Remote Boat Gate Latching and Thruster Control for PSB Barriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Port Security Barrier (PSB) systems require manual operation, posing safety hazards and compromising system integrity due to the need for personnel to manually latch and unlatch gates, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, especially in dynamic marine environments.
Innovation Solution
A remotely operable boat gate system with a Barrier Latching Unit (BLU) that includes a remote-controlled latching mechanism and thrusters for automated movement of PSB segments, allowing for safe and efficient opening and closing of the gate without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual latching and unlatching operations are performed by personnel in service vessels, then the gate can be opened and closed, but safety hazards arise due to constant motion of the barrier and vessel causing pinching and smashing risks to personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier unit is equipped with a self-contained motive system including thrusters and propulsion mechanisms that enable it to move itself to and from the termination point without requiring external vessels to tow it. The automated latching system allows the barrier to latch and unlatch itself remotely, eliminating the need for personnel to perform manual operations in hazardous conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated control system that uses remote signaling and electronic control to operate the latching mechanism and motive systems. This substitution eliminates the need for personnel to physically handle the barrier unit during opening and closing operations.
2Productivity
If personnel manually latch and unlatch the barrier unit, then the gate can be opened and closed, but the operation is time-consuming and prone to errors compromising system integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The automated latching system enables the barrier unit to perform latching and unlatching operations autonomously based on remote signals, eliminating human error and ensuring consistent, proper execution of latching procedures every time the gate is operated.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the latching status and provide confirmation signals to verify proper latching and unlatching has occurred, ensuring system integrity and preventing erroneous operations.
3Ease of operation
If the barrier unit is temporarily tethered to the boat for movement, then the gate can be opened and closed, but additional safety hazards and operational complexities are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier unit's self-contained motive system eliminates the need for external vessels to tether and tow the barrier. The thrusters and propulsion mechanisms are integrated directly into the barrier unit, allowing it to move independently to and from the termination point without requiring complex tethering arrangements.
4Reliability
If a string of floating PSB modules is used to form the barrier, then the gate can control vessel passage, but the system requires manual towing and latching operations that compromise safety
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier unit with self-contained motive and latching systems can operate autonomously, maintaining barrier integrity while eliminating the need for personnel to perform dangerous manual operations on the floating modules during opening and closing sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling of the floating PSB modules with automated control systems that remotely operate the latching mechanisms and motive systems, eliminating exposure to harmful factors while maintaining barrier reliability.
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
The system enhances safety by eliminating manual handling hazards, ensures proper latching and unlatching, and reduces operational time, maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the barrier system.
Implementation Method 1
a thruster unit, for moving the PSB string away from the latching bar
Data Source
AI summary
A boat gate system for controlling vessel access to a port or similar waterbody has a number of connected, floating Port Security Barrier (“PSB”) segments. A remote latching and unlatching mechanism, combined with a powered mover mounted on one or more PSB segments, permits remote unlatching of the PSB segments; moving the PSB segments to a desired location (whether rotating same about a point, or moving a longer section laterally) so as to open the PSB, then moving the PSBs back to a closed position and latching same. Both the unlatching, movement, and latching are remotely controlled. Positional indicators, for example Global Positioning Systems or similar systems, are provided to monitor and assist in controlling PSB segment movement and unlatching, and movement of the PSB segments in a desired direction to a desired location.