Automated Line Tending Arm for Precise Boat Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maneuvering a boat into a crowded marina and securing it to a dock is challenging due to factors like human error, wind, and the inaccuracy of line throwing by dock workers, leading to difficulties in maintaining a stable position and ensuring safe mooring.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a line tending unit with a motorized arm that can be actuated between stowed and deployed states, attached to a dock bollard, allowing for remote operation via wireless communication to extend a line over the water for easy retrieval by boat occupants, and a line tensioning unit to secure the boat in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a dock worker manually throws a line to a boat, then the boat can be secured to the dock, but the process is delayed by worker availability and human error in throwing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the boat to service itself by automatically deploying and retrieving lines without requiring dock workers to manually throw lines. The automated line tending unit responds to boat approach independently, eliminating the waiting period for worker availability and human error in throwing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical action of a dock worker throwing a line with an automated mechanical system. The line tending unit uses a motorized reel and automated deployment mechanism to throw the line, substituting human physical action with a controlled mechanical system that operates on demand.
2Reliability
If a line is thrown by a dock worker, then the boat can be controlled, but the throwing distance and accuracy vary depending on worker capability
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the variable human mechanical throwing action with a consistent automated mechanical deployment system. The motorized reel and controlled release mechanism provide repeatable, precise line delivery regardless of external conditions, eliminating the variability inherent in manual throwing by different workers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and control systems that monitor boat approach and automatically activate the line deployment at the appropriate moment. This feedback mechanism ensures the line is thrown with precise timing and accuracy, eliminating the guesswork and variability of manual judgment in determining when and where to throw the line.
3Ease of operation
If the line tending arm is extended over the water, then the line can be easily retrieved by boat occupants, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The line tending unit is integrated into the existing dock infrastructure, serving multiple functions: it acts as both a mooring line deployment system and a structural component of the dock. The arm and reel mechanism serves the specific function of line throwing while being part of the overall dock structure, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a motorized reel and controlled release mechanism as an intermediary between the stored line and the boat. This intermediary component automates the complex action of line throwing and retrieval, simplifying the interaction between the dock infrastructure and the boat while managing the complexity within a standardized mechanical subsystem.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the efficiency and safety of boat docking by reducing human error and wind-related issues, allowing for precise positioning and secure mooring without relying on immediate dock worker availability.
Implementation Method 1
The line tending unit actuator includes an electric motor
Implementation Method 2
The line tending arm includes a counterweight
Implementation Method 3
The system further includes a solar panel configured for providing electrical energy to the line tending unit actuator
Implementation Method 4
The line tending unit actuator includes a battery
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing a line to a boat is provided. The system includes the line attached to a portion of a dock and a line tending unit configured for selectively operating in a stowed state and in a deployed state. The line tending unit includes a line tending arm including an attachment end configured for releasably holding the line and a line tending unit actuator configured to actuate the line tending arm between a stowed condition corresponding to the stowed state and a deployed condition corresponding to the deployed condition. The system further includes a control device in communication with the line tending unit and configured for commanding the line tending unit between the stowed state and the deployed state.