winch and the starboard-side bow winch. They may also comprise a synchronization function to synchronize for example the commands of the bow winches or the commands of the bow winches and the windlass.

[0028] The bridle system of the present disclosure thus enables to independently adjust the length of the port-side leg and of the starboard-side leg either manually or electronically. By doing so, it is possible at one end to have an appropriate bridle length in any circumstance, e.g. based on current depth data and / or current or forecasted wind data by maximizing the bridle legs length, hence minimizing the inside angle where the legs meet, within a limit that prevents the chain hook to come in contact with the seafloor at any time. This increases safety and comfort at anchorage by reducing snatch loads under wind gusts. At the other end, it is possible to adjust the ratio between the length of the port-side leg and the length of the starboard-side leg, which given the relatively large beam on a multi-hull marine vessel and the wide angle between the bridle legs can cause partial rotation of the multi-hull marine vessel at anchorage with the longitudinal axis biased from the direction the wind comes from and toward the direction waves come from if wind and waves have different directions. For example, if the waves come from the port side with an angle between bow and waves smaller than the angle between stern and waves, increasing the ratio between the length of the port-side leg and the length of the starboard-side leg, i.e. by having length port-side leg / length starboard-side leg > 1, causes port-side rotation of the bow at anchorage, whereas if the waves come from the starboard side with an angle between bow and waves smaller than the angle between stern and waves, increasing the ratio between the length of the starboard-side leg and the length of the port-side leg, i.e. by having length starboard-side leg / length port-side leg > 1 causes starboard-side rotation of the bow at anchorage, to an extent that can minimize roll effect caused by the waves within rotational limits, hence also increasing comfort onboard.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the bridle system further comprises a controller.

[0030] The term “controller” as used herein encompasses any physical or virtual processing device and in particular a programmable logic controller running a computer-readable program or software provided with instructions to execute control operations related at least to the bridle system, and in particular configured to automatically control operation of the bow winches based on any one or more sensor data and / or user input data including depth data, wind data, waves or swell data, roll data. The controller may include a central processing unit (CPU), a system memory and a system bus that couples various system components to the CPU, such as but not limited to any sensor providing the required sensor data and may be connected to and cooperate with another one or more CPUs on the marine vessel, possibly having different or shared functions. The CPU can include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a processor, a programmable integrated circuit, or a combination thereof. The CPU may provide output data to a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). The GPU may generate graphical user interfaces that present the output data, e.g. to a display, e.g. a multi-function display. The GPU may also provide objects, such as menus, in the graphical user interface. A user may provide inputs by interacting with the objects. The objects may include the electronic command means for manual operation of the bow winches and / or windlass. The GPU may receive the inputs from interaction with the objects and provide the inputs to the CPU. In one implementation, the CPU may perform the tasks of the GPU.

[0031] The automatic action by the controller may have priority over any manual action meaning that any manual action is overruled by the automatic action, which can be opposite to the intended action, e.g. by reversing the direction of operation of a bow winch with respect to the intended direction. According to some embodiments, it could be however possible to disable the automatic function, e.g. in emergency situations, and manual control could be re-established.

[0032] According to an embodiment, the controller is configured to automatically adjust the length of each of the port-side leg and of the starboard-side leg based at least on the depth data and / or the wind data, at an anchorage position.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the controller is configured to automatically adjust the lengths of the port-side leg and of the starboard-side leg proportionally to the depth and / or wind force, the higher the depth and / or the heavier the wind the longer the lengths, and the lower the depth and / or the lighter the wind the shorter the lengths, within a limit that prevents the chain hook to come in contact with the seafloor at any time.

[0034] Alternatively or in addition, the controller may be configured to automatically adjust a ratio between the length of the port-side leg and the length of the starboard-side leg based at least on the waves or swell data and / or the roll data, at an anchorage position, to an extent that minimizes roll effect caused by the waves within rotational limits.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the controller is configured to increase the ratio between the length of the port-side leg and the length of the starboard-side leg if the waves come from port side (with an angle between bow and waves smaller than the angle between stern and waves) thereby causing port-side rotation of the bow at anchorage and to increase the ratio between the length of the starboard-side leg and the length of the port-side leg if the waves come from starboard side (with an angle between bow and waves smaller than the angle between stern and waves) thereby causing starboard-side rotation of the bow at anchorage, to an extent that minimizes roll effect caused by the waves within rotational limits. If the starting angle between stern and waves is smaller than the starting angle between bow and waves, the controller can be configured to change the ratio in the opposite way such as to minimize the angle between stern and waves.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the controller is configured to automatically operate the windlass at least partially simultaneously and in synchronicity with the bow winches such as to proportionally adjust the length of the anchor chain upon adjusting the lengths of the bridle legs and / or the controller is configured to automatically operate the bow winches at least partially simultaneously and in synchronicity with the windlass such as to proportionally adjust the lengths of the bridle legs upon adjusting the length of the anchor chain, to an extent that maintains tension and load on the bridle legs rather than on the windlass.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the bridle system further comprises an energy generation system operatively coupled to at least one bow winch for capturing and storing energy from wind gusts at anchorage, the energy generation system comprising resilient means connected to the at least one bow winch enabling alternate linear motion of the respective bridle leg in conditions of wind gusts, a mechanism of conversion from linear motion into rotational motion, and mechanical energy storage means configured to use the rotational motion for charging the mechanical energy storage means.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the mechanism of conversion from linear motion into rotational motion comprises a rocker as part of the bow winch or connected to the bow winch and a crank connected to the mechanical energy storage means, the rocker and the crank being connected by a connecting rod or link such as to operate according to the Grashof’s law. Other mechanisms of transforming linear motion into rotational motion are possible and known to a person skilled in mechanics.

