Floating Hose Position Prediction for Tanker Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of accurately locating and orienting a tanker to couple with a floating hose that has moved due to water and wind currents, which complicates the delivery process and increases the risk of collision.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a floating unit with a buoyant or stationary coupling unit and a detection system that uses actual location and weather data to predict the future location and orientation of the floating hose, enabling precise navigation of a ship to the hose end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the floating hose is made long to allow tanker operations, then the operational flexibility is improved, but the hose moves significantly due to water currents and wind, making localization difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of floating units with detection devices that act as mediators between the floating hose and the tanker. These intermediaries carry localization equipment (GPS, LORAN, or visual markers) to indicate the hose position, solving the problem of locating a long, moving hose without restricting its length or flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system creates a positional copy or representation of the floating hose location through floating units equipped with navigation receivers and markers. This allows the tanker to obtain accurate location information about the hose without directly measuring the hose itself, resolving the localization difficulty caused by the hose's length and movement.
2Device complexity
If the floating hose moves freely with water and wind currents, then the system simplicity is improved, but the complexity of heading the tanker to the hose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where floating units continuously detect and transmit the position of the floating hose to the tanker. This real-time feedback allows the tanker to adjust its heading dynamically to reach the moving hose end, maintaining system simplicity while reducing tanker heading complexity through automated position information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical localization methods with automated detection systems using GPS, LORAN, or visual markers. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with automated electronic systems reduces the complexity of heading the tanker while maintaining the freedom of the floating hose to move with currents.
3Device complexity
If manual localization methods are used for the floating hose, then the equipment cost is reduced, but the time required for tanker docking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-positioning floating units with detection equipment along the floating hose before tanker arrival. This advance preparation ensures that location information is already available when the tanker approaches, reducing docking time without requiring complex real-time tracking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating units serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the hose, act as floating markers for localization, and carry detection equipment for position tracking. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment, controlling costs while enabling automated localization to reduce docking time.
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
Reduces complexity and time required for tanker docking by providing accurate prediction data for the hose's location and orientation, minimizing the risk of collision and optimizing the docking process.
Implementation Method 1
the detection system (12) is designed to detect, as actual arrangement, a present geometric arrangement of the floating hose relative to the coupling unit (8). In addition, the detection system (12) is designed to detect and/or ascertain, as actual location, a present geographical location of the floating unit
Implementation Method 2
The floating unit has a buoyant or stationary coupling unit (8), a buoyant floating hose (10)
Implementation Method 3
The floating hose can be moved away, driven by the water of the sea and/or deflected by the wind
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (2) for ascertaining prediction data. The system (2) has a floating unit (4) and a remote base unit (6). The floating unit (4) has a coupling unit (8), a floating hose (10) and a detection system (12). A first end (14) of the floating hose (10) is connected to the coupling unit (8). The detection system (12) is designed to detect, as actual arrangement, a present geometric arrangement of the floating hose (10) relative to the monitoring unit. In addition, the detection system (12) is configured to detect and/or ascertain, as actual location, a present geographical location of the floating unit (4). The detection system (12) is additionally designed to ascertain actual location data which represent the actual location and the actual arrangement. The floating unit (4) is designed to transmit the actual location data via a signal link (18) to the base unit (6). The base unit (6) is designed to receive, as actual weather data, present weather data which represent the present wind strength, the present wind direction, a prediction of the wind strength and/or a prediction of the wind direction in each case of the wind at the actual location. The base unit (6) is additionally designed to receive, as actual sea data, present sea data which represent the present current strength, the present current direction, a prediction of the current strength and/or a prediction of the current direction in each case of the water at the actual location.