RU187785U1 - REMOTE MEASUREMENT DEVICE FOR BOATING A SHIP - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to devices for measuring the distance and rate of change of distance to a solid target when mooring a vessel and is designed to ensure the safety of maneuvering. The device is designed to provide real-time information in real time about the distance from the berth to the ship, the approach speed when mooring. The device comprises an optical range measuring system located in a protective housing, a radio range measuring system, an associated unit for processing measurement results, and a visualization module for the measurement results. The device is additionally equipped with a thermal stabilization module, configured to automatically control the temperature and humidity inside the protective housing, and a temperature and humidity sensor associated with it. The thermal stabilization module comprises at least one fan, at least one heater and a thermostat. It increases reliability and ensures uninterrupted operation of the device in adverse weather conditions both at high and low ambient temperatures. 3 s.p. f-ly, 3 ill.

Description

The technical field to which the utility model relates.

The utility model relates to devices for measuring the distance and rate of change of distance to a solid target when mooring a vessel and is intended to ensure the safety of maneuvering when mooring vessels, in particular vessels for the transportation of hydrocarbon raw materials. More specifically, the device is designed to provide real-time information in real time about the distance from the pier to the ship, as well as the approach speed when mooring sea transport, including in adverse weather conditions.

State of the art

A variety of laser systems for mooring operations are known. For example, the laser system for mooring large vessels is known, which continuously calculates the distance to the vessel by each range finder, developed by the company Leader Electro Pribor, Vladivostok. [http://www.leddv.com/mooring/]. Based on the data received, the system draws the visual position of the vessel with the estimated angle relative to the pier.

The famous Berthing Approach System (BAS) laser mooring system, developed by GLEN FLANGE LIMITED [https://glenoffshore.com/mooring-hook/berthing-approach-system-bas/]. BAS includes systems for determining the approach speed of ships and stern speed and displaying this information on the LED display, portable pagers and in the coastal mooring control center.

However, laser mooring systems have a common disadvantage in that, under adverse weather conditions, they cannot ensure the accuracy and reliability of measurements.

Known systems for ensuring the safe movement of ships using radar range finders, for example, a method for ensuring trouble-free movement of a surface or submarine vessel, including the continuous reception of data from a radar station, is described in RF patent No. 2513198 (publ. 04/20/2014). However, systems using only the radar method of measuring distance do not provide sufficient measurement accuracy.

A known information system for assisting ship mooring (US patent 5432515 A, published July 11, 1995), using sensors that provide information about the distance between the ship and the mooring facilities, for example, dock, coastline, riverbank, docks, bends and docking zones. The computer coordinates the information. A wireless transmitter connected to the computer transmits signals. The portable receiver and indicator carried by the master of the vessel has a receiver for receiving transmitted signals and a screen for displaying information. Remote receivers also include fixed monitors on board the ship and on shore, and telephones on the ship that communicate with a computer and in a telephone line with coastal communications.

The system contains spatially positioned radar transceivers for the position of the vessel, sensors located on the dock, a water movement status sensor, a wind speed and direction sensor installed on the dock to determine wind direction and speed, and a flow meter installed on the dock to measure fluid flow between the vessel and the dock - stations, power supplies connected to transceivers and connected to sensors and communication lines connected to transceivers, and sensors for receiving information from a transceiver kov and sensors and an additional receiving communication line on the vessel for receiving information about the transceiver and sensor. In this case, information is received from units that can be represented by ultrasonic, radar and laser installations.

A device for accurately determining the target distance in adverse weather conditions using both a laser and a radar (US6064330A, publ. 16.05.2000), selected as a prototype. Radar signals are used to determine the approximate range, which is then used as a gate window to determine which laser reflection is from the actual target. A laser-based ranking system for detecting range on ships can accurately determine the distance to a target through fog and other atmospheric interference using laser signals and radar.

The disadvantage of this device is that its use in difficult climatic conditions is difficult, in particular at significantly high or low ambient temperatures. Considering the use of the developed device in ship's mooring systems for transporting hydrocarbon raw materials, reliable and uninterrupted operation of the device is especially important.

The objective of the utility model is the creation of an all-weather reliable device for remote distance measurement, which maintains operability in conditions of high or low ambient temperatures.

The technical result achieved by the utility model is to increase reliability and ensure uninterrupted operation of the device in adverse weather conditions, including both at high and low ambient temperatures.

