NL1025405C2 - Indicating strain in rigging of sailing ship, by measuring degree of stretch in stay - Google Patents

Abstract

Measurement of the strain in a stay (6-9) is carried out by measuring the degree of stretch for at least a part of this stay. The degree of stretch is measured for substantially the entire stay and the data is transmitted periodically in a wireless manner. Independent claims are also included for the following: (a) a stay used to carry out this method; (b) a measuring device for carrying out this method, including a stretch measuring means for securing to a stay; and (c) use of the data obtained by this method for analyzing the strain on the rigging (4) of a sailing ship. The stay comprises a synthetic cable containing a glass fibre. The cable is attached to a first fastener at one end and to a second fastener at the other end and the stretch measuring device extends between the two fasteners inside a covering extending over the entire cable length.

Description

f

Brief indication: Method for observing loads in the rigging of a sailing ship, stag and measuring device for this method, as well as use of data obtained by the method.

The invention relates to a method for detecting loads in the rigging of a sailing ship, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a method is known from US-B1-6.543.296. Here, a method is disclosed in which the load on a stag is measured by means of a force meter provided with a stag tensioner.

A disadvantage of this known method is that only the force that occurs in the intern can be measured and not the behavior of the intern itself. As a result, it may happen that a stag collapses, while the measured load has given no indication of a possible collapse. Such a failure occurs, for example, due to a local constriction of the stag, for example caused by a long-term varying load, or a peak load in the past, which constriction forms a relatively weak spot and therefore collapses at a lower load than expected. A similar effect can occur if the stag is locally damaged from the outside, for example because another part of the sailing ship has touched the stag or has sanded past it. It is also possible that the stag is lengthened plasticly under prolonged loading (creep). This is also not observed by the known method for detecting loads.

Furthermore, larger sailing yachts are often equipped without stag tensioners, so that the known method is not applicable to these ships. >

The object of the present invention is to provide a method for detecting loads in the rigging of a sailing ship, wherein these disadvantages are at least partially overcome, or to at least provide a usable alternative.

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In particular, the invention aims at a better I

I give an indication of changes in the internship that may indicate I

I on a future failure of this. I

According to the invention this object is achieved by an I

The method according to claim 1. The method according to the invention I

I comprises a step for measuring the load on a stag. Hereby I

I the load is measured by the elongation of at least a part of I

measure the intern itself. By applying the stretch measurement to the intern itself

I provide insight into the actual conduct of the internship I

I 10 under a load. With this it can be observed that such an I

occurs, that there is a good chance of collapse in short I

I or long term. I

In particular, the elongation of substantially the entire stag becomes I

measured. This has the advantage that every stretch of the intern, including that I

15 is measured at any local position along the stag. I

Advantageously, the method comprises a step of converting the I

I measured strain data to a force. As long as there is no local, or I

permanent extension of the intern occurs, is the elongation of the intern, I

in combination with its elasticity modules and cross section, to I

I 20 to a value for the force exerted. Benefit I

I of this is that insight is gained into the power that during I

use on the intern is exercised. I

In one embodiment, the method further comprises a step of I

I storing the measured and possibly calculated data. By the I

To store this data it is possible the load of the intern I

I analyze over a longer period, for example by looking I

I to peak loads and to cyclical loads. I

In a special form, the method further comprises a step of I

I checking a security feature followed by the I

I read out the stored data. In this way the data is I

I protected from unauthorized users, and can only I

I are read by users who have the right to do so. I

In a variant, the method comprises a step for the I

Transferring the measured and possibly calculated data from the I

I 35 sailing ship to a reception unit on shore. Such an I

I receiving unit may, for example, be located at an I

I insurance company, a classification society, an I

I government agency, or an agency that processes the data for I

I 1025405 - 3 - for design calculations on new rigging. The measured and possibly calculated data can be used on shore. determine whether irresponsible risks are being taken on board the sailing vessel.

