Dynamic Bulkhead Opening for Waterborne Target Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Recovering cargo vessels from the surface or near-surface of water is challenging due to unpredictable dynamic displacements between the capture vessel and the target vessel, requiring precise alignment that is difficult to achieve with existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a first and second bulkhead with an opening that can align and receive a target object from a body of water, stabilized by ballasts and navigated using motors, engines, and thrusters, with entrance fenders that can rotate and extend to secure the object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional capture vessels are used to recover cargo vessels from water, then the recovery operation can be performed, but the unpredictable dynamic displacements between capture vessel and target vessel make precise alignment difficult and the operation complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bulkheads are made movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adjust their positions to accommodate the unpredictable dynamic displacements between the capture vessel and target vessel. The first and second bulkheads can move independently to maintain proper alignment despite relative motion, transforming a static structure into a dynamic adaptive system that automatically compensates for displacement variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The capture apparatus is divided into separate movable bulkhead components (first bulkhead and second bulkhead) rather than a single rigid structure. This segmentation allows each bulkhead to be controlled independently to track and compensate for dynamic displacements, enabling precise alignment through coordinated movement of multiple independent elements.
2Ease of operation
If the opening between bulkheads is made larger to facilitate easier capture of target objects, then the capture capability is improved, but the stability and precision of alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bulkheads transition from a static fixed-position design to a dynamic movable design, allowing the opening to maintain an optimal size for capture capability while dynamically adjusting its boundaries to preserve alignment precision. The movability enables the system to adapt the opening dimensions and position in real-time based on the relative motion between vessels.
Solution Approach 2:
The position and dimensions of the opening between bulkheads are changed dynamically rather than remaining fixed. By adjusting the parameters (position, size) of the bulkheads, the system optimizes both the capture capability (ease of operation) and alignment precision simultaneously, resolving the trade-off between these two requirements.
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 precise and stable alignment and capture of target objects from water, reducing the complexity and effort required in recovering cargo vessels by dynamically stabilizing the bulkheads and preventing movement of the object during capture.
Implementation Method 1
One or more stabilizing portions may be configured to stabilize the first and second bulkhead. The one or more stabilizing portions may include one or more ballasts.
Implementation Method 2
At least one of a motor, an engine, and a thruster may be configured to navigate the first and second bulkhead.
Implementation Method 3
At least one entrance fender may be coupled to at least one of the first and second bulkhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and computer program product for capturing a target object from a body of water. A first bulkhead may be proximate to a second bulkhead. An opening may be formed between at least a portion of the first and second bulkhead. The opening, via the first and second bulkhead, may be configured to align and receive at least a portion of the target object as a distance between the opening and at least the portion of the target object decreases, wherein the opening may be further configured to align and receive at least the portion of the target object while the target object is in the body of water.