[0039] The resilient means connected to the at least one bow winch may be the same resilient means, e.g. a spring, used as shock absorber in the embodiment described above, thereby having a double and synergistic function. The bow winch may be embodied in the same or similar manner as already described with e.g. an outer drum for winding / unwinding the respective bridle leg and an inner rotor connected to the motor and / or hand crank, the inner rotor and the outer drum being connected by the resilient means. Once rotation of the inner rotor is stopped and the bridle is subject to a snatch load under conditions of wind gusts, the force of the snatch load being larger than the elastic force of the resilient means, the outer drum is enabled to rotate to some extent relative to the stationary inner rotor by tensioning the resilient means and to return to the original rest position once the snatch load is removed and the resilient means is relaxed. Thus, the partial alternate (oscillating) linear motion of the bridle leg results in a partial alternate (oscillating) rotational motion of the outer drum relative to the inner rotor. The outer drum itself or another element connected or connectable to the outer drum may act as the rocker. In turn, the oscillating motion of the rocker causes full rotational motion of the crank, the rocker, the crank and the connecting rod being dimensioned and positioned such as to satisfy the Grashof’s law.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the mechanical energy storage means comprises a spiral spring and the crank is configured to rotate in only one direction by direct or indirect coupling to a ratchet locking device, such as to wind the spring upon rotation, thereby storing energy. Although using a spring is one of the simplest forms of mechanical energy storage means, other forms of mechanical energy storage means are also possible such as compressed air energy storage, pumped heat storage, flywheel energy storage and the like.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the energy generation system further comprises a generator coupled to the mechanical energy storage means for converting rotational motion upon release of the stored energy from the mechanical energy storage means into electrical energy.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the energy generation system further comprises a speed control mechanism for uniform energy release comprising an escape wheel and a balance wheel connected to the mechanical energy storage means.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the electric motor of the bow winch, if the bow winch is an electric winch, acts as the generator when not operating the bow winch.

[0044] A method of using a bridle on a multi-hull marine vessel is herein also disclosed, the bridle comprising a port-side leg and a starboard-side leg connected to a chain hook adapted for releasably engaging with an anchor chain at any position along the anchor chain, the method comprising independently adjusting the length of the port-side leg by a port-side bow winch and independently adjusting the length of the starboard-side leg by a starboard-side bow winch.

[0045] According to an embodiment, the method comprises automatically controlling by a controller operation of the bow winches based on any one or more sensor data and / or user input data, including depth data, wind data, waves or swell data, roll data.

[0046] According to an embodiment, the method comprises automatically adjusting by the controller the length of each of the port-side leg and of the starboard-side leg based at least on the depth data and / or the wind data, at an anchorage position.

[0047] According to an embodiment, the method comprises automatically adjusting the lengths of the port-side leg and of the starboard-side leg proportionally to the depth and / or wind force, the higher the depth and / or the heavier the wind the longer the lengths, and the lower the depth and / or the lighter the wind the shorter the lengths, within a limit that prevents the chain hook to come in contact with the seafloor at any time.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the method comprises automatically adjusting a ratio between the length of the port-side leg and the length of the starboard-side leg based at least on the waves or swell data and / or the roll data, at an anchorage position, to an extent that minimizes roll effect caused by the waves within rotational limits.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the method comprises automatically operating a windlass at least partially simultaneously and in synchronicity with the bow winches such as to proportionally adjust the length of the anchor chain upon adjusting the lengths of the bridle legs and / or automatically operating the bow winches at least partially simultaneously and in synchronicity with the windlass such as to proportionally adjust the lengths of the bridle legs upon adjusting the length of the anchor chain, to an extent that maintains tension and load on the bridle legs rather than on the windlass.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the method comprises absorbing snatch loads by resilient means connected to the bow winches acting as shock absorbers.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the method comprises capturing and storing energy from wind gusts at anchorage by an energy generation system operatively coupled to at least one bow winch, comprising enabling alternate linear motion of the respective bridle leg in conditions of wind gusts by resilient means connected to the at least one bow winch, converting the linear motion into rotational motion by a mechanism of conversion from linear motion into rotational motion, and charging mechanical energy storage means by the rotational motion.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the method comprises converting rotational motion upon release of energy from the mechanical energy storage means into electrical energy by a generator coupled to the mechanical energy storage means.

[0053] Other and further objects, features and advantages will appear from the following description of exemplary embodiments and accompanying drawings, which serve to explain the principles more in detail.Brief description of the drawings

[0054] shows schematically a perspective front (bow) view of a multi-hull marine vessel comprising a bridle system according to the present disclosure.

[0055] shows the same multi-hull marine vessel ofwith the bridle system in operation.

[0056] shows an additional way of operating the same bridle system ofand.

[0057] shows schematically a top view of the same multi-hull marine vessel ofto, with a symmetric bridle arrangement as shown in.

