Rail-Guided Shore Power Coupling for Quay Wall Obstacles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shore power supply devices for ships are not adaptable to varying ship sizes and mooring positions, often obstructed by mooring apparatuses, and lack flexibility in movement along quay walls.
Innovation Solution
A movable shore-based coupling unit with a travelling mechanism and parallel tracks, allowing the unit to overlap mooring apparatuses and navigate around obstacles, combined with open channels and line dividers for secure power line routing, ensuring easy installation and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the shore-based coupling unit is made movable to adapt to different ship positions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling unit is designed with movable components including a travelling mechanism with wheels that can move along the quay wall, and adjustable arms that can position the coupling point at different heights and locations. This dynamic structure allows the same device to adapt to various ship sizes and mooring positions while maintaining a relatively simple overall design.
2Productivity
If the coupling unit is positioned close to the ship for connection, then connection efficiency is improved, but obstruction by mooring apparatuses increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling unit utilizes vertical space by positioning itself above the mooring apparatuses (bollards) on the quay wall. The travelling mechanism operates on an elevated track that clears the mooring apparatuses, allowing the coupling unit to reach close to the ship's connection point without being obstructed by the bollards below.
3Ease of manufacture
If the rail is arranged on the waterway side of the quay wall, then ease of installation is improved, but protection of power supply line decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A protective channel is introduced as an intermediary structure between the power supply line and the external environment. The power supply line is routed through this channel that extends from the quay wall interior to the rail location, providing mechanical protection while allowing the rail to be positioned on the waterway side for easy installation and access.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device 1 for connecting a ship to a shore-based power supply network, wherein a shore-based coupling unit 2 for connection to a cable-bound ship-based plug connector is movable in a rail-guided manner and is connected via at least one power supply line 16, 17 to the shore-based power supply network, wherein the coupling unit 2 is arranged on a travelling mechanism 4 whose wheels 5, 6 are arranged side by side in two tracks 7, 8, wherein one track 7 is rail-bound with respect to a rail 9 which is arranged on the waterway side on a vertical side a quay wall 3, wherein the travelling mechanism 4 overlaps mooring apparatuses 11 projecting from a top side 10 of the quay wall 3, such that the second track 8 is arranged on a side of the mooring apparatuses 11 remote from the water.