Berthing Route Correction for Easier Ship Docking Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing berthing assistance devices require skilled operators to maneuver ships along calculated berthing routes, making it difficult for inexperienced operators to achieve accurate and safe berthing.

Innovation Solution

A berthing assistance device that includes a controller to manage propulsion units based on operation inputs, an acquisition unit to gather ship conditions, a calculation unit to determine berthing routes, and a correction unit to adjust propulsion control and ensure the ship follows the calculated route.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a berthing route is calculated and displayed on a monitor, then berthing accuracy is improved, but maneuvering becomes difficult for inexperienced operators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveberthing accuracyVSAvoidmaneuvering difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically acquires ship condition data, calculates the berthing route, and determines optimal maneuvering commands without requiring operator intervention. The processor independently performs all calculations and generates control commands, allowing the system to serve itself rather than relying on operator skill

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical maneuvering operations with automated electronic control. The processor substitutes for the operator's decision-making process by automatically calculating berthing routes and generating propulsion/steering commands based on ship conditions and route requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual maneuvering control is used, then operator skill is utilized, but berthing accuracy decreases for inexperienced operators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator controlVSAvoidberthing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously acquires current ship position and orientation data, compares it with the calculated berthing route, and automatically adjusts maneuvering commands to maintain accurate tracking. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures consistent berthing accuracy regardless of operator skill level

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-calculates the complete berthing route and optimal maneuvering commands before execution. By determining the entire trajectory and control sequence in advance based on ship conditions, the system eliminates the need for real-time operator judgment during critical maneuvering phases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250153836A1Berthing assistance device

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 SUZUKI MOTOR CORP

AI summary

A berthing assistance device for assisting berthing of a ship to which a propulsion unit is attached. The berthing assistance device includes a controller configured to control the propulsion unit, based on an operation amount from an operation device, an acquisition unit configured to acquire a ship condition, the ship condition including a current ship position and a current bow direction, a calculation unit configured to calculate a berthing route from the current ship position to a berthing position, and a correction unit configured to correct control of the propulsion unit, based on the ship condition and the berthing route.