Flexible Mooring Loop for Automated Vessel Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic mooring systems for vessels require significant deck space and are prone to unintentional loss of mooring, especially in harsh sea conditions, due to limitations in distance and vertical movement range.
Innovation Solution
A flexible mooring system with a resilient mooring loop and connector that allows for retrievable attachment to bollards, featuring a mooring loop with a breaking load of over 80 kN and elasticity to regain its shape after high loads, combined with a robotic arm for precise positioning and a winch for winching the mooring line, enabling stable and efficient mooring with minimal deck space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a rigid spreader bar with two spaced apart winches is used for automatic mooring, then the mooring can be performed automatically, but a large portion of the deck surface area must be liberated to avoid interference with the mooring procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the mooring loop from the vessel's deck infrastructure and integrates it directly into the quay structure. The loop is formed by a flexible element that attaches to the bollard on the quay, eliminating the need for large deck equipment while maintaining automatic mooring capability through the robotic arm that guides the line through the loop
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible element with the mooring loop acts as an intermediary between the vessel's mooring line and the quay's bollard. This intermediary component enables automatic mooring by providing a attachment point that can be engaged by the robotic arm without requiring large deck space or complex winch systems on the vessel
2Area of moving object
If traditional mooring systems are used, then deck space is available for infrastructure and equipment, but the risk of unintentional loss of mooring is high during harsh sea conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a flexible element that can dynamically adapt to harsh sea conditions. The flexible nature of the element allows it to accommodate vertical movements and dynamic loads without rigid constraints, while the loop configuration ensures the mooring line remains securely attached to the bollard, preventing unintentional loss during harsh conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The loop configuration provides a built-in safety mechanism that cushions against accidental disengagement. The loop's geometry and the flexible element's properties create a secure attachment that requires significant force to unintentionally release, providing beforehand protection against mooring loss during harsh sea conditions
3Area of moving object
If telescopic arms with mooring loops are used, then deck space is minimized, but the maximum allowed distance from vessel to quay structure and maximum vertical movements are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the key parameter from the length and reach of telescopic arms to the properties of the flexible element and loop configuration. By using a flexible element with appropriate length, elasticity, and strength characteristics, the system can accommodate larger distances and vertical movements without requiring long-reaching robotic arms, thus minimizing deck space while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a flexible element (such as a rope, cable, or hose) to form the mooring loop, which can naturally extend and flex to accommodate various distances and vertical movements. This flexible approach replaces the need for rigid, long-reaching telescopic arms, minimizing deck space requirements while maintaining versatility in operating conditions
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 allows for stable and efficient mooring under harsh conditions while minimizing deck space requirements, reducing the risk of unintentional loss and enhancing operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The mooring loop has an elasticity such that the mooring loop regains its initial shape after having been exposed for a load of more than 30 kN
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The invention concerns a mooring system for automatic mooring of a vessel to a quay and a method for using such a mooring system. The mooring system comprises a mooring line and an attachment system for retrievable attachment to a bollard including an elastic rope eye and a sleeve connecting the mooring loop to the mooring line. The mooring system may also comprise a robotic arm configured to transfer the attachment system from the vessel to the quay and to further attach the mooring loop around the bollard.