Vessel Power Supply Arm with Telescopic Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for providing electrical power to vessels at ports are inefficient due to vessel movement during power transfer, slow connection times, and potential damage from harsh weather conditions, limiting the speed and precision of power transfer.
Innovation Solution
A resource supply management device with a telescopic arm and tilting mechanism that automatically adjusts to vessel movements, enabling quick and secure electrical connection and disconnection within 10-20 seconds, and a method for managing resource supply using wireless communication and machine vision for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If known power transfer systems are used with towers 8 meters or higher, then electrical power can be transferred to vessels, but the systems may get damaged by vessel movements and harsh weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The connection arm is designed with multiple degrees of freedom including vertical movement, horizontal rotation, and telescopic extension, allowing it to dynamically adapt to vessel movements and maintain reliable electrical connection despite waves, wind, and vessel motion
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its geometric parameters (height, horizontal position, extension length) to match the vessel's position changes, ensuring continuous electrical contact while protecting against damage from environmental factors
2Productivity
If manual cable connection processes are used, then power transfer can be established, but connection time takes several minutes which reduces maximum charging time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment and self-connection through automated control, where the connection arm automatically positions itself and establishes electrical contact with the vessel without requiring manual intervention, reducing connection time from several minutes to seconds
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cable handling with an automated mechanical system controlled by sensors and actuators, enabling rapid deployment and connection of power cables to the vessel
3Reliability
If the connection arm is fixed in position, then structural stability is maintained, but it cannot compensate for vessel movements during connection and power transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The connection arm incorporates multiple movable joints and degrees of freedom that allow it to dynamically adjust its position and orientation, compensating for vessel movements while maintaining stable electrical connection during power transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect vessel position and movement, providing feedback to the control system which adjusts the connection arm's position in real-time to maintain optimal connection despite environmental disturbances
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
A resource supply management device 100 of a vessel 103, 310, 320 and a method for managing a resource supply to a vessel. The resource supply device comprises a main controller 102, a vertical frame 110, a lifting means, a telescopic arm 130, a horizontal compensator 170, one or more resource supply channels 190, a power supply unit 192 connected to the main controller 102. A method for managing a resource supply to a vessel comprises establishing a wireless communication between a resource supply management device and a vessel approaching to a resource supply location, receiving from a sensor 410 of the vessel a position data that the vessel is in place, receiving from the vessel one or more operating commands, moving a supply head 180 of the resource supply management device towards a resource transfer socket location, moving the supply head 180 into the resource transfer socket 104 based on the determined location coordinates, adjusting a position of a telescopic arm according to the determined location coordinates.