[0058] shows a top view of the same multi-hull marine vessel as inbut corresponding to the embodiment shown in, where the bridle is being asymmetrically adjusted thereby resulting in partial rotation of the multi-hull marine vessel.

[0059] is a continuation ofand shows the end result of the operation of.

[0060] schematically shows further optional features of the bridle system shown intoaccording to further possible embodiments, including an energy generation system.

[0061] Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements whereas other elements may have been left out or represented in a reduced number in order to enhance clarity and improve understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure.Detailed description

[0062] shows schematically a perspective front (bow) view of a multi-hull marine vessel 200, in particular of an exemplary catamaran, comprising a port-side hull 201 and a starboard-side hull 202, and a foredeck 205 located forward including the bow 201’ of the port-side hull 201 and the bow 202’ of the starboard-side hull 202 and a deck area between the hulls 201, 202. The foredeck 205 typically comprises a light and flexible area forward such as a tensioned net structure, also called trampoline 206. The foredeck 205 also comprises a longitudinal structural beam 208 located about centrally, more towards port side in this example, between the two hulls 201, 202 and a cross structural beam 209 located forward at the bow between the two hulls 201, 202 intersecting with and contributing to hold the longitudinal beam 208. Many other designs are possible, e.g. the deck area between the hulls may be entirely rigid and structurally integrated with the hulls. The multi-hull marine vessel 200 further comprises an anchor deployment and retrieval system 100 comprising a windlass 101 located on the foredeck 205 about centrally between the hulls 201, 202 (in fact biased more towards the port-side hull 201 in this example), an anchor chain 102 connected to an anchor (not shown) and operatively engaged with the windlass 101 and a chain roller 103 also on the foredeck 205, located forward at the bow in this example, for rolling the anchor chain 102 when operating the windlass 101 in order to deploy or retrieve the anchor and the anchor chain 102. The chain roller 103 could be located at a different position, e.g. closer to the windlass 101 and inside or below the foredeck 205. The windlass 101 comprises an electric motor 101’ providing power to the windlass 101 upon operation.

[0063] The multi-hull marine vessel 200 comprises in particular a bridle system 30 comprising a bridle 10 comprising a port-side leg 11 and a starboard-side leg 12 connected to a chain hook 13 adapted for releasably engaging with the anchor chain 102 at any position along the anchor chain 102, the bridle system 30 further comprising a port-side bow winch 21 for independently adjusting the length of the port-side leg 11 and a starboard-side bow winch 22 for independently adjusting the length of the starboard-side leg 12.

[0064] In particular, the port-side bow winch 21 (drawn with dashed lines) is located in this example inside the bow 201’ of the port-side hull 201 whereas the starboard-side bow winch 22 (drawn with dashed lines) is located in this example inside the bow 202’ of the starboard-side hull 202, i.e. in the respective forepeaks below deck inside the hulls 201, 202. This location may be convenient since that space is usually unoccupied while leaving the foredeck 205 as free as possible. The bridle legs 11, 12 may be extended / retracted through respective orifices 211, 212 in the port-side hull 201 and starboard-side hull 212 respectively, preferably located as high as possible above water level 300.

[0065] The bow winches 21, 22 are electric winches, each driven by an electric motor 21’, 22’ respectively configured to be individually and / or jointly operated by electronic command means 23.

[0066] In the example shown, the electronic command means 23 are common electronic command means for operating both the bow winches 21, 22 and the windlass 101 or separate electronic command means in communication with each other, so that from each, both the bow winches 21, 22 and the windlass 101 can be operated. They may also comprise a synchronization function 24 to synchronize for example the commands 21’’, 22’’ of the bow winches 21, 22 or the commands 101’’, 21’’, 22’’of the windlass 101 and the bow winches 21, 22, so that by operating one also the other is operated at the same time. Synchronization may be in the same direction of operation or in opposite directions, e.g. by synchronization in the same direction, when operating a bridle leg in one direction also the other bridle leg is operated in the same direction, whereas by reverse synchronization, when operating a bridle leg in one direction the other bridle leg is operated in the opposite direction.

[0067] With continued reference to, the bridle system 30 further comprises a controller 150 configured to automatically control operation of the bow winches 21, 22 based on any one or more sensor data and / or user input data including depth data, wind data, waves or swell data, roll data.

[0068] The electronic command means 23 may be connected to the controller 150 and comprise commands 25 to activate / deactivate the automatic operation by the controller 150 and / or may provide manual input to the controller 150 in order to operate the bow winches 21, 22 and / or the windlass 101 via the controller 150.

[0069] In particular, the controller 150 may be configured to automatically adjust the length of each of the port-side leg 11 and of the starboard-side leg 12 based at least on the depth data and / or the wind data, at an anchorage position. The depth data may be automatically obtained from a depth meter 221 in communication with the controller 150. Analogously the wind data may be obtained by a wind sensor 222 in communication with the controller 150.

