Vessel Wind Model Updating for Variable Cargo Wind Area

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wind models for vessels fail to accurately account for the varying impact of wind due to changing cargo or equipment, which complicates navigation and safety considerations.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize sensors, such as cameras and Lidars, to obtain present sensor measurements of a vessel's cargo and structure, determining a part of the wind model based on these measurements, and combining them with pre-existing data to calculate the wind area and model.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a wind model is determined based only on vessel structure or layout, then the determining process is simple, but the wind model accuracy deteriorates when cargo varies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of determining wind modelVSAvoidwind model accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The wind model is made dynamic by continuously updating it based on real-time sensor measurements of cargo configuration. Instead of using a static model based only on vessel structure, the system adapts the wind model to reflect current cargo conditions, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Sensor measurements of cargo provide feedback to the wind model determination system. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adjust the wind model based on actual cargo conditions, maintaining accuracy without requiring manual intervention while preserving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If sensor measurements are used to determine wind model, then wind model accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewind model accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of wind model determining device
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is designed to serve multiple functions: detecting cargo presence, determining cargo configuration, and providing data for wind model calculation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the vessel's existing sensor infrastructure and cargo management systems to provide wind model data autonomously. By leveraging available onboard resources rather than requiring entirely new dedicated equipment, the solution achieves high accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If traditional wind models are used without cargo data, then device complexity is low, but navigation safety deteriorates due to inaccurate wind force predictions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of wind model systemVSAvoidnavigation safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary determination of the wind model using available sensor data before navigation decisions are made. By having the wind model ready in advance with accurate cargo information, the system improves navigation safety without requiring complex real-time calculations during critical decision-making moments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Provides an improved wind model that accounts for varying cargo, enhancing navigation and safety by accurately predicting wind forces on the vessel, allowing for better control and safety margins.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one sensor measurement may be an image captured by a camera or a Lidar

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4685682A1Method, computer program and computer program product for the determining of a wind model of a vessel as well as a wind model determining device and vessel comprising a wind model determining device
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP4685682A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4685682A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4685682A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method. computer program and computer program product for the determining of a wind model of a vessel as well as to a wind model determining device and vessel comprising such a wind model determining device. The wind model determining device (10) obtains at least one present sensor measurement of a vessel (26B) when it is carrying a present visible cargo (40, 42), and determines at least a part of a wind model of the vessel (26B) based on the at least one present sensor measurement.