Rail Capture System for Dynamic Vessel Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The recovery of cargo vessels from the surface or near-surface water is challenging due to unpredictable dynamic displacements between the capture vessel and the target vessel, requiring precise alignment in multiple degrees of freedom, which is difficult to achieve with existing methods.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a system of rails with stabilizing portions, including ballasts and motors, that align and receive the target vessel through a series of gap portions, allowing for dynamic stabilization and precise capture, even in varying sea conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional capture methods are used, then the capture vessel can attempt to recover the target vessel, but the unpredictable dynamic displacements and multiple degrees of freedom make precise alignment difficult and recovery onerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment system consisting of rails with gap portions that mediate between the capture vessel and target vessel. This intermediary structure provides a controlled path for alignment, reducing the complexity of direct vessel-to-vessel positioning while improving recovery reliability through staged alignment processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system is segmented into multiple gap portions along the rails, allowing the capture process to occur in discrete stages. This segmentation breaks down the complex single-step alignment problem into manageable sequential steps, improving reliability while controlling complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the rails are made stable and fixed, then alignment precision can be improved, but the ability to adapt to dynamic sea conditions and vessel movements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rail system incorporates dynamic capabilities through movable components and adjustable gap portions that can respond to sea conditions and vessel movements. This allows the system to maintain alignment precision while adapting to changing environmental conditions, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple gap portions are used for staged alignment, then capture precision is improved, but the device complexity and operational procedures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rail structure with multiple gap portions serves multiple functions: it provides alignment guidance, defines capture zones, and enables staged positioning. This multi-functionality achieves high capture precision without proportionally increasing structural complexity, as the same physical structure accomplishes multiple alignment objectives.
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 efficient and precise capture of target vessels by aligning and stabilizing the rails to match the dynamic movements of the target vessel, improving recovery success rates and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more ballasts may be configured to dynamically stabilize the first and second rail
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and computer program product for capturing a target object from a body of water. A first rail is proximate to a second rail. A first gap portion is formed between at least a portion of the first and second rail. The first gap portion is configured to align and receive at least a portion of the target object as a distance between the first gap portion and at least the portion of the target object decreases. A second gap portion is formed between at least the portion of the first and second rail. The first and second rail are further configured to align and receive at least the portion of the target object with the second gap portion as a distance between the second gap portion and at least the portion of the target object decreases.