[0070] Inthe bridle 10 is shown in its retracted position with the chain hook 13 releasably engaged with the anchor chain 102 after deploying the anchor. It can be noticed that, in this retracted position, portions of the port-side leg 11 and of the starboard-side leg 12 remain unwound and nearly tensioned externally between the port-side hull 201 and the starboard-side hull 202 as they are both connected to the chain hook 13. When the anchor is fully retrieved (not shown) and the chain hook 13 is not engaged, the bridle 10 may be left in this same position with the chain hook 13 located about centrally in correspondence of the chain roller 103. The chain hook 13 may be additionally fixed to some other part of the vessel, e.g. during navigation. Another advantage of the bridle system 30 is therefore the convenient and compact storage of the bridle 10 outside of (forwards or below) the foredeck 205 when not used, as well as its readiness of use when needed, compared to current systems where the bridle with fixed legs length is accumulated on the foredeck 205 causing hindrance and safety risks or remains hanging below the foredeck 205 with only the chain hook fixed somewhere, which can also be unsafe especially in rough conditions during navigation. With continued reference to, once the chain hook 13 has been engaged with the anchor chain 102, the anchor chain 102 can be further deployed and the bridle legs 11, 12 extended (as indicated by the arrows) until an appropriate length has been obtained and the tension and load of the deployed anchor chain 102 is transferred from the windlass 101 to the bridle legs 11, 12.

[0071] shows the same embodiment ofwhere like features are given like numbers, with the difference that the bow winches 21, 22 and the windlass 101 are shown in operation, while the chain hook 13 remains engaged with the anchor chain 102 after deploying the anchor in order to obtain an appropriate length for each of the port-side leg 11 and the starboard-side leg 12 of the bridle 10 according to the circumstances. In particular, while adjusting the length of the port-side leg 11 and the starboard-side leg 12 also the length of the anchor chain 102 is adjusted to an extent such that, at least at the end of the adjustment operation, tension and load are maintained on the bridle legs 11, 12 and hence on the bow winches 21, 22 respectively rather than on the anchor chain segment between the chain hook 13 and the windlass 101 and hence on the windlass 101. According to an embodiment (shown in), the bridle system 30 further comprises resilient means connected to the bow winches 21, 22 acting as shock absorbers for better absorbing snatch loads.

[0072] While such operation can be executed manually, by e.g. operating the electronic command means 23, according to an embodiment, the controller 150 is configured to automatically adjust the lengths of the port-side leg 11 and of the starboard-side leg 12 proportionally to the depth and / or wind force, e.g. as determined by the depth meter 221 and / or wind sensor 222 respectively, the higher the depth and / or the heavier the wind the longer the lengths, and the lower the depth and / or the lighter the wind the shorter the lengths, within a limit that prevents the chain hook 13 to come in contact with the seafloor at any time, e.g. when relaxed in absence of wind.

[0073] shows the same embodiment of, with the bow winches 21, 22 and the windlass 101 also shown in operation. The only difference betweenandis that while inthe lengths of the port-side leg 11 and of the starboard-side leg 12 are adjusted symmetrically, i.e. equally on both sides, inthey are adjusted asymmetrically, that is the ratio between the length of the port-side leg 11 and the length of the starboard-side leg 12 is adjusted such that one bridle leg is longer than the other. In the example shown, the starboard-side leg 12 is extended while the port-side leg 11 is shortened. The length of the anchor chain 102 is adjusted accordingly, to an extent that maintains tension and load on the bridle legs 11, 12 rather than on the windlass 101.

[0074] While such operation can be executed manually, by e.g. operating the electronic command means 23, according to an embodiment, the controller 150 is configured to automatically adjust the ratio between the length of the port-side leg 11 and the length of the starboard-side leg 12 based at least on waves or swell data and / or roll data, at an anchorage position, to an extent that minimizes roll effect caused by the waves within rotational limits.

[0075] In particular, the controller 150 is configured to increase the ratio between the length of the port-side leg 11 and the length of the starboard-side leg 12 if the waves come from port side (with an angle between bow and waves smaller than the angle between stern and waves) thereby causing port-side rotation of the bow at anchorage and to increase the ratio between the length of the starboard-side leg 12 and the length of the port-side leg 11 if the waves come from starboard side (with an angle between bow and waves smaller than the angle between stern and waves) thereby causing starboard-side rotation of the bow at anchorage, to an extent that minimizes roll effect caused by the waves within rotational limits.

[0076] Of course, the embodiments ofandmay be combined, so that both absolute length and relative length of each of the port-side leg 11 and starboard side leg 12 are adjusted according to the circumstances, e.g. based on respective sensor data.

[0077] With continued reference to bothand, the controller 150 may be configured to automatically operate the windlass 101 at least partially simultaneously and in synchronicity with the bow winches 21, 22 such as to proportionally adjust the length of the anchor chain 102 upon adjusting the lengths of the bridle legs 11, 12 and / or the controller 150 may be configured to automatically operate the bow winches 21, 22 at least partially simultaneously and in synchronicity with the windlass 101 such as to proportionally adjust the lengths of the bridle legs 11, 12 upon adjusting the length of the anchor chain 102, to an extent that maintains tension and load on the bridle legs 11, 12 rather than on the windlass 101.

[0078] In general, another advantage of the bridle system 30 is that at any time, at least to some extent (within the range of adjustment of the bridle legs 11, 12) it is possible to extend or shorten the length of the anchor chain 102, i.e. it is possible to change the scope ratio according to the circumstances, without having to disengage the chain hook 13 / bridle 10 from the anchor chain 102 first and then re-engage it.