In particular, the transmission of the measured and possibly calculated data takes place wirelessly. This makes it possible, for example, to follow what has happened on board the sailing ship in the course of a recent period of taxation.

More in particular, the transfer of the data takes place periodically and automatically. In this way, the receiver has an up-to-date overview almost continuously, without being dependent on an action on board the sailing ship and without having to have a continuous wireless connection.

The invention also relates to a stay provided with stretch measuring means, according to claim 9. By providing the stay itself with stretching measuring means, the actual behavior of the stay can be measured.

In particular, the strain gauges comprise a glass fiber. Such a glass fiber is suitable for measuring the elongation over a greater length, such as when measuring the elongation over a substantial part of the length of a stag.

In another embodiment, the stag comprises a strand in which the glass fiber is included. As a result, the glass fiber is, as it were, integrated with the stag, whereby a complete coupling between the stretching behavior of the stag, also the local behavior, and the glass fiber is achieved.

In a variant, the stag comprises a first fastening element at a first end and a second fastening element at a second end. The strain measuring means extend between the first and the second fastening element. This provides a surprisingly simple way of providing the stretch measuring means to the stag. In addition, this ensures that the elongation is measured over substantially the entire length of the stay.

In one embodiment, the stag comprises a plastic cable.

Plastic has the advantage that it can be relatively light and can absorb relatively large loads.

The stag is expediently closed off over its entire length by means of a metal enclosure. A 1025405

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such an enclosure protects the stag from damage, I

including wear, by parts of the sailing ship, as against the I

external factors such as sunlight and sea water. I

In particular, the strain measuring means are located within the I

5 enclosure. This has the advantage that the strain gauges against I

the environmental influences are protected.

The invention further relates to a measuring device I

for the observation of loads in the rigging of a sailing ship, I

according to claim 16. The measuring device comprises strain measuring means that I

10 are adapted to be attached to a stag. I

In one embodiment, the measuring device further comprises an I

data connection connecting the measuring means to an I

processing unit. I

In particular, the data connection is arranged to pass through the I

15 mast to sail the sailing ship. This has the advantage that the I

data connection is less vulnerable and, for example, not along the I

railing of the sailing ship needs to be fed. I

Further preferred embodiments of the invention are I

laid down in the sub-claims. I

The invention also relates to the use of load data obtained by means of the invention for analyzing the load on the rigging of a sailing ship, according to claim 21. Advantage of analyzing

the burden is that an estimate can be made or the intern I

25 may collapse within a certain period of time, so that I

replacement of the internship can be decided. In addition, it is I

possible, if the stag has collapsed, to analyze how this I

happened. I

In particular, the tax data is used at the I

30 design of the rigging of a sailing ship. This can be the rigging I

are of the sailing vessel on which is measured, as the design of I

rigging for other sailing ships. The advantage of this is that the design I

can be based on actual taxes occurring. I

An embodiment of the invention will be further described

35, explained with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: I

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a large sailing yacht; I

FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal view of a stag; I

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FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of the stag according to FIG. 2 at the location of the line III-III;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the end of the stay of FIG. 2.

FIG. 1 shows in cross-section a large sailing ship, a so-called super yacht, which is designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 1. A hull 3 has a mast 3. The sailing ship 1 is further provided with a rigging 4 which, in addition to the sails and shots not shown various internships. In view of the starboard / portboard symmetry, the stages on one side of the sailing ship 1 are described. Attached to the mast 3 is a shed 5 that extends substantially perpendicular to the mast in the transverse direction.

From the deck, on the outside of the hull, a vertical stay 6, also called VI, runs to the end of the shedding 5 remote from the mast. Also from the deck, on the outside of the hull, runs a diagonal stag 7, also referred to as D1, to a point on the mast 3 near the attachment point of the shed 5. From the shed 5 a second vertical stag 8 and a second diagonal stag 9 runs to a next (not shown) shed. The number of spreaders, and therefore the number of pairs of vertical and diagonal stays, depends on the height of the mast and the maximum length of the stays. A final stay runs from the top (not shown) salvage to the tip of the mast. The mast 3 can also be provided with a front and / or backstay (not shown). The sailing yacht 1 can also be provided with several masts, each of which has several stages.

