Remote Underwater Manoeuvring Device for Vessel Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manoeuvring of ships and other floating vessels in harbors or ports is cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring high manpower costs and skilled pilots, and there is a need for a more efficient method to position these vessels safely and accurately.
Innovation Solution
A remote-controllable underwater device equipped with a housing, propellers, sensors, and communication antennas that can be attached to a vessel using robotic arms or electro-magnets, allowing for remote control and monitoring to push or pull the vessel to a desired location, utilizing propellers for thrust and sensors for path tracking and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tugboats are used for manoeuvring ships in harbour/port, then safe control and positioning is achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and manpower cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ship performs its own manoeuvring operations using a water jet system integrated into the hull, eliminating the need for external tugboats. The system uses the ship's own propulsion mechanism to create thrust for moving, docking, and positioning the vessel independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The water jet propulsion system is extracted from the traditional ship propulsion system and applied specifically for manoeuvring operations. The system includes a water intake, pump, and nozzle arrangement that can be independently activated for harbour manoeuvring without affecting the main propulsion system.
2Reliability
If tugboats are used for manoeuvring ships, then positioning is achieved, but positioning time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The ship independently performs positioning operations using the integrated water jet system, eliminating the time required for tugboat arrival, attachment, and coordinated manoeuvring. The system provides immediate thrust response for precise positioning control.
Solution Approach 2:
The water jet system is pre-positioned and integrated into the ship's hull structure, with water intake openings and nozzle arrangements already in place. This preliminary configuration eliminates setup time and allows immediate operation when manoeuvring is required.
3Speed
If traditional propulsion system is used, then ship movement is achieved, but manoeuvring control in restricted waters is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The manoeuvring function is segmented from the main propulsion system. The water jet system provides dedicated thrust control for harbour operations, while the main propulsion system handles long-distance travel. This segmentation allows optimized control for each operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The water jet system provides dynamic thrust control with variable flow rate and direction adjustment. The pump and nozzle can be dynamically adjusted to provide precise thrust vectors for complex manoeuvring operations in restricted waters, offering superior responsiveness compared to traditional fixed-propeller systems.
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
The remote-controllable underwater device enables efficient and safe manoeuvring of vessels, reducing manpower costs and improving positioning accuracy, while allowing for autonomous operation and emergency buoyancy, suitable for various applications such as harbour operations, surveys, and collision avoidance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one propeller for moving the device and to enable push or pull of the external object to be manoeuvred
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensor for path tracking and positioning of the device and the vessel
Implementation Method 3
an antenna for communication with the device from a remote control unit
Implementation Method 4
a connection unit provided on the housing for rigidly attaching under water to one of sides of the vessel
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a remote-controllable underwater device for manoeuvring a vessel. The device comprising at least one housing, a connection unit provided on the housing for rigidly attaching below the water to the vessel to be manoeuvred, at least one propeller mounted on the housing for moving the device and the vessel attached to the connection unit, an antenna for communication with the device from a remote control unit, at least one sensor for path tracking and positioning of the device and the vessel, and a power source for providing power to the connection unit, the propeller, the antenna, and the sensor.