Electromagnetic Fluid Connection for Ballast Water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for treating ballast water on ships are expensive and complex, especially for older vessels without standardized mechanical connections, posing ecological risks due to the discharge of invasive species and pathogens.
Innovation Solution
A universal, simple, and reliable fluid transfer and connection device using a flexible pipe with an electromagnetic connection part that can be sealed to a flat metal wall without requiring integrated mechanical connections, utilizing an electromagnet and lifting support system for secure and adjustable attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical attachment system (clamps, cam fasteners, hydraulic jaws) is used for connection to an external network, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical attachment systems (clamps, cam fasteners, hydraulic jaws) with a simple magnetic attachment system. The magnetic connection device uses magnetic attraction forces to secure the flexible transfer pipe to the ship's hull, eliminating the need for complicated mechanical fastening mechanisms while maintaining reliable connection strength.
2Ease of manufacture
If ballast water is discharged directly into the sea through a simple orifice, then the installation cost and device complexity are reduced, but ecological harm increases due to discharge of invasive species and pathogens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible transfer pipe as an intermediary component between the ship's discharge orifice and the external network. This pipe can be connected to treatment facilities or other systems, enabling ballast water treatment while maintaining the simplicity of the original discharge system. The intermediary pipe allows integration of treatment capabilities without requiring modification of the ship's hull orifice.
3Reliability
If treatment systems are installed on older vessels with non-standardized orifices, then ballast water treatment capability is improved, but the installation cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal connection system using a flexible transfer pipe with magnetic attachment capabilities that can connect to various types of orifices regardless of their shape, size, or standardization. This universal interface allows treatment barges and other mobile treatment facilities to service older vessels with non-standardized orifices without requiring vessel-specific modifications, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining treatment capability.
4Ease of operation
If a standardized mechanical connection system is integrated into the ship's orifice, then connection reliability and ease of operation are improved, but the adaptability to different vessel types and the simplicity of the original system are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of integrating connection systems into the ship's hull orifices, the patent inverts the approach by bringing the connection system to the flexible transfer pipe itself. The magnetic attachment device is mounted on the pipe, allowing it to adapt to various orifice configurations without modifying the ship. This inversion maintains the original simplicity of vessel orifices while providing ease of operation through the self-contained magnetic connection system.
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 efficient and ecological ballast water treatment by allowing fluid transfer without modifying ship connections, facilitating the use of treatment barges for ships with non-standardized orifices, thereby reducing ecological impact and installation costs.
Implementation Method 1
said connection piece containing an electromagnetic excitation coil forming an electromagnet capable of pressing a flat, preferably annular, front face of said connection piece against said metal wall when said coil is supplied with electric current
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid transfer and connection device (3) comprising a flexible fluid transfer pipe (1), and an electromagnetic connection part (2), defining an axial connection orifice (2c), fixed to a said transfer pipe, said connection part being able to be applied in a sealed manner (8) against a flat metal wall (21) around a transfer orifice (22) of said wall, said connection part (2) containing an electromagnetic coil (5) forming an electromagnet able to press a flat front face (2a) of said connection part against said wall when said coil is supplied with electric current (17).The invention also relates to an assistance barge (20) for transferring fluid from a said transfer orifice (22) of a said metal wall (21) of the side of an assisted vessel (23) comprising a fluid transfer and connection device (3) according to the invention and a method of transferring fluid using the fluid transfer and connection device (3) according to the invention or an assistance barge according to the invention.