Integrated Docking and Electric Connector Alignment for Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current standardized solutions for fast charging road and commuter ferries are inefficient due to time-consuming manual cable connections and limited high-amperage cable availability, which restricts energy transfer during brief turnaround periods.
Innovation Solution
Mechanical docking members with integrated electric connecting systems that automatically align and secure the vessel to the pier, allowing simultaneous mechanical and electric coupling, enabling rapid and stable high-current energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual cable connections with plugs are used for shore power supply, then the connection can be made with standard flexible cables, but the connection procedure takes too much time and the power rating is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical docking function with the electrical connection function into a single integrated system. The electric connecting members are positioned on the vessel and pier such that they automatically align and connect during the mechanical docking process, eliminating the need for separate manual cable connection operations. This combination resolves the contradiction by achieving both ease of connection and reduced connection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service connection where the electrical contacts automatically engage with each other as the vessel docks mechanically. The alignment and connection of electric connecting members occur automatically during the docking process without requiring manual intervention, thus reducing connection time while maintaining ease of operation.
2Power
If high amperage cables are used for fast charging, then the power transfer capability is increased, but the cables become large, heavy, and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical docking structure with the electrical power transmission function. By integrating electric connecting members into the docking system, the patent achieves high power transfer capability through fixed, robust electrical contacts that are part of the docking infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate heavy-duty flexible cables that would be required to achieve the same power rating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the flexible cable-based mechanical connection system with a fixed electrical contact system that is integrated into the docking structure. This substitution eliminates the need to manually handle heavy high-amperage cables while maintaining high power transfer capability through the fixed electrical connecting members.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standardized flexible cable solutions are used, then the connection is simple and flexible, but the available high cross-section cables are limited and handling becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the docking mechanism with the electrical connection system, creating an integrated solution that provides both mechanical support and electrical power transfer. This integration eliminates the need for separate flexible cables while maintaining the adaptability of the docking system to handle various vessel types and power requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A docking arrangement for docking a vessel to a pier, comprising docking members (102, 126) for mechanical docking of the vessel to the pier (120), and electric connectors (130A, 140A) for transmission of electric energy during docking of the vessel (100) to the pier (120). The electric connectors (130A, 140A) of the vessel and the pier are positioned such that they align to each other during mechanical docking of the vessel to the pier.