The stays 6, 7, 8, and 9 comprise stretch measuring means, which are further shown and described in connection with FIGS. 2-4. The internships and other parts of the rigging (not shown) can also include stretch measuring means.

FIG. 1 furthermore shows a processing unit 11, a processing and storage unit 12, a presentation unit 13 and alarm means, in the form of a horn 14. The rack measuring means of the stages 6 and 7 are connected to the processing unit 11 by means of data connections 16. Fig. 1 shows diagrammatically that there may be a plurality of such data connections for 1025405 I-6-I stretch measuring means at various internships and possibly other measuring points I on board the ship 1.

In the processing unit 11, the raw measurement signals I are converted into digital signals. This is done by means of a so-called analogue digital converter. The processed measurement signals I are transferred to the processing and storage unit 12. In the processing unit 12, the processed measurement signals are converted with the aid of the known material properties / such as the elastic modulus and H sections of the stages, converted to values for the forces.

The forces thus calculated are compared with pre-set standard values. Depending on the ratio between the calculated I values and the norm values, information is generated for the I user. For example, on the presentation unit 13, which in Fig. 1 is a computer monitor, but also a display with colored LEDs, it can be indicated per color by means of colors, or this position I on a safe, heavy, dangerous, or very dangerous way I get taxed. If a potentially dangerous value is exceeded, an alarm signal can also be displayed by means of the horn 20. The measured and calculated force and strain values are also stored in the processing and storage unit 12. In addition, data on sailing behavior can be stored in this unit 12. .

H For this purpose, the processing and storage unit 12 is connected to an on-board computer 17. This on-board computer receives, among other things, sailing data (speed and course) from a log 18, or a GPS system (not shown), acceleration data from an xyg meter. 19 in the I mast 3 and data concerning the wind force and direction of an I anemometer. The anemometer is not shown in the picture. Shown I is the connection from the on-board computer, via the x-y-g-meter 30 19, to the anemometer, higher in the mast 3). The x-y-g meter 19 measures the acceleration in the longitudinal (x—) and transverse (y) directions.

To prevent misuse of the stored data, it can only be read by a user who logs in with a specific security feature. Such a security feature can be, for example, an alpha-numeric code to be entered by the user, a digital code stored in a reading unit (not shown), or biometric features of the authorized user, or users.

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The measured and / or calculated data can be transmitted wirelessly by means of a transmitting unit, and an antenna 20. In the example shown, the transmitting unit is integrated with the processing and storage unit 12, but this can also be a separate transmitting unit, such as a transmitting unit. unit that is already on board for other purposes. In the case of such an external transmission unit, it is fed with data from the processing and storage unit 12 and is coupled to the antenna 20. The wireless transmission of on-board tax data can also be advantageously applied separately from the other aspects of the invention.

FIG. 2 schematically shows a stag 21 in longitudinal view. This stag 21 can be one of the stages 6, 7, 8, 9 or another part of the rigging 4 shown. The part of the stag 21 that absorbs the forces comprises a plurality of plastic fibers 22, in particular poly (p-phenylene-2,6-benzobizoxazole) (PBO), also known under the brand name Zylon®. The stag can be fixed by means of two fastening elements, a first fastening eye 25 and a second fastening eye 26, by means of a pin and hole connection to the deck of the hull 2, the spread 5, and / or the mast 3.

