Maritime Automated Boat Alignment and Connection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for recovering and refueling small boats and unmanned surface vessels are operationally hindered by sea states, requiring skilled personnel and being inefficient in operationally-realistic conditions, as they are sensitive to seas and swells, and do not allow for refueling without partial recovery aboard the host ship.
Innovation Solution
A boat recovery system comprising alignment and connection components such as an alignment ramp, alignment arms, roll plate, and hard capture port, which guide and lock small boats to the host ship, allowing for refueling and maintenance in various sea states without the need for skilled operators, and can be integrated into the host ship via stern ramps, well decks, or tracked systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional boat recovery methods using skilled deckhands and sea-sensitive systems are used, then operational safety and precision are maintained, but operational efficiency deteriorates due to inability to operate in realistic sea states and requirement for skilled personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs automated alignment and connection mechanisms that self-adjust to sea state conditions without requiring skilled operators. The alignment ramp and connection components automatically guide the boat into position and secure it, eliminating the need for manual intervention by trained deckhands while maintaining operational capability across varying sea states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic components including articulating alignment arms, movable connection points, and flexible positioning mechanisms that adapt to changing sea conditions. These dynamic elements allow the recovery system to maintain functionality whether the sea state is calm or rough, eliminating the operational ceiling imposed by conventional static systems.
2Loss of time
If partial recovery of small boats is performed to save time, then recovery speed is improved, but safety deteriorates due to dangerous positioning operations alongside the host ship
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment and positioning actions automatically before the boat is fully recovered. The alignment ramp and connection components prepare the docking interface in advance, allowing the boat to be quickly secured without requiring manual positioning operations that expose crew to collision risks during the critical approach phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment ramp serves as an intermediary structure between the host ship and the approaching boat. It provides a controlled transition zone that guides the boat safely into position without requiring crew members to manually handle lines or positioning equipment alongside the moving vessel, thereby eliminating the dangerous exposure to collision hazards while maintaining rapid recovery capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sea-state-sensitive devices like drogues are used for refueling, then refueling capability is maintained in calm conditions, but operational reliability deteriorates when seas and swells exceed maximum thresholds
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the sea-state-sensitive drogue component from the refueling operation and replaces it with a robust mechanical connection system. The alignment ramp and hard capture port provide a stable, passive connection interface that is immune to sea state effects, allowing refueling operations to proceed reliably whether the sea is calm or rough without relying on delicate sea-sensitive positioning devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces expensive, fragile sea-state-sensitive electronic positioning systems with simple, rugged mechanical alignment components. The alignment ramp and connection arms are designed as durable, maintenance-free structures that provide reliable guidance and connection without the complexity and sea-state sensitivity of electronic drogues, effectively trading sophisticated but fragile technology for simple but robust mechanics.
Data Source
AI summary
A maritime alignment and connection system allows a boat to be recovered and docked while a host vessel is underway. Components form a cradle to guide and slow an approaching boat into a desirable orientation such that the boat will be held in place in the cradle. Once captured, the boat can be locked in position to prevent it from inadvertently slipping its berth.