[0079] shows schematically a top view of the same multi-hull marine vessel 200 ofto, where like features are given like numbers and where some details have been omitted for simplicity. The position of the bridle 10 is the same as that shown for example in, where the lengths of the port-side leg 11 and of the starboard-side leg 12 have been adjusted symmetrically and are therefore equal. The chain hook 13 engaged with the anchor chain 102 is therefore mostly centrally and symmetrically positioned with respect to the port-side bow 201’ and the starboard-side bow 202’ and in alignment with a longitudinal axis 231 of the multi-hull marine vessel 200, when the anchor chain 102 between the chain hook 13 and the anchor (not shown) and the bridle 10 are tensioned under effect of wind at anchorage. This is because the load is mostly equally distributed between the port-side leg 11 and the starboard-side leg 12. It can also be noted that, since the anchor chain segment between the windlass 101 and the chain hook 13 is not tensioned, the position of the chain roller 103 is not relevant. In fact, the chain hook 13 is centrally and symmetrically positioned despite the chain roller 103 being off-center, in the example shown.

[0080] In particular,shows a typical situation at anchorage where the bow 201’, 202’ of a multi-hull marine vessel 200 is oriented upwind, i.e. oriented in the direction the wind comes from, where the longitudinal axis 231 of the multi-hull marine vessel 200 and the wind direction 301 are parallel with each other, as a result of the aerodynamic shape and design of a multi-hull marine vessel 200 and the symmetrical arrangement of the bridle 10. The anchor chain 102 between the chain hook 103 and the anchor (not shown), when under tension under effect of the wind, is therefore mostly also aligned with the longitudinal axis of the multi-hull marine vessel 200, parallel to the wind direction 301.

[0081] The term “mostly” is herein used to indicate a dynamic equilibrium that includes small swings, which are normal as the conditions, especially wind direction, are rarely constant. Current and swell can also play an important role. So, at each slight change of conditions the multi-hull marine vessel 200 may temporarily loose alignment until equilibrium is re-established, facilitated by the bridle 10. Equilibrium is obtained when both the port-side leg 11 and the starboard-side leg 12 are tensioned and the load is distributed between them.

[0082] As mentioned in the background section, a problem often encountered at anchorage and strongly affecting comfort onboard is that, although wind and waves typically have the same direction, sometimes waves come from a direction 302 different from the direction 301 of the wind, e.g. because generated by an earlier wind with a different direction, hence at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis 231 of the multi-hull marine vessel 200, which can cause the multi-hull marine vessel 200 to roll (oscillate by partial back and forth rotation about the longitudinal axis 231). Rolling is much more uncomfortable than pitching (oscillating by partial back and forth rotation about the traversal side-to-side axis 232) which occurs instead when waves come towards the bow with the wind or from stern towards the wind. It is therefore desirable that the angle of the wave direction 302 with respect to the longitudinal axis 231 of the multi-hull marine vessel 200 is as small as possible, the rolling effect being worst at about 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis 231, the higher and more frequent the waves the stronger the rolling effect.

[0083] shows a top view of the same multi-hull marine vessel 200 but corresponding to the embodiment shown in, where the ratio between the length of the port-side leg 11 and the length of the starboard-side leg 12 is being adjusted such that one bridle leg is longer than the other. In the example shown, the starboard-side leg 12 is being extended while the port-side leg 11 is being shortened. Other ways to adjust the ratio are possible according to the circumstances, e.g. depending on depth and / or wind data, e.g. by changing the length of only one bridle leg while leaving the length of the other bridle leg constant. The length of the anchor chain 102 is being adjusted accordingly if required.

[0084] In the example shown, the waves come from starboard side. While increasing the ratio between the length of the starboard-side leg 12 and the length of the port-side leg 11, as long as tension and load are maintained on the bridle 10 and not on the windlass 101, the multi-hull marine vessel 200 starts rotating with the bow starboard-side under effect of the wind, thereby reducing the angle between the longitudinal axis 231 and the wave direction 302, and thereby reducing the roll effect. The multi-hull marine vessel 200 rotates because, as mentioned above, equilibrium is reached when both the port-side leg 11 and the starboard-side leg 12 are tensioned and the load is distributed, although no longer equally, between them. By having an asymmetric bridle 10, alignment is therefore lost between the longitudinal axis 231 and the anchor chain 102 tensioned between the chain hook 13 and the anchor. In particular, while the anchor chain 102 tensioned between the chain hook 13 and the anchor remains mostly aligned and parallel to the wind direction 301, the longitudinal axis 231 of the multi-hull marine vessel 200 is no longer aligned with the wind direction 301, i.e. the bow 201’, 202’ is no longer oriented upwind.

[0085] is a continuation ofand shows the end result of the operation of, where the multi-hull marine vessel 200 is eventually oriented with the bow in the direction 302 the waves come from, thereby minimizing the roll effect. The same effect would be achieved if as a result of rotation the waves come from the stern, i.e. the stern and not the bow was oriented in the direction the waves come from. In that case, the direction of rotation required to minimize the angle between stern and waves (whenever the starting angle between stern and waves is smaller than the starting angle between bow and waves) may be the opposite with respect to that required to minimize the angle between bow and waves.

[0086] The extent of rotation that is possible to obtain by this operation and this bridle system 30 is limited, typically up to 30-45 degrees in either port-side or starboard-side direction, also referred to herein as “rotational limits”, nevertheless very useful at reducing / minimizing the roll effect caused by the waves. In particular, it is not always possible to obtain a rotation sufficient to align the longitudinal axis 231 of the multi-hull marine vessel 200 with the wave direction 302 as shown inif, originally, the direction of the waves is at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis 231 greater than the rotational limits. In any event, any reduction of this angle is beneficial at reducing the roll effect.

