Remote Vessel Magnetic Compass Adjustment System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adjusting vessel magnetic compasses are time-consuming, costly, and inefficient due to the need for physical presence of a compass adjuster, leading to delays and increased fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for remote adjustment of vessel magnetic compasses, where a vessel communication device connects to a server for real-time data exchange, automated deviation calculations, and issuance of a deviation card, allowing crew members to perform adjustments without external assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a shore qualified adjuster physically arrives on board the vessel to adjust the magnetic compass, then the compass adjustment can be performed with expert knowledge, but the process becomes costly and time-consuming due to transportation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel's own crew members are trained and empowered to perform the magnetic compass adjustment themselves using automated guidance software, eliminating the need to wait for an external adjuster. The system provides step-by-step instructions and automatically calculates deviation values, enabling the vessel to service its own compass.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual process of an adjuster physically traveling to the vessel is replaced by an automated electronic system that runs on the vessel's computer. The adjustment process is transformed from a mechanical travel-based service to an automated software-based system that provides real-time guidance and calculations.
2Reliability
If a shore qualified adjuster is transported to the vessel for compass adjustment, then accurate deviation card can be issued, but the process increases operational costs due to transportation expenses
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel performs its own compass adjustment using automated software that guides crew members through the process. The system automatically calculates deviation values and generates the deviation card, eliminating the need for external adjusters and their associated travel expenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical travel of an adjuster to the vessel is replaced by an automated electronic system that performs all calculations and generates documentation. The system substitutes mechanical transportation with electronic computation and automated guidance.
3Loss of energy
If email communication is used for remote compass adjustment, then transportation costs are reduced, but the adjustment process becomes excessively time-consuming due to sequential communication delays
Solution Approach 1:
The sequential email communication process is replaced by an automated software system that performs real-time calculations and provides immediate feedback. The system substitutes slow electronic mail communication with instant computer-based processing and guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment process continues without interruption through automated real-time guidance. The software provides continuous feedback and instructions to the crew, eliminating the stop-and-wait nature of email communication where the vessel must pause to await each instruction.
4Loss of energy
If sequential email communication is used for compass adjustment, then the adjuster can guide the process remotely, but fuel consumption increases due to extended vessel maneuvering time
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel's crew performs the adjustment autonomously using automated software guidance, eliminating the need for prolonged maneuvering under remote guidance. The system enables the vessel to complete the adjustment quickly during normal operations without extended fuel-consuming maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote email-based guidance process is replaced by automated on-board software that provides real-time instructions. This substitution reduces the time required for maneuvering and minimizes fuel consumption by enabling faster completion of the adjustment process.
5Reliability
If a shore adjuster visits the vessel for compass adjustment, then proper calibration can be achieved, but the process reduces overall shipping productivity due to vessel downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel's crew performs the compass adjustment themselves using automated software, eliminating vessel downtime associated with waiting for external adjusters. The system maintains calibration accuracy while allowing the vessel to remain operational throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment process is integrated into the vessel's normal operations without interruption. The automated software provides real-time guidance that allows the vessel to continue its duties while undergoing adjustment, maintaining continuous productive operation.
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
This solution enables real-time adjustment of vessel magnetic compasses, reducing communication delays, saving fuel and time, and minimizing environmental impact while ensuring accurate and safe navigation.
Implementation Method 1
The principle of magnetic compass work is in interaction of the magnetized compass needle with the magnetic field of the Earth
Implementation Method 2
the magnetized compass needle responds simultaneously to other magnetic fields produced by vessel's decks, equipment, cargo etc., causing deviations of the magnetized compass needle
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is used to adjust vessel magnetic compasses in real time, which is an international obligation to enable vessels to enter ports. The vessel communicates via its vessel communication device (7) with a vessel magnetic compass adjustment system server (1) which provides real-time data to the vessel and which evaluates in real-time the data measured during the vessel's comparison manoeuvre, before and after completing the instructions given by the evaluation software module (6), whereupon it evaluates the compass deviation from the data and issues a deviation card, which serves as a certificate of vessel magnetic compass adjustment.