Spring Bellows Mooring Structure for Dynamic Vessel Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ship mooring systems are inefficient in terms of space utilization and functionality, as they require separate structures for support, mooring, and protection, which are not optimized for dynamic stability and adaptability to various ship specifications.
Innovation Solution
A ship mooring device using a spring bellows structure with foldable frames and elastic wires, equipped with tension-setting units, sensors, and a controller, allowing for real-time tension and movement sensing, and dynamic stability in both contractile and tensile directions, enabling easy installation in narrow spaces and flexible mooring force control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate structures (support, mooring post, protective fender) are installed dispersively, then each structure can perform its specific function, but space utilization becomes inefficient and structure utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate structures (support, mooring post, protective fender) into a single integrated frame structure. The frame serves all three functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables mooring operations, and offers protective fender functionality through its design. This merging eliminates the need for multiple dispersively installed structures, thereby improving space utilization while maintaining all required functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure is designed to perform multiple functions universally. It acts as a support structure, a mooring post, and a protective fender all at once. The universal design allows the same structure to adapt to different operational requirements (towing, mooring, protection) without needing separate specialized components, thus resolving the contradiction between functional reliability and space efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mooring devices are used, then basic mooring function is provided, but adaptability to various ship specifications and dynamic stability control is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the mooring system through the spring bellows structure. The bellows can expand and contract dynamically in response to ship movements and ocean conditions, providing adaptive tension control. This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain stability while adapting to various ship specifications and environmental conditions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring bellows structure enables parameter changes in the mooring system by varying its compression and expansion states. This allows the system to adjust its mechanical properties (stiffness, tension) dynamically based on operational requirements and environmental conditions, achieving both adaptability to different ships and maintained dynamic stability.
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 device provides enhanced stability and adaptability for various ship sizes, real-time sensing and ocean data collection, increasing utilization and applicability to model tests, while ensuring secure mooring and efficient space use.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member interposed in a center portion of the radially disposed wires to generate predetermined dynamic stability when the ship is moved
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a ship mooring device using a spring bellows structure, wherein the ship mooring device temporarily or permanently fixes a state in which the ship is spaced at a preset distance from a vessel or a pier, the ship mooring device including: a main body configured of a plurality of frames in which opposite ends of each of the frames are hinge-coupled to facing ends of adjacent frames to form foldable hinge joints, wherein diagonally opposed non-adjacent hinge joints of the frames are fixed to the ship and the pier, respectively; and a plurality of wires which are installed inwards in diagonal lines with respect to the frames of the main body to connect the diagonally opposed non-adjacent hinge joints together, with an elastic member interposed in a center portion of the radially disposed wires to generate predetermined dynamic stability when the ship is moved.