Electromagnetic Ship Gripper for Small Floating Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mooring systems are large-scale and unsuitable for small floating units, particularly in challenging maritime environments such as offshore wind farms, where they lack adaptability to curved shapes and require extensive infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A compact ship docking gripper with a body made of aluminum alloy, equipped with electromagnets, arms, and a damping hinge system, allowing for flexible attachment to various shapes and remote operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If large-scale port devices are used for mooring, then mooring force and stability are improved, but device size and infrastructure requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the mooring system into separate functional components: a mobile electromagnetic gripper unit that can be detached and transported independently from the quay infrastructure. The electromagnetic magnets are mounted on a mobile platform with its own power supply, allowing the mooring function to be segmented from the fixed port structure, thereby reducing overall infrastructure requirements while maintaining effective mooring force.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical mooring systems (chains, ropes, blocks) with an electromagnetic field-based gripping system. Electromagnetic magnets mounted on the mobile unit create attractive forces against the ship's hull, substituting mechanical tension and friction-based mooring with field-based attraction, thereby simplifying the mechanical infrastructure needed.
2Reliability
If traditional electromagnetic mooring arms are installed permanently on quay, then mooring reliability is improved, but adaptability to curved shapes and mobile operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the static, permanently installed electromagnetic mooring system into a dynamic, mobile platform that can move freely on water. The electromagnetic magnets are mounted on a mobile unit with propulsion capabilities, allowing it to dynamically position itself against different parts of the ship's hull, including curved surfaces, thereby achieving both reliability through electromagnetic attraction and versatility through mobile adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile electromagnetic unit serves multiple functions: it can moor ships of various sizes, adapt to different hull shapes including curved surfaces, operate in diverse port configurations, and potentially serve multiple quay locations. This multi-functionality achieves versatility without sacrificing mooring reliability, as the same electromagnetic mechanism works across different applications.
3Productivity
If vacuum mooring cushions are used for automated mooring, then mooring speed is improved, but effectiveness on fouled hull surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the vacuum-based mechanical suction system with an electromagnetic field-based gripping system. The electromagnetic magnets attract to the ship's hull through electromagnetic force rather than requiring direct contact and vacuum sealing, thereby maintaining rapid automated mooring operation while being unaffected by hull fouling, algae, or surface irregularities that would compromise vacuum cushion effectiveness.
4Adaptability or versatility
If mobile electromagnetic gripper is used for docking, then adaptability to hard-to-reach areas is improved, but power supply requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile electromagnetic unit is equipped with its own onboard power supply system (batteries or energy storage devices) that provides electrical energy to the electromagnetic magnets and propulsion system. This self-service capability allows the unit to operate autonomously in hard-to-reach areas without requiring external power infrastructure, achieving adaptability while managing power requirements through self-contained energy storage and efficient electromagnetic actuation.
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 rapid, safe, and efficient docking and undocking of small floating units in harsh marine conditions, reducing environmental impact and operational costs while improving safety and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
at least three electromagnets (3) mounted on the arms (4) with eye joints
Implementation Method 2
The connecting hinge linking the arms (4) to the hull (1) is preferably a stainless-steel hinge, at least 6 mm thick, serving as a damping articulated (butt) hinge
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The subject of the invention is a ship gripper designed for docking small floating units in hard-to-reach areas and a method for docking small floating units using the ship gripper. The invention is dedicated to floating service units and is applicable in maritime mooring systems or ship docking systems for offshore installations such as offshore wind power plants, power stations, ship loading facilities, or floating fuel depots.