Torsion Vessel Guides for Reliable Launch and Recovery Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vessel aligning devices fail to provide a complete solution for properly aligning vessels during launching and recovering from a rigid surface, due to factors like wind, current, waves, speed, and direction, which can result in damage to the vessel or rigid surface, and potential injury to occupants.
Innovation Solution
A vessel controlling device that includes primary and secondary torsion guides coupled to a base, which provide progressive increasing counteracted forces to center the vessel on the rigid surface, and a system of guide bodies and retainer cords to ensure proper alignment and secure the vessel during launching and recovering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional guideposts or guide rails are used to align the vessel, then the structural complexity is reduced, but the alignment precision and reliability are insufficient under adverse environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic alignment guides that can move or adjust their position in response to vessel approach, rather than fixed rigid structures. This allows the system to adapt to varying environmental conditions and vessel trajectories, improving reliability while managing complexity through controlled motion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary alignment components between the rigid surface and the vessel, such as floating guides or buffer elements, that mediate the interaction and provide more reliable alignment under adverse conditions without requiring direct rigid contact
2Object-affected harmful factors
If no alignment assistance is provided, then the device complexity is minimized, but the vessel may become improperly aligned causing damage or injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements alignment guides and positioning systems that proactively prevent improper alignment before the vessel contacts the rigid surface, thereby preventing damage and injury in advance rather than reacting to misalignment after contact occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates cushioning elements or energy-absorbing mechanisms in the alignment system that prepare for potential misalignment by providing protective deformation zones, reducing the impact of alignment errors before they cause damage
3Adaptability or versatility
If rigid guide structures are used, then the manufacturing precision can be maintained, but the system lacks adaptability to environmental variations like wind, current, and waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs alignment systems that can change their physical parameters (position, orientation, flexibility) in response to environmental conditions, allowing them to maintain alignment precision while adapting to wind, current, and wave variations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic alignment structures that can move or adjust during the vessel approach, enabling the system to compensate for environmental disturbances while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled adaptation
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 effectively aligns the vessel with the rigid surface, preventing damage and injury by providing a progressively increasing counteracted force to center the vessel, and ensuring secure engagement through the retainer cord system.
Implementation Method 1
The primary torsion guide is displaced outwardly from the base center upon the vessel impacting with the primary portion guide and the primary torsion guide provides a primary progressive increasing counteracted force for pushing the vessel toward the base center
Data Source
AI summary
A vessel controlling device for positioning a vessel includes a base for supporting the vessel. A primary guide is coupled to the base. A secondary guide is couple to the base. The vessel impacts with the primary guide and thesecondary guide. The primary guide and thesecondary guide direct the vessel towardsthecenter of the base during launching and recovering the vessel relative to the base.