Laser Profile Scanner for Mooring Robot Hull Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for docking and mooring vessels lack an efficient method to accurately locate a suitable attachment zone on a vessel's hull for a mooring robot, particularly considering tidal variations and vessel shape, which can lead to inefficient and potentially hazardous docking processes.
Innovation Solution
A profile scanning system using a laser emitter and receiver, controlled by a processor that determines the vertical location of a target zone on the vessel's hull for engaging a mooring robot, avoiding protrusions and adjusting for tidal changes, and includes a method for determining the state of the sea and tide to optimize suction pad positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a mooring robot is used to attach to a vessel, then the automation and efficiency of docking is improved, but the difficulty of locating a suitable attachment zone on the vessel's hull increases due to tidal variations and vessel shape
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scanning of the vessel's hull using laser beams to detect the profile and identify a suitable attachment zone before the mooring robot attempts to attach. This preliminary detection includes measuring the vertical position of the hull at multiple horizontal positions to account for tidal variations and vessel shape, ensuring the attachment zone is located in advance of the actual docking operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection and positioning with an automated optical detection system. Laser beams are used to scan the vessel's hull and generate a digital profile, which is then processed by a controller to automatically determine the attachment zone location, eliminating the need for manual measurement and visual inspection.
2Reliability
If the laser scanning system scans the entire hull profile to ensure safe attachment, then the reliability of docking is improved, but the time required for docking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a comprehensive scan of the vessel's hull profile at multiple horizontal positions to fully detect the attachment zone and avoid protrusions or openings. This excessive scanning ensures high reliability by capturing the complete profile, and the system processes this data efficiently to minimize the time penalty, accepting some time loss as necessary for safe operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser scanning is performed periodically at multiple discrete horizontal positions along the vessel's hull. The system moves the laser emitter to different horizontal locations and performs a scan at each position, accumulating profile data in a periodic manner that ensures complete coverage while maintaining a systematic and efficient scanning pattern.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system accounts for tidal variations by scanning at multiple vertical positions, then the adaptability to environmental changes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds a vertical dimension to the scanning process by measuring the hull profile at multiple vertical positions in addition to horizontal positions. This creates a two-dimensional profile map of the vessel's hull, enabling the system to detect tidal variations and adjust the attachment zone location accordingly, while the controller processes this multi-dimensional data to determine the optimal attachment point.
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 enables precise and safe attachment of a mooring robot to the vessel by accurately identifying suitable attachment zones, adapting to tidal changes, and optimizing suction pressure based on sea state, thereby improving the efficiency and safety of the docking process.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter adapted to progressively or instantaneously radiate towards said vessel; a receiver providing a signal indicative of radiation incident thereon
Implementation Method 2
a receiver providing a signal indicative of radiation incident thereon
Data Source
AI summary
A profile scanner for locating a target zone on a profile of a vessel comprising an emitter adapted to progressively or instantaneously radiate towards the vessel; a receiver providing a signal indicative of radiation incident thereon; a controller or processor including stored instructions, for energizing the emitter and receiving the signal, and adapted to determine the vertical location of the target zone relative to scanner.