The plastic fibers 22 are wound around the two fastening eyes 25, 26, with their longitudinal direction in the longitudinal direction of the stay. The wound fibers form, as it were, an endless loop with a first strand of fibers 27 and a second strand of fibers 28. Because there is an endless loop, the first 27 and second 28 strands are in fact one and the same, but at the location of a cross-section, such as section III-III (fig. 3), there are apparently two strands. Such a stay has good strength properties, thanks to the plastic material used, and because the fastening elements 25, 26 are included within the loop of plastic fibers 22. These characteristics of the stay 21 can also be used advantageously separately from the other aspects of the invention.

The mounting eyes 25 and 26 are provided with receiving members 35 and 31 for a stretch measuring device, in the example shown a glass fiber 32. The glass fiber 32 extends from the first receiving member 30 on the first mounting eye 25, to the second receiving member 31 on the second mounting eye 26. From the first 1025405

I - 8 - I

I end of the glass fiber 32, at the location of the first I

I fastening eye 25, a connecting cable 33 runs. This can be functional I

I can be connected to a data connection 16 (Fig. 1). I

I The stag has a metal I along its entire length

Enclosure comprising a metal sleeve 40. The metal tube 40 I

I wraps the strands 27 and 28 with plastic fibers 22. In the vicinity of I

In the fastening eyes 25 and 26 the metal case 40 ends. The metal I

The enclosure further comprises a first 41 and second 42 end piece. This I

I end pieces 41 and 42 are slidable / and watertightly connected to the I

Metal sleeve 40 with the aid of a rubber sealing ring, or I

I flexible kit 43 and 44 respectively. The connection of the I

The enclosures 41 and 42 on the metal tube 40 are slidable to I

Prevent the metal casing from being broken if the I

I stretch fibers 22 under load. I

15 Thanks to the watertight seal, no seawater, or I

I other undesirable external influences, acting on the plastic fibers I

22. The metal shell further protects the plastic fibers

I against the effects of sunlight, and against wear and lateral I

I load by other parts of the ship, such as the boom and I

I rigging 4. Viewed in cross section, this envelope is oval. Hereby I

I the longer axis of the oval cross-section extends substantially in the I

longitudinal direction of the ship 1. The oval cross section is both I

I favorable from an aerodynamic point of view, as well as from the point of view of strength. I

A boom of the sailing ship that swings against the stag can hold an I

I exert great lateral force on the stag. Thanks to the I

I orientation of the cross-section of the metal tube 40, this will be an I

I absorb such force in its strongest direction. I

I Preferably, stainless steel is used as the metal for the casing

I used because it is resistant to the action of salt water and I

Provides the stays with a glossy appearance. Other metals, I

metal alloys, anodically protected metals, and coated metals, I

As well as enclosures of other hard or rigid materials, such as I

Hard plastic, however, are also possible. Applying an I

Such an enclosure around a plastic fiber rod can also be used

Benefits apart from the other aspects of the invention

I offer. I

An I is used at regular intervals during use

I light pulse, for example laser light, through a light source I not shown

I 1025405 - 9 - generated in the glass fiber ,. This light pulse propagates from the first end of the glass fiber 32, at the location of the first mounting eye 25, to the second end of the glass fiber 32, at the location of the second mounting eye 26. At this second end, the air pulse reflects and places the the opposite way. At the location of the first mounting eye 25, the light pulse is detected by a light detector (not shown). The detection time between the generation of the light pulse and the detection of the reflected light pulse is a measure of the current length of the stag 21.

Under load, the stag 21 can stretch. Because the glass fiber 32 extends from the first fixing eye 25 to the second fixing eye 26, the stretch of the stag 21 translates into an extension of the glass fiber 32. The path to be covered for the light pulse hereby becomes longer and therefore also the time before the reflected light pulse is detected. The difference between this time and the detection time in the unloaded state is a measure of the elongation of the stag 21. The length or elongation data thus obtained are transferred via the connecting cable 33 and the data connection 16 to the processing unit 11, where they are converted to digital data that can be further processed in the processing and storage unit 12.

