Vessel Maneuvering Interface for Unified Tug and Thruster Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for maneuvering assisted vessels lack efficient communication and control integration between the assisted vessel's control and sensor systems and the dynamic positioning systems of auxiliary vessels, leading to potential misunderstandings and inefficiencies in maneuvering operations.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an interface unit that connects the control and sensor systems of an assisted vessel with a master dynamic positioning system, allowing for the transmission of control and sensor data and enabling the master dynamic positioning system to control both the auxiliary vessels and the assisted vessel's thrust capabilities as one unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central control unit remotely controls auxiliary vessels without integrating the assisted vessel's control system, then the auxiliary vessels can be easily controlled, but misunderstandings and inefficiencies occur in maneuvering operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the assisted vessel's control system with the master dynamic positioning system through an interface unit. This integration allows the master DP system to access and coordinate with the assisted vessel's thruster capabilities, sensors, and control functions, eliminating the misunderstanding between independent control systems while maintaining unified maneuvering authority.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface unit serves multiple functions: it acts as a communication bridge between control systems, a data exchange protocol converter, a coordinate system transformer, and a command distribution hub. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing comprehensive integration capabilities without requiring separate specialized systems for each function.
2Quantity of substance
If the master dynamic positioning system controls only auxiliary vessels without accessing the assisted vessel's thrust capabilities, then the control system remains simple, but the number of tugboats required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the thrust capabilities of the assisted vessel with the pushing/pulling forces of auxiliary vessels under unified control of the master DP system. This merging of force sources reduces the number of auxiliary vessels needed while the interface unit manages the coordination complexity through integrated control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The assisted vessel's own thrusters are utilized to assist in its own maneuvering under remote control, rather than relying entirely on external tugboats. The interface unit enables the assisted vessel to effectively use its own propulsion capabilities in coordination with auxiliary vessels, reducing the quantity of external resources required.
3Productivity
If control and sensor systems of different vessels are not integrated, then system complexity remains low, but communication efficiency and coordination in maneuvering operations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The interface unit acts as an intermediary between the master DP system and the assisted vessel's control system. It translates commands and data between different protocols and coordinate systems, enabling efficient communication and coordination without requiring direct complex integration between the disparate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface unit provides universal communication capabilities that handle multiple functions: data transmission, command relay, coordinate transformation, and system synchronization. This multi-functional approach improves maneuvering efficiency by establishing comprehensive communication pathways without requiring separate specialized systems for each communication need.
Data Source
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AI summary
An interface unit providing an interface between a control and sensor system of an assisted vessel with thrust capabilities and a master dynamic positioning system. The master dynamic positioning system is configured to control a number of auxiliary vessels as one unit and control the thrust capabilities of the assisted vessel for assisting in manoeuvring of the assisted vessel. A master dynamic positioning system comprises the interface unit above. A system for assisting in manoeuvring of a vessel with thrust capabilities comprises the master dynamic positioning system controlling a number of auxiliary vessels as one unit for assisting in manoeuvring of an assisted vessel. A dynamic positioning system of each of the auxiliary vessels is controlled by the master dynamic positioning system. The master dynamic positioning system controls the thrust capabilities of the assisted vessel. The master dynamic positioning system may be provided on-board a tugboat.