LiDAR Docking Guidance for Obstructed Vessel-to-Vessel Approaches

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for docking a scow to a dredger using a tugboat often result in obstructed sightlines, leading to potential vessel damage, hazardous conditions for deckhands, and inefficiencies due to reliance on manual communication and estimation during the docking process.

Innovation Solution

A docking system comprising a platform, a vessel, an optical distance measuring means (such as LiDAR), a vessel display unit, and a control means that allows for the determination and display of the relative position and location of the vessel to the platform without requiring a direct sightline, enabling precise adjustments for efficient docking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a deckhand climbs from the tugboat to the top of the scow to guide docking, then the sightline problem is resolved, but the deckhand is placed in a hazardous situation with risks of slips and falls from heights up to 20 feet

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesightline obstructionVSAvoidhazard to deckhand

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary communication system consisting of radio equipment and visual signaling devices that enable the deckhand to communicate docking parameters (distance, speed, direction) to the tugboat captain without requiring physical proximity or exposure to hazardous heights. This mediator transfers the critical information function while eliminating the physical hazard.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical approach of direct visual guidance from the deckhand's position with electronic and optical communication systems. Radio transmitters and receivers, along with visual signaling devices, substitute for the physical presence requirement, allowing information transfer without exposing the deckhand to fall hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If a deckhand manually guides the tugboat by radio communication, then the sightline obstruction is overcome, but the docking process becomes time-consuming due to the need for the captain to wait for and communicate with the deckhand

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesightline obstructionVSAvoiddocking time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback system where the deckhand continuously monitors and communicates real-time docking parameters (distance, speed, direction) to the tugboat captain via radio. This continuous feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of the tugboat's movement to achieve precise docking while maintaining efficient communication flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the deckhand to prepare and transmit docking guidance information in advance as the scow approaches the dredger. By establishing communication protocols and preparing guidance data before critical docking moments, the system reduces waiting time and enables smoother, more efficient docking operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If manual estimation of distance and speed by the deckhand is used, then the docking guidance is provided, but poor or late estimates can cause damage to the vessels involved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual guidance operationVSAvoiddocking accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual estimation with electronic measurement and communication systems. The system uses instruments to objectively measure distance, speed, and direction parameters, substituting human sensory limitations and estimation errors with precise electronic sensing and data transmission, thereby improving docking accuracy and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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

This system enhances the accuracy, efficiency, and safety of the docking process by providing real-time positional data and allowing for autonomous or guided adjustments, reducing the risk of accidents and improving operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an optical distance measuring means (such as LiDAR)... configured to determine a position of one of the platform and the vessel relative to the other of the platform and the vessel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS11955011B2LiDAR vessel-to-vessel docking system and method

Publication Date: 2024.04.09 CASHMAN DREDGING & MARINE CONTRACTING CO LLC

AI summary

A vessel docking system has a vessel such as a scow and/or a tugboat, a platform such as a barge and/or a dredger, an optical distance measuring means, a vessel display unit, and a control means. The vessel display unit is configured to display a position and a location of the vessel and/or the platform. The optical distance measuring means is in communication with the vessel display unit. The optical distance measuring means includes a sensor, a laser, and lens. The optical distance measuring means is configured to determine a distance and a pathway between the platform and the vessel.