Marine Vessel Trailer Laser Alignment for Precise Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position locating systems for marine vessels and trailers lack sufficient specifications, particularly in methods for accurately determining relative position information between a marine vessel and its trailer, which is crucial for smooth landing and departure operations.
Innovation Solution
A position locating system utilizing a laser scanner on one object to reciprocatingly scan a predetermined range with laser light, combined with a laser light receiver on the other object to determine relative position information based on light receiving timings, including a control unit to calculate distance, direction, and potentially roll angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a camera (stereo camera, infrared camera, or TOF camera) is used to obtain position information, then three-dimensional images can be captured, but the system lacks sufficient specifications and measurement precision for accurate relative position determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces camera-based optical measurement systems with a laser scanner and laser light receiver system. The laser scanner emits laser light that scans across the target object, and the laser light receiver detects the reflected light. This substitution provides more precise measurement capabilities compared to camera-based systems, directly addressing the insufficient measurement precision of existing camera specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from optical image capture to laser light time-of-flight measurement. By measuring the time it takes for laser light to travel to the target and return, the system achieves higher precision in distance and position measurement. This parameter change enables accurate relative position determination that camera systems cannot provide.
2Measurement precision
If multiple transmitters and receiving units are disposed on trailer and hull respectively to obtain position information based on signal strength and direction, then position data can be collected, but the system complexity increases without sufficient measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from multiple distributed transmitters and receivers and consolidates it into a single laser scanner and laser light receiver system. The laser scanner performs reciprocating scanning to cover the measurement area, eliminating the need for multiple transmitters while maintaining comprehensive position detection capability. This reduces device complexity while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser scanner serves multiple functions: it emits laser light for distance measurement, scans across the target area to obtain positional information in multiple directions, and provides timing data for calculation. This multi-functional device replaces the need for separate transmitters and receivers positioned at multiple locations, reducing system complexity while enhancing measurement precision.
3Reliability
If camera-based systems are used for position locating, then visual information can be obtained, but the system lacks the precision and reliability needed for automated detachment and attachment operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces camera-based visual information systems with a laser-based measurement system. The laser scanner and laser light receiver provide precise distance and position data through time-of-flight measurement, which is more reliable than camera-based estimation. This substitution ensures the measurement precision and reliability required for automated detachment and attachment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser light receiver detects the reflected laser light and provides timing information back to the control unit. This feedback mechanism enables real-time calculation of relative position with high precision, ensuring reliable control for automated operations. The systematic feedback from laser measurement to position calculation provides the reliability needed for safety-critical detachment and attachment processes.
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
Enables accurate and automated detachment and attachment of marine vessels from trailers by determining relative position information, enhancing operational efficiency and safety in landing and departure processes.
Implementation Method 1
a laser scanner that is located on a first object that is one of a marine vessel and a trailer for the marine vessel to reciprocatingly scan a predetermined range in a horizontal direction with laser light
Implementation Method 2
a laser light receiver on a second object that is the other of the marine vessel and the trailer to receive laser light emitted from the laser scanner, and a position locator configured or programmed to locate relative position information between the marine vessel and the trailer based on light receiving timings when the laser light emitted from the laser scanner is received by the laser light receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A position locating system to locate relative position information between a marine vessel and a trailer includes a laser scanner on a first object, that is one of a marine vessel and a trailer for the marine vessel, to reciprocatingly scan a predetermined range in a horizontal direction with laser light, a laser light receiver on a second object, that is the other of the marine vessel and the trailer, to receive laser light emitted from the laser scanner, and a position locator configured or programmed to locate relative position information between the marine vessel and the trailer based on light receiving timings when the laser light emitted from the laser scanner is received by the laser light receiver.