Automated Coupling Apparatus for Unmanned Vessel Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for recovering unmanned vessels are inefficient and unsafe, particularly in high wind and wave conditions, as they require manual coupling with a crane, which can lead to safety accidents and delayed operations.
Innovation Solution
An unmanned vessel equipped with a heaving line launcher, a coupling apparatus at its center of gravity, and two winches – a first winch for towing and a second winch for stabilizing, which automatically couples with a crane's coupling member using a docking apparatus and sensor-driven actuator, allowing for stable and quick recovery without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual coupling methods (hook or heaving line) are used to recover the unmanned vessel, then the recovery operation can be performed with simple equipment, but the accuracy and reliability of coupling are reduced under high wind speed or wave height conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical coupling operations with an automated coupling apparatus that includes a coupling member, positioning winch, and control unit. The coupling member automatically engages with the unmanned vessel through automated positioning and coupling actions, eliminating the need for manual hook throwing or heaving line operations, thereby maintaining equipment simplicity while significantly improving coupling reliability under adverse sea conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling apparatus performs self-positioning and self-coupling operations through the positioning winch that automatically adjusts the coupling member's position and the control unit that manages the coupling process. The system serves itself by automatically navigating the coupling member to the unmanned vessel and executing the coupling action without requiring manual intervention, thus improving reliability while keeping the system relatively simple
2Ease of operation
If a crew moves from the mother vessel to the unmanned vessel to couple the crane wire, then the coupling can be performed manually, but safety accidents may occur and the operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling apparatus autonomously performs the coupling operation without requiring crew members to board the unmanned vessel. The positioning winch automatically positions the coupling member, and the control unit manages the entire coupling process, allowing the mother vessel to recover the unmanned vessel safely from a distance, thereby eliminating safety risks associated with crew exposure to adverse sea conditions while maintaining operational ease
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling apparatus acts as an intermediary between the mother vessel and the unmanned vessel. Instead of direct manual coupling requiring crew transfer, the automated coupling member serves as a mediator that bridges the two vessels, enabling safe and easy coupling operations without exposing personnel to hazardous conditions
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional recovery methods are used in distant sea areas, then the operation can proceed with existing equipment, but the time required to prevent casualties and conduct rescue operations is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional manual recovery operations with an automated coupling and recovery system. The positioning winch rapidly positions the coupling member, and the automated coupling apparatus quickly secures the unmanned vessel, dramatically reducing the time required for recovery operations in distant sea areas while using equipment that can be integrated into existing mother vessels
4Ease of operation
If the unmanned vessel is disposed in non-optimized positions for recovery, then the operation may be simpler, but the stability and efficiency of the recovery process is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives feedback regarding the position of the unmanned vessel relative to the coupling member and automatically adjusts the positioning winch to achieve optimal positioning. This feedback mechanism ensures the unmanned vessel is disposed in the most stable and efficient position for recovery, maximizing recovery stability while maintaining operational flexibility through automated position correction
Data Source
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AI summary
An unmanned vessel having a coupling apparatus, according to the present invention, comprises: a heaving line launcher, which is provided on one side of the bow of the unmanned vessel; a coupling apparatus, which is provided at the center of gravity of the unmanned vessel and is coupled to a coupling member of a crane provided on a mother vessel; a first winch, which is provided on at least one side of either the bow or stern of the unmanned vessel, a first tow line being wounded around the same; and a second winch around which a second tow line, which passes one side of the coupling apparatus, is wound.