From the elongation data thus obtained, it is also possible to calculate the force exerted on the stag in the manner previously described. Creep may occur over time. This means that the stag 21 becomes longer under the action of a long-term load, which extension remains intact even if the load is removed. As a result, the processing unit 12 will observe an average slowly increasing extension of the stay. The processing unit 12 can correct for this extension by determining and averaging the length of the stag 21 over a large number of load cycles. compare with the average length over a large number of load cycles at some point in the past. The processing unit 12 can also correct for the creep effect at a moment when the rigging is stationary loaded. For example, a user can give a command on a calibration when the sailing ship is in port, or the processing unit can automatically detect that 1025405

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the ship is stationary because no accelerations are observed I

in x-y-g meter 19. I

Furthermore, the processing unit 12 may have the calculated data I

correcting for temperature influences on material properties I

5 of the plastic fibers 22. For this purpose, a heat sensor 50 l

connected to the processing unit 12. Such a heat sensor I

is not necessary if a reference thread is provided per stage 21. I

This is an extra fiberglass, which is rolled into a housing at the I

connecting cable is installed. An I

The reference signal is controlled in a similar manner to the light pulse I

in the glass fiber optic 32 at the stag 21. Since the I

reference wire is affected by the temperature at the same time as I

the stretching glass fiber 32, the required I follows therefrom

temperature correction. I

Preferably, only standardized I is on board

information presented to the ship's crew. With I

standardized means that the user can see per intern in which I

extent it is taxed. In this case, for example, a scale I

from "safe" to "very dangerous". The I

20 tax level "very dangerous" means that the relevant I

stag is about to collapse. A tax level below, I

for example "dangerous" may mean that a long-lasting I

changing load at this level also leads to collapse. I

If a preset load level of one of the internships I

25 is exceeded, an acoustic alarm signal can be issued I

via the handset 14. I

An interested party ashore, for example an I

insurance company, or classification company, can I-

line, or periodically, with the actual I

30 tax information. From this actual tax information I

be distracted or the crew use the rigging I

4 of the sailing ship 2 loaded. As long as this is apparent from the data, I

any damage that may nevertheless occur falls under I

insurance. Part of the insurance conditions can, however, be I

35 that is a certain degree and / or frequency of exceeding I

a certain tax level leads to possible damage to the I

rigging, the rest of the ship, and / or the crew, no longer I

is covered. I

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The calculated and / or measured data can be sent continuously, "on-line", and periodically by a transmitter and the antenna 20. In this case use can be made of (satellite) communication equipment that is already on board. Alternatively, the data can also be read from the processing and storage unit 12, if the ship is in port, and / or if the ship has been damaged and for example lies on a repair yard or the bottom of the sea. For the latter case, it is recommended that the entire processing and storage unit 12, or a storage unit separate therefrom, is encased in such a way that it can withstand the action of high pressure seawater. This can be comparable to the way in which the so-called "black box" is fitted on board aircraft.

The stored rack and load data can also be used by yacht designers to optimize the dimensions of the rigging of sailing ships. Such data can be used, for example, if the rigging of an existing sailing ship needs to be replaced. The data can also be generalized, so that they are also suitable as design data for newly designed sailing ships.

Various variants are possible on the exemplary embodiment shown, all of which fall within the scope of the invention. For example, the glass fiber can be included in a strand of the intern. To that end, the glass fiber is co-wound with the plastic fibers 25, for example a half turn (once from the first fastening element to the second fastening element), but it can also be coiled several times. The strain measurement can also take place over a shorter part of the length of the stay, for example with a strain gauge. This can be attractive with 30 internships, which are known to have a relatively weak point. With so-called rod rigging, this is, for example, the transition from the rod-like stag to the bulge that is used as a fixing element.