[0087] schematically shows further optional features of the bridle system 30 shown intoaccording to further possible embodiments.

[0088] In particular, the bridle system 30 comprises resilient means 31 connected to the bow winches 21, 22 acting as shock absorbers for absorbing snatch loads. The bow winches 21, 22 may comprise for example, as shown in the figure, an outer drum 20 for winding / unwinding the respective bridle leg 11, 12 and an inner rotor 20’ connected to the motor 21’, 22’ and / or hand crank (not shown), the inner rotor 20’ and the drum 20 being connected by the resilient means 31, e.g. a spring, having an elastic force such that upon rotating the inner rotor 20’ in any direction also the outer drum 20 rotates in the same direction. Once rotation of the inner rotor 20’ is stopped by stopping action of the motor 21’, 22’ and the bridle leg 11, 12 is subject to a snatch load, the force of the snatch load being larger than the elastic force of the resilient means 31, the outer drum is enabled to rotate 33 to some extent relative to the stationary inner rotor 20’ by tensioning the resilient means 31 and to return to the original rest position once the snatch load is removed and the resilient means 31 is relaxed. Simultaneously, the bridle leg 11, 12 is subject to a partial alternate (oscillating) linear motion 32.

[0089] The bridle system 30 ofshows yet another embodiment combined with the use of the same resilient means 31. In particular, the bridle system 30 further comprises an energy generation system 40 operatively coupled to at least one bow winch 21, 22 for capturing and storing energy from wind gusts at anchorage, that is at least part of the same energy which is absorbed by the resilient means 31. In particular, the partial alternate (oscillating) linear motion 32 of the bridle leg 11, 12 and partial alternate (oscillating) rotational motion 33 of the outer drum 20 relative to the inner rotor 20’ may be used for capturing energy.

[0090] In particular, the energy generation system 40 comprises a mechanism of conversion from linear motion 32 into rotational motion 34 and mechanical energy storage means 41 configured to use the rotational motion 34 for charging the mechanical energy storage means 41.

[0091] Specifically, in the example shown, the mechanism of conversion from linear motion 32 into rotational motion 34 comprises a rocker, in this case the outer drum 20 itself, and a crank 42 connected by a connecting rod 43, the rocker / outer drum 20, the crank 42 and the connecting rod 43 being dimensioned and positioned such as to operate according to the Grashof’s law, by which the oscillating rotational motion 33 of the rocker / outer drum 20 causes full rotational motion 34 of the crank 42.

[0092] In this example, the mechanical energy storage means 41 comprises a spiral spring 41’ and the crank 42 is configured to rotate 34 in only one direction by coupling to a ratchet locking device 44, such as to wind the spring 41’ upon rotation.

[0093] The energy generation system 40 further comprises a generator 45 coupled to the mechanical energy storage means 41 for converting rotational motion 46 upon release of the energy from the mechanical energy storage means 41, particularly upon unwinding the spring 41’, into electrical energy.

[0094] In this particular example, the energy generation system 40 further comprises a speed control mechanism 47 for uniform energy release comprising an escape wheel 48 and a balance wheel 49 connected to the mechanical energy storage means 41. This speed control mechanism 47 is similar in design to that of a mechanical watch.

[0095] The electric motor 21’, 22’ of the bow winch 21, 22, can be configured to act as the generator 45 when not operating the bow winch 21, 22. For example, the electric motor 21’, 22’ / generator 45 may be configured to alternately couple to the bow winch 21, 22 for operating the bow winch 21, 22 as electric motor 21’, 22’ when needed, powered by a battery 50, and to the mechanical energy storage means 41 when not operating the winch 21, 22, thereby operating as a generator 45 for charging the battery 50 under conditions of wind gusts and snatch loads. In that case, the rotor 20’ may be maintained stationary by other means (not shown) such as a solenoid brake and / or a mechanical brake or ratchet and pawl which prevents it unwinding unless the pawl is retracted, or the like.

[0096] With combined reference to all figures fromto, a method of using a bridle 10 on a multi-hull marine vessel 200 is herein also schematically shown, the bridle 10 comprising a port-side leg 11 and a starboard-side leg 12 connected to a chain hook 13 adapted for releasably engaging with an anchor chain 102 at any position along the anchor chain 102, the method comprising independently adjusting the length of the port-side leg 11 by a port-side bow winch 21 and independently adjusting the length of the starboard-side leg 12 by a starboard-side bow winch 22.

[0097] According to an embodiment, the method comprises automatically controlling by a controller 150 operation of the bow winches 21, 22 based on any one or more sensor data and / or user input data, including depth data, wind data, waves or swell data, roll data.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the method comprises automatically adjusting by the controller 150 the length of each of the port-side leg 11 and of the starboard-side leg 12 based at least on the depth data and / or the wind data, at an anchorage position.

