Ship Load Moment Compensation Using GPS Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional anti-heeling systems for ships are inadequate in controlling rapid changes in inclination during loading and unloading, especially when handling heavy offshore structures, leading to unsafe and time-consuming processes due to imprecise load moment determination and delayed response times.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that determine the position of the load relative to the ship using GPS sensors and image processing, enabling early generation of a balancing moment by calculating the required counter-torque based on the load's position and mass, with a system for displacing balancing liquid between equalizing tanks to compensate for changes in inclination, utilizing variable flow rates and compressed air for quick reaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional anti-heeling systems are used to compensate for load moment, then the ship's inclination can be controlled, but the reaction time is delayed and control precision is insufficient during rapid loading operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines the load moment in advance by measuring the position of the load relative to the ship using GPS sensors and image processing, rather than waiting for the load to cause inclination changes. This preliminary determination allows the control system to generate compensating moments before rapid inclination changes occur, significantly reducing reaction time and improving control precision during loading operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the position of the load using GPS sensors and image processing equipment, and uses this real-time feedback to dynamically adjust the compensating moment. The control system processes position data to calculate load moment and automatically regulates the equalization tanks to maintain ship stability, creating a closed-loop control system that responds rapidly to changing loading conditions
2Reliability
If manual loading operations are performed slowly to ensure torque changes are accounted for, then safety is improved, but productivity decreases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-heeling system operates autonomously by automatically determining load moment through GPS and image processing, calculating the required compensating moment, and regulating the equalization tanks without manual intervention. This self-service capability allows rapid automated loading operations while maintaining safety, eliminating the need for slow manual operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical loading operations with an automated control system that uses GPS sensors, image processing, and automated ballast tank regulation. This substitution enables rapid loading operations to proceed at high speed while the control system continuously compensates for load moments, maintaining safety without requiring slow manual operation
3Measurement precision
If GPS sensors and image processing are used to determine load position, then load moment determination precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines GPS sensors mounted on the ship with image processing equipment to jointly determine the position of the load. By merging these two measurement systems, the patent achieves high-precision load position determination that accounts for ship motion and load position simultaneously, improving measurement precision while sharing the complexity across multiple standardized components
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 approach allows for faster and safer loading and unloading processes by anticipating and mitigating changes in inclination, reducing reaction times and improving control precision over load moments, thus enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first float-side reference sensor (12) for arrangement on the float (1) for global position determination of a float-side reference measuring point and at least one load-side load sensor (15) for the global position determination of the load location measuring point (15) for arrangement in the area of the load (7)
Implementation Method 2
displacement means (25) for displacing a compensation liquid between the compensation tanks (20, 21) via the compensation line (22)
Implementation Method 3
utilizing variable flow rates and compressed air for quick reaction
Implementation Method 4
Method and device for compensating for a load moment and method and measuring equipment for determining the position of a load
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
AI summary
In order to improve a method for compensating for a load moment acting by means of a load on a floating body, in particular ship (1), about an axis of rotation of the floating body by a compensating moment required for compensating for the load moment being produced, wherein the load is supported by a jib (5), which is pivotable in particular about an axis, of a loading device (2) arranged on the floating body (1), to the effect that said method can be carried out more rapidly and reliably, it is proposed that a position of the load (7) relative to the floating body (1) is identified and the compensating moment is determined depending on the identified position.