Automated Vessel Attachment Device for Hazardous Marine Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vessel attachment methods require human presence, which is hazardous due to dynamic forces involved in loading and unloading operations, especially in applications like barge handling where strong currents pose a risk of falls.
Innovation Solution
A vessel attachment device with movable arms and a biasing member that allows for automated attachment and detachment from vessels, eliminating the need for human presence by using actuators and force transfer mechanisms to overcome biasing forces and apply actuation forces for secure attachment and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human presence is used to manually attach and remove lines from vessels, then the operation can be performed with simple equipment, but the safety of operators is compromised due to hazardous dynamic forces and strong currents
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is designed to automatically attach and detach from vessels without requiring human presence. The system uses actuators to automatically position attachment arms, engage with vessel attachment points, and secure lines, thereby eliminating the need for operators to work in hazardous environments while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated attachment device as an intermediary between the line and the vessel. This device includes attachment arms with gripping mechanisms that can safely interface with the vessel's attachment points, transferring the hazardous manual operation to a remote-controlled or autonomous system that eliminates direct human exposure to dynamic forces and strong currents
2Reliability
If automated attachment devices are used to eliminate human presence, then safety is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is divided into modular components including separate attachment arms, actuators, gripping mechanisms, and control systems. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of individual modules that can be assembled and tested independently, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while achieving the safety benefits of automation
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment device incorporates movable attachment arms with adjustable positioning capabilities and dynamic gripping mechanisms that can adapt to different vessel types and attachment points. This dynamic design allows a single automated system to handle multiple vessel configurations, improving versatility while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through programmable control
3Productivity
If manual attachment methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity and efficiency of vessel loading/unloading operations are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The automated attachment device enables continuous operation by eliminating the time required for manual attachment and detachment processes. The system can rapidly sequence through multiple attachment points and vessel operations without interruption, maintaining continuous productive action while the complex automated systems handle the operational tempo
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated actuation systems including motors, hydraulic or pneumatic actuators, and controlled gripping mechanisms. This substitution of human-operated mechanical systems with automated mechanical systems increases operational speed and efficiency while the complexity is managed through standardized component design and integrated control
Data Source
AI summary
A vessel attachment device includes a body, first and second attachment arms, a biasing member, and at least one line connection interface. At least one of the first attachment arm and the second attachment arm is movable relative to the body. The biasing member is configured to apply a biasing force at the at least one movable first and second attachment arm to bias the at least one movable first and second attachment arm to an open position. And, the biasing member is configured to selectively release the biasing force and apply an actuation force at the at least one movable first and second attachment arm to move the at least one movable first and second attachment arm from the open position to the closed position to attach the vessel attachment device to a vessel attachment point.