Marine Vessel Trailer Laser Positioning for Precise Docking Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position locating systems for marine vessels and trailers lack sufficient specifications, particularly in methods for accurately determining relative position information between a marine vessel and its trailer, which is crucial for smooth landing and departure operations.
Innovation Solution
A position locating system utilizing a laser scanner on one object and a laser light receiver on the other to determine relative position information based on light receiving timings, incorporating a control unit to calculate distance, direction, and potentially roll angle between the marine vessel and trailer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a camera such as a stereo camera, an infrared camera, or a TOF camera is disposed on the hull to obtain distance and direction information, then position information can be obtained, but the specifications are insufficient and the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical camera systems with a simpler laser-based ranging system. A laser transmitter emits laser beams that are reflected off the opposing object and detected by a laser receiver, using time-of-flight measurement to calculate distance. This substitutes the mechanical and optical complexity of stereo cameras, infrared cameras, or TOF cameras with a more straightforward laser ranging approach, reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision for position information acquisition.
2Ease of operation
If signal strength and direction are used to obtain distance and orientation between trailer and hull, then position information can be obtained, but the measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces signal strength and direction-based position determination with laser time-of-flight measurement. By emitting laser beams and measuring the time for reflection and return, the system directly calculates distance with high precision. This substitution eliminates the indirect and less accurate method of inferring position from signal characteristics, providing more reliable distance and direction data for marine vessel trailing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser transmitter emits laser beams in a scanning manner, periodically sweeping across the field of view to measure distance to multiple points. This periodic scanning action enables comprehensive position information acquisition while maintaining high measurement precision through repeated time-of-flight measurements, improving both accuracy and operational capability compared to static signal-based methods.
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 accurate and automated detachment and attachment of marine vessels from trailers by determining relative position information, enhancing operational efficiency and safety in landing and departure processes.
Implementation Method 1
a laser scanner that is located on a first object that is one of a marine vessel and a trailer for the marine vessel to reciprocatingly scan a predetermined range in a horizontal direction with laser light
Implementation Method 2
a laser light receiver on a second object that is the other of the marine vessel and the trailer to receive laser light emitted from the laser scanner
Data Source
AI summary
A position locating system to locate relative position information between a marine vessel and a trailer includes a laser scanner on a first object, that is one of a marine vessel and a trailer for the marine vessel, to reciprocatingly scan a predetermined range in a horizontal direction with laser light, a laser light receiver on a second object, that is the other of the marine vessel and the trailer, to receive laser light emitted from the laser scanner, and a position locator configured or programmed to locate relative position information between the marine vessel and the trailer based on light receiving timings when the laser light emitted from the laser scanner is received by the laser light receiver.