[0099] According to an embodiment, the method comprises automatically adjusting the lengths of the port-side leg 11 and of the starboard-side leg 12 proportionally to the depth and / or wind force, the higher the depth and / or the heavier the wind the longer the lengths, and the lower the depth and / or the lighter the wind the shorter the lengths, within a limit that prevents the chain hook 13 to come in contact with the seafloor at any time.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the method comprises automatically adjusting a ratio between the length of the port-side leg 11 and the length of the starboard-side leg 12 based at least on the waves or swell data and / or the roll data, at an anchorage position, to an extent that minimizes roll effect caused by the waves within rotational limits.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the method comprises automatically operating a windlass 101 at least partially simultaneously and in synchronicity with the bow winches 21, 22 such as to proportionally adjust the length of the anchor chain 102 upon adjusting the lengths of the bridle legs 11, 12 and / or automatically operating the bow winches 21, 22 at least partially simultaneously and in synchronicity with the windlass 101 such as to proportionally adjust the lengths of the bridle legs 11, 12 upon adjusting the length of the anchor chain 101, to an extent that maintains tension and load on the bridle legs 11, 12 rather than on the windlass 101.

[0102] According to an embodiment, the method comprises absorbing snatch loads by resilient means 31 connected to the bow winches 21, 22 acting as shock absorbers.

[0103] According to an embodiment, the method further comprises capturing and storing energy from wind gusts at anchorage by an energy generation system 40 operatively coupled to at least one bow winch 21, 22, comprising enabling alternate linear motion 32 of the respective bridle leg 11, 12 in conditions of wind gusts by resilient means 31 connected to the at least one bow winch 21, 22, converting the linear motion 32 into rotational motion 34 by a mechanism of conversion from linear motion 32 into rotational motion 34, and charging mechanical energy storage means 41 by the rotational motion 34.

[0104] According to an embodiment, the method further comprises converting rotational motion upon release of energy from the mechanical energy storage means 41 into electrical energy by a generator 45 coupled to the mechanical energy storage means 41.

[0105] In the preceding specification, numerous specific details have been described in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art that the specific details do not need to be implemented in order to practice the present teaching. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure.

[0106] Particularly, modifications and variations of the disclosed embodiments are certainly possible in light of the above description. It is therefore to be understood, that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically devised in the above examples.

[0107] Reference throughout the preceding specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "one example" or "an example", “in this case”, means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in an embodiment", "one example" or "an example", “in this case” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example.

[0108] Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combinations and / or sub-combinations in one or more embodiments or examples.

