Automatic Marine Vessel Docking via Sensor-Controlled Thrusters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual docking of large marine vessels is risky and requires skilled operators, especially in adverse weather conditions, and existing automatic systems are limited in their ability to maintain precise positioning without human intervention.
Innovation Solution
A programmable automatic docking system equipped with a processor control unit and multiple transducers that detect distance and velocity information to control thrusters and drive systems, allowing the vessel to navigate and maintain position independently, even in adverse weather, without the need for human operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual docking operations are performed by skilled operators, then docking can be completed with existing equipment, but the risk of damage increases and requires additional safety equipment like ropes and fenders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical docking operations with an automated system using transducers, processors, and computer-controlled propulsion elements. The system substitutes human operators with electronic sensing and control mechanisms that automatically navigate and position the vessel, eliminating the need for ropes and fenders while reducing damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking system performs self-navigation and self-positioning using onboard transducers and computer control. The vessel autonomously detects its position relative to the dock, calculates required adjustments, and executes docking maneuvers without external assistance, making the system self-sufficient during critical docking operations.
2Measurement precision
If multiple transducers and computer control systems are added to achieve automatic docking, then docking precision and safety improve, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs transducers that serve multiple functions: detecting horizontal distance, vertical distance, and angular orientation simultaneously. The computer system integrates these measurements and performs multiple calculations for navigation, positioning, and collision avoidance, allowing a single system to handle various docking tasks without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple sensing functions (distance measurement, angle detection, position tracking) into an integrated computer-controlled propulsion system. Rather than using separate systems for each function, the patent merges transducer outputs and control functions into a unified automated docking system that coordinates all movements through central computer control.
3Productivity
If automatic docking system is implemented to eliminate human operators, then productivity and safety improve, but the initial system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual docking operations with an automated system using transducers, processors, and computer-controlled propulsion elements. The system substitutes human operators with electronic sensing and control mechanisms that automatically navigate and position the vessel, eliminating the need for ropes and fenders while reducing damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking system performs self-navigation and self-positioning using onboard transducers and computer control. The vessel autonomously detects its position relative to the dock, calculates required adjustments, and executes docking maneuvers without external assistance, making the system self-sufficient during critical docking operations.
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 precise and safe automatic docking and positioning of marine vessels relative to external objects, reducing the risk of damage and eliminating the need for ropes and fenders, while maintaining stability against wind and water currents.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of transducers to detect and transmit a set of distance information between the marine vessel and an external object
Data Source
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AI summary
A programmable automatic docking system for a marine vessel, wherein the programmable automatic docking system includes a set of starboard side transducers and a set of port side transducers to detect and transmit real-time distance, position and velocity information of the marine vessel in relation to an external object. A programmable processor control unit receives the real-time distance, position and velocity information to control a set of propulsion elements to automatically control the marine vessels direct path of travel toward an external object and maintain the marine vessel at a pre-selected distance once the pre-selected distance is reached.