Marine Propulsion Proximity Sensing for Planned-Path Velocity Limits
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine propulsion control systems fail to effectively limit vessel velocity based on the proximity of objects near the vessel, particularly in busy marine environments, which can lead to unintended impacts on nearby vessels and swimmers.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion control system that utilizes proximity sensors to generate data for an occupancy grid, classifying objects and setting velocity limits to avoid collisions, with adjustable limits based on object type and proximity, ensuring safe navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the marine vessel operates at high velocity in busy marine environments, then productivity and mission completion efficiency are improved, but the risk of unintended impacts on nearby vessels and swimmers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts velocity limits based on real-time proximity sensor data and occupancy grid classification. Instead of maintaining a fixed velocity limit, the controller continuously modifies the maximum allowable velocity as the vessel approaches classified objects, enabling high speed when safe and automatic reduction when objects are detected nearby
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where proximity sensors continuously monitor the marine environment, classify objects using an occupancy grid, and feed this information back to the controller. The controller then adjusts velocity limits based on this feedback, creating a dynamic response system that adapts to changing environmental conditions
2Reliability
If the system implements strict velocity limiting to maintain buffer distance from all objects, then collision avoidance is improved, but the vessel's operational flexibility and ability to reach destinations efficiently deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different velocity limit strategies to different spatial zones around the vessel based on object classification. Instead of uniformly limiting velocity in all directions, the occupancy grid classifier identifies specific locations and types of objects, and the controller applies localized velocity restrictions only in those specific zones, allowing full operational flexibility in areas where no objects are present
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the velocity limit parameter dynamically based on the type and proximity of detected objects. Different object classes (e.g., swimmers, small vessels, large vessels) trigger different velocity limit adjustments, allowing the system to maintain operational flexibility by adapting the velocity parameter to the specific environmental context rather than applying a single restrictive limit
Data Source
AI summary
A propulsion control system on a marine vessel is provided, the propulsion control system comprising: a propulsion device configured to propel the marine vessel; proximity sensors configured to generate proximity measurements indicative of a proximity of an object with respect to the marine vessel; a processor configured to: receive proximity information based on proximity measurements generated by the proximity sensors; analyze the proximity information within a predetermined area around the marine vessel; determine that objects that are not in a planned path of the marine vessel are located in the predetermined area; set a velocity limit along the planned path of the marine vessel based on the presence of the objects within the predetermined area; and control the propulsion device such that a velocity of the marine vessel along the planned path does not exceed the velocity limit.