Automatic Mooring Apparatus with Flexible Tentacles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mooring systems for watercrafts are hazardous, especially in windy or high-wave conditions, often requiring assistance and resulting in damage to both the watercraft and dock, with existing solutions like bumpers or inflatable devices being inefficient or impractical for widespread adoption.
Innovation Solution
An automatic mooring apparatus comprising dock-finger units with flexible tentacle elements and automatic locking mechanisms, controlled by a programmable processor and communication unit, allowing for rope-free mooring and integration with harbour IT systems for remote management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional rope mooring is used, then the watercraft can be secured to the dock, but the operator needs an assisting person and there is risk of collision damage
Solution Approach 1:
The watercraft is equipped with an automatic mooring system that includes a mooring arm, locking mechanism, and sensor array. The system autonomously detects the dock position, extends the mooring arm, and secures the watercraft without requiring an assisting person, thereby achieving self-service mooring operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A bumper is provided on the watercraft that can be extended or inflated before collision occurs. The bumper absorbs collision energy through deformation or air pressure, preventing damage to both the watercraft and dock while maintaining the ability to secure mooring.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If bumpers are used to reduce collision force, then damage risk is reduced, but they must be hung at the right height and points which is not always successful
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper is designed as a movable and adjustable component that can be positioned dynamically based on water level changes and dock height. The bumper can be extended, retracted, or inflated as needed, eliminating the need for fixed positioning and adapting to varying operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual positioning of bumpers is replaced with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect the optimal bumper position and actuates the bumper accordingly. This substitution of mechanical manual adjustment with automated control system ensures proper bumper positioning without requiring operator intervention.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If inflatable bumpers are installed on the hull, then collision protection is provided, but they are easily damaged and do not fulfil their roles
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper is constructed using composite materials that combine the cushioning properties of inflatable elements with the durability of reinforced outer layers. This composite structure maintains the energy-absorbing capability while significantly improving resistance to damage from sharp objects and environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper is designed with redundant cushioning layers and self-sealing mechanisms that activate before complete failure can occur. If the bumper is punctured or damaged, the self-sealing mechanism prevents air loss and maintains protective function, ensuring continuous collision protection.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If fixed-height bumpers are mounted on the dock, then collision absorption is achieved, but they cannot follow changes in water level
Solution Approach 1:
The dock-mounted bumper system is replaced with a watercraft-mounted bumper that can be dynamically positioned relative to the water level. The bumper's height and position are adjusted automatically based on sensor feedback about water level changes, ensuring continuous optimal contact with the dock for collision absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
A telescopic or articulated arm mechanism serves as an intermediary between the watercraft and the bumper. This mechanism allows the bumper to maintain consistent contact with the dock while accommodating water level fluctuations, acting as a flexible mediator that transfers collision forces effectively regardless of water level changes.
5Extent of automation
If automatic locking mechanisms are added to the mooring apparatus, then rope-free mooring is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated into the existing mooring arm structure, combining the functions of positioning and securing in a single component. The locking mechanism uses the mooring arm's own movement and position to trigger automatic engagement, eliminating the need for separate control systems and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to engage and disengage automatically based on the position and movement of the mooring arm. Sensors detect when the watercraft is properly positioned and trigger the locking mechanism to secure the mooring without requiring operator intervention, achieving self-service automation with minimal additional complexity.
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
Enables safe, solo mooring and parking of watercrafts under various conditions without human intervention, reducing damage risks and enhancing harbour efficiency through automated control and data management.
Implementation Method 1
The force of collision with the dock is dampened by the bumpers as they are made of flexible material to absorb collision energy
Implementation Method 2
automatic-operated locking mechanisms, controlled by a programmable processor and communication unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A mooring apparatus (10) for automatic mooring and parking a 10-70 feet long watercraft that is built from two dock-finger units (20) fixed to the dock (2). The dock-finger units (20) are equipped with flexible tentacle elements (80) for positioning the watercraft (4) by keeping continuous contact with the hull (6). and they are also equipped with automatic-operated locking mechanisms (40) for catching and locking the watercraft (4), The mooring apparatus (10) has a control panel (90) with a built-in programmable processor (98) and a communication unit (98) that can be accessed from anywhere by communication means, and connected to the harbour IT system.