Claims

A bridle system (30) arranged on a multi-hull marine vessel (200), the multi-hull marine vessel (200) comprising an anchor deployment and retrieval system (100) comprising a windlass (101), an anchor chain (102) connected to an anchor and operatively engaged with the windlass (101) for deploying / retrieving the anchor and the anchor chain (102), the bridle system (30) comprising a bridle (10) comprising a port-side leg (11) and a starboard-side leg (12) connected to a chain hook (13) adapted for releasably engaging with the anchor chain (102) at any position along the anchor chain (102), wherein the bridle system (30) further comprises a port-side bow winch (21) for independently adjusting the length of the port-side leg (11) and a starboard-side bow winch (22) for independently adjusting the length of the starboard-side leg (12).The bridle system (30) according to claim 1 wherein the bow winches (21, 22) are electric winches, each driven by an electric motor (21’, 22’) configured to be individually and / or jointly operated by electronic command means (23).The bridle system (30) according to claim 1 wherein the windlass (101) is an electric windlass driven by an electric motor (101’) configured to be operated by electronic command means (23).The bridle system (30) according to claim 2 and 3 wherein the electronic command means (23) are common electronic command means for operating both the bow winches (21, 22) and the windlass (101) or separate electronic command means in communication with each other, so that from each, both the bow winches (21, 22) and the windlass (101) can be operated.The bridle system (30) according to any of the claims 2 to 4 further comprising a controller (150) configured to automatically control operation of the bow winches (21, 22) based on any one or more sensor data and / or user input data including depth data, wind data, waves or swell data, roll data.The bridle system (30) according to claim 5 wherein the controller (150) is configured to automatically adjust the length of each of the port-side leg (11) and of the starboard-side leg (12) based at least on the depth data and / or the wind data, at an anchorage position.The bridle system (30) according to claim 6 wherein the controller (150) is configured to automatically adjust the lengths of the port-side leg (11) and of the starboard-side leg (12) proportionally to the depth and / or wind force, the higher the depth and / or the heavier the wind the longer the lengths, and the lower the depth and / or the lighter the wind the shorter the lengths, within a limit that prevents the chain hook (13) to come in contact with the seafloor at any time.The bridle system (30) according to any of the claims 5 to 7 wherein the controller (150) is configured to automatically adjust a ratio between the length of the port-side leg (11) and the length of the starboard-side leg (12) based at least on the waves or swell data and / or the roll data, at an anchorage position, to an extent that minimizes roll effect caused by the waves within rotational limits.The bridle system (30) according to any of the claims 4 to 8 wherein the controller (150) is configured to automatically operate the windlass (101) at least partially simultaneously and in synchronicity with the bow winches (21, 22) such as to proportionally adjust the length of the anchor chain (102) upon adjusting the lengths of the bridle legs (11, 12) and / or wherein the controller (150) is configured to automatically operate the bow winches (21, 22) at least partially simultaneously and in synchronicity with the windlass (101) such as to proportionally adjust the lengths of the bridle legs (11, 12) upon adjusting the length of the anchor chain (102), to an extent that maintains tension and load on the bridle legs (11, 12) rather than on the windlass (101).The bridle system (30) according to any of the preceding claims further comprising resilient means (31) connected to the bow winches (21, 22) acting as shock absorbers and absorbing snatch loads.The bridle system (30) according to any of the claims 1 to 9 further comprising an energy generation system (40) operatively coupled to at least one bow winch (21, 22) for capturing and storing energy from wind gusts at anchorage, the energy generation system (40) comprising resilient means (31) connected to the at least one bow winch (21, 22) enabling alternate linear motion (32) of the respective bridle leg (11, 12) in conditions of wind gusts, a mechanism of conversion from linear motion (32) into rotational motion (34), and mechanical energy storage means (41) configured to use the rotational motion (34) for charging the mechanical energy storage means (41).The bridle system (30) according to claim 11 wherein the mechanism of conversion from linear motion (32) into rotational motion (34) comprises a rocker (20) as part of the bow winch (21, 22) or connected to the bow winch (21, 22) and a crank (42) connected to the mechanical energy storage means (41), the rocker (20) and the crank (42) being connected by a connecting rod (43) such as to operate according to the Grashof’s law.The bridle system (30) according to claim 11 or 12 wherein the mechanical energy storage means (41) comprises a spiral spring (41’) and wherein the crank (42) is configured to rotate in only one direction by direct or indirect coupling to a ratchet locking device (44), such as to wind the spring (41’) upon rotation (34).The bridle system (30) according to any of the claims 11 to 13 wherein the energy generation system (40) further comprises a generator (45) coupled to the mechanical energy storage means (41) for converting rotational motion (46) upon release of the energy from the mechanical energy storage means (41) into electrical energy.The bridle system (30) according to claim 14 wherein the energy generation system (40) further comprises a speed control mechanism (47) for uniform energy release comprising an escape wheel (48) and a balance wheel (49) connected to the mechanical energy storage means (41).The bridle system (30) according to claim 14 or 15 wherein the electric motor (21’, 22’) of the bow winch (21, 22), if the bow winch (21, 22) is an electric winch, acts as the generator (45) when not operating the bow winch (21, 22).A multi-hull marine vessel (200) comprising an anchor deployment and retrieval system (100) comprising a windlass (101), an anchor chain (102) connected to an anchor and operatively engaged with the windlass (101) for deploying or retrieving the anchor and the anchor chain (102), and a bridle system (30) according to any of the claims 1 to 16.A method of using a bridle (10) on a multi-hull marine vessel (200), the bridle (10) comprising a port-side leg (11) and a starboard-side leg (12) connected to a chain hook (13) adapted for releasably engaging with an anchor chain (102) at any position along the anchor chain (102), the method comprising independently adjusting the length of the port-side leg (11) by a port-side bow winch (21) and independently adjusting the length of the starboard-side leg (12) by a starboard-side bow winch (22).The method according to claim 18 comprising automatically controlling by a controller (150) operation of the bow winches (21, 22) based on any one or more sensor data and / or user input data, including depth data, wind data, waves or swell data, roll data.The method according to claim 19 comprising automatically adjusting by the controller (150) the length of each of the port-side leg (11) and of the starboard-side leg (12) based at least on the depth data and / or the wind data, at an anchorage position.The method according to claim 20 comprising automatically adjusting the lengths of the port-side leg (11) and of the starboard-side leg (12) proportionally to the depth and / or wind force, the higher the depth and / or the heavier the wind the longer the lengths, and the lower the depth and / or the lighter the wind the shorter the lengths, within a limit that prevents the chain hook (13) to come in contact with the seafloor at any time.The method according to any of the claims 19 to 21 comprising automatically adjusting a ratio between the length of the port-side leg (11) and the length of the starboard-side leg (12) based at least on the waves or swell data and / or the roll data, at an anchorage position, to an extent that minimizes roll effect caused by the waves within rotational limits.The method according to any of the claims 19 to 22 comprising automatically operating a windlass (101) at least partially simultaneously and in synchronicity with the bow winches (21, 22) such as to proportionally adjust the length of the anchor chain (102) upon adjusting the lengths of the bridle legs (11, 12) and / or automatically operating the bow winches (21, 22) at least partially simultaneously and in synchronicity with the windlass (101) such as to proportionally adjust the lengths of the bridle legs (11, 12) upon adjusting the length of the anchor chain (102), to an extent that maintains tension and load on the bridle legs (11, 12) rather than on the windlass (101).The method according to any of the claims 19 to 23 comprising absorbing snatch loads by resilient means (31) connected to the bow winches (21, 22) acting as shock absorbers.The method according to any to any of the claims 18 to 23 further comprising capturing and storing energy from wind gusts at anchorage by an energy generation system (40) operatively coupled to at least one bow winch (21, 22), comprising enabling alternate linear motion (32) of the respective bridle leg (11, 12) in conditions of wind gusts by resilient means (31) connected to the at least one bow winch (21, 22), converting the linear motion (32) into rotational motion (34) by a mechanism of conversion from linear motion (32) into rotational motion (34), and charging mechanical energy storage means (41) by the rotational motion (34).The method according to claim 25 comprising converting rotational motion (34) upon release of energy from the mechanical energy storage means (41) into electrical energy by a generator (45) coupled to the mechanical energy storage means (41).

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