Furthermore, various alternative stretch measuring means are possible for the glass fiber shown and described, such as a metal stretch wire, or distance measurement in which a transmitter is provided at the first stag end and a receiver at the second stag end (or vice versa). A further alternative is a reflector at 1025405

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the second stag end is provided, and a detector at, or I

integrated with the transmitter. Suitable means for such an I

distance measurement can be a laser, infrared source, or acoustic I

signal (including a radar). I

The strain measuring means can also be arranged on the outside of the I

enclosure are provided, for example, if there within the enclosure I

insufficient space for is available. Use may also be made of I

become a strain gauge that provides information about the I

location along the stag where the largest stretch occurs. This is possible

10 can be provided, for example, by means of a fiber optic cable that I

is wrapped in a strand of fibers. A suitable type for this

fiberglass cuts in at the place where a relatively large stretch I

occurs. The position of this constriction is detected because I

a portion of the light pulse at the location of the constriction reflects. I

The strain measuring means can also be applied to the I in alternative ways

are attached, for example by means of a mechanical I

connection, welding, soldering or adhesives. Although it is beneficial I

is to provide all internships with strain gauges, the I

invention already has advantages in the use of stretch measuring means

20 one intern. I

The fixing elements can be in a different way I

carried out, for example, as a protruding part, which is included I

through a complementary opening in or near the landing, the deck, or the I

mast.

Thus, the invention provides the possibility of the I

measure the actual behavior of the rigging of a sailing vessel and with I

prevent damage to the measured data. The measurement data can also be used for the subsequent analysis of

taxes and damage occurred, both for the benefit of the I

30 assessing insurance damage, as well as optimizing I

future ship designs. The measurement data can be used without I

time delay, or periodically, are transferred to shore by I

by means of wireless communication, but can also be used afterwards I

read out by authorized users. I

In addition, the invention provides a strong and relative I

light stays, well protected against the influence of I

exterior and has a glossy appearance. I

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Claims (22)

Method for detecting loads in the rigging of a sailing ship, comprising a step of measuring the load on a stag, characterized in that the load on the stag is measured by the elongation of at least a part of the measure stag. Method according to claim 1, wherein the elongation of substantially the entire stay is measured. 10 The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a step of converting the measured strain data into a force. 4. Method as claimed in any of the claims 1-3, further comprising a step of storing the measured and optionally calculated data. The method of claim 4, further comprising: a step of checking a security feature, followed by a step of reading the stored data. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a step of transferring the measured and possibly calculated data from the sailing vessel to a receiving unit on shore. 25 The method of claim 6, wherein the transfer is wireless. 8. Method as claimed in claim 6, or 7, wherein the transfer 30 takes place periodically automatically. 9. Stag for a method according to any one of the preceding claims, provided with stretch measuring means. 10. Stag according to claim 9, wherein the stretch measuring means comprise a glass fiber. 1025405 I - 14 - Η 11. Stag as claimed in claim 10, wherein the stag comprises a strand in which the glass fiber is included. 12. Stag according to claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein the stag comprises a first fastening element at a first end and a second fastening element at a second end and the stretch measuring means I extend between the first and the second fastening element. 13. Stag as claimed in any of the claims 9-12, comprising a plastic cable. 14. Stag as claimed in any of the claims 9-13, which is closed over substantially its entire length from the environment by means of an enclosure. 15. Stag according to claim 14, wherein the stretch measuring means are located within the enclosure. Measuring device for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising stretch measuring means which are adapted to be attached to a stay. 17. Measuring device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the stretching measuring means are connected via a data connection to a processing unit. 18. Measuring device as claimed in claim 17, wherein the data connection I is adapted to pass through the mast of the sailing ship. 19. Measuring device as claimed in any of the claims 16-18, provided with a data storage unit. 20. Measuring device as claimed in any of the claims 16-19, provided with a wireless data transmission unit. I 35 Use of load data, obtained by means of an I method according to any one of claims 1-8, for analyzing the I load on the rigging of a sailing ship. I 10254 (J1-15) Use of tax data, according to claim 21, for designing the rigging of a sailing vessel. 1025405