Marine Vessel Bollard Push Control for Drift Detection and Hold
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Solution Overview
Problem
During a bollard push manoeuvre, marine vessels can unexpectedly drift due to external factors like wind or dock movement, posing safety risks if not corrected promptly and accurately by the operator.
Innovation Solution
A method and control unit that monitor the vessel's position and heading, deactivating the bollard push function if deviations exceed predetermined values, and automatically switch to a position hold function to prevent further drift, using multiple drive units to maintain contact with the dock using controlled thrust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual monitoring and correction of vessel position is used during bollard push manoeuvre, then operator can respond to drift, but response time is insufficient and correction may not be swift enough to prevent dangerous situations
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors vessel position using sensors (GPS, motion sensors, cameras) and provides real-time feedback to the control unit. When drift exceeds predetermined thresholds, the system automatically generates correction commands to drive units, creating a closed-loop control system that eliminates manual monitoring delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The vessel's control system performs self-correction of position drift without operator intervention. The control unit automatically detects drift conditions and activates drive units to counteract the drift, enabling the system to service itself and respond instantaneously to position changes.
2Reliability
If operator manually operates propulsion system to correct vessel drift, then correction can be made, but complex manual interventions are required and operator skill and speed are limiting factors
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically detects vessel drift using sensor data and calculates the required correction thrust. The control unit autonomously operates drive units to counteract drift, eliminating the need for operator skill in judging drift magnitude and selecting appropriate correction maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control operations with an automated electronic control system. Sensors, control units, and electronic actuation of drive units substitute for manual throttle and steering operations, removing human skill limitations from the correction process.
3Reliability
If automated position monitoring is implemented, then drift detection is immediate, but device complexity increases with additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a single automated platform: position monitoring, drift detection, correction calculation, and drive unit actuation. This multi-functional integration reduces the need for separate manual systems and operators while improving detection accuracy through continuous automated sensing.
4Reliability
If predetermined drift thresholds are set for automatic deactivation, then safety is improved by preventing excessive drift, but the bollard push function may be deactivated during normal operational variations
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts drift thresholds based on operational conditions such as vessel size, environmental factors (wind, current), and dock characteristics. This dynamic thresholding prevents premature deactivation during normal variations while ensuring safety by deactivating only when drift exceeds context-appropriate limits.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method to control a marine vessel (100) comprising two or more drive units (102, 103); the method involving the steps of registering an operating command indicating a requested sideways or bow bollard push function; detecting a current vessel position; registering the current vessel position as a desired vessel position (P1; executing the requested bollard push function; and monitoring the current vessel position (P2; P2") in order to detect a deviation relative to the desired vessel position (P1. If it is detected that a deviation between the desired vessel position has exceeded a predetermined value, then the requested bollard push function is deactivated. The disclosure further relates to a control unit arranged to control a marine vessel and a marine vessel comprising such a control unit.