Utility Model Disclosure

To solve this problem, a device for remote distance measurement when mooring a vessel is proposed, comprising an optical range measuring system, a radio range measuring system, an associated unit for processing measurement results, and a visualization module for the measurement results located in the protective case. In contrast to the prototype, the device is additionally equipped with a thermal stabilization module, configured to automatically control the temperature and humidity inside the protective housing, and a temperature and humidity sensor associated with it.

In a preferred embodiment, the thermal stabilization module comprises at least one fan, at least one heater and a thermostat.

Preferably, the protective case comprises a base with a frame mounted thereon for accommodating equipment of the device, closed by an explosion-proof casing with a cover and a protective glass for the laser, coated with antireflection and anti-icing coatings.

The visualization module of the measurement results is preferably made in the form of a warning board mounted on the wall of the protective housing.

The technical result is achieved by installing a thermal stabilization module in the protective case, which automatically maintains the temperature and humidity necessary for optimal operation of the device in any weather conditions.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a device

In FIG. 2 shows a General view of the device

In FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a thermal stabilization module.

Utility Model Implementation

The distance measuring device shown schematically in FIG. 1, comprises a measuring system 1 of the optical range, a measuring system 2 of the radio range, a related unit 3 for processing measurement results, a power supply unit 4, a thermal stabilization module 5, a router 6, a temperature and humidity sensor 7, and a measurement results visualization module 8.

The measuring system 1 of the optical range is a laser rangefinder and is used with a meteorological visibility range of more than 500 m and is designed to operate in clear or light cloudy atmospheric conditions. The boundary conditions for operability are low fog conditions. Radio-frequency measuring system 2 is a radar system (radar) and is used with a meteorological visibility range of less than 500 m and is designed to work with meteorological phenomena such as rain, rain, snow, snow and rain.

Unit 3 for processing the measurement results is equipped with built-in special software that operates autonomously to perform the following tasks: initialization and tuning of the parameters of the measuring channel of the product; collecting information from the optical range system; collecting information from a radio range system; processing the received information with subsequent transmission of the measurement results to external devices; output of diagnostic information about the status of the device. In accordance with the implemented algorithmic support, the processing unit 3 determines a priority information channel.

The device is powered from an external network through the “Power” connector, after which the power supply unit 4 converts the input voltage and distributes it to the internal devices. The collected information is transmitted using router 6 via Modbus protocol to the operator's workstation, connected to the product via the Ethernet connector.

In FIG. 2 shows a General view of the device. The main equipment of the device, including measuring systems 1, 2, processing unit 3 (not shown in Fig. 2), power supply unit 4, thermal stabilization module 5, is placed in a protective casing 9, which provides a comfortable environment for the operation of all components of the device and prevents ingress inward adverse factors.

The protective casing 9 includes an explosion-proof casing 10, a protective glass 11 in the frame, the frame 12 and the base 13. If necessary, service or repair, the casing 9 has an opening lid (not shown in Fig. 2, the casing is shown with the lid removed), which ensures unhindered access to all nodes and systems of the device. The alignment of the measuring unit 1 of the optical range is carried out with the housing cover open. On the frame 12 is mounted all the equipment of the device. The base 13 is designed to install the device on the surface. A protective and heating coating is applied to the protective glass 11, which does not allow icing of the glass.

Measurement visualization module 8 is located on the wall of the protective casing 9 and is a warning display that displays the current measurement results at the device installation site: distance to the object and rate of change of distance to the object.

Thermostabilization module 5, schematically shown in FIG. 3, consists of a fan 14, a heater 15, and a thermostat 16. The thermostat 16 controls the temperature inside the case and gives a command to cool if the temperature is above the set point (cooling temperature) and to heat if the temperature is below the set value (heating point).

In a preferred embodiment, two thermal stabilization modules 5 may be located in the protective housing 9 so as to circulate air through the closed protected housing.

A remote distance measuring device operates as follows.

When using the channel of the measuring system 1 of the optical range, the Time-of-flight method is used to determine the distance. A feature of this method is the minimum measurement error. To apply this method, a pulsed laser mode is used.

The principle of operation of the measuring system 2 of the radio range is based on obtaining the necessary information about the object, expressed through the delay time of the reflected signal relative to the probing, by the difference of the instantaneous values of the complete phrases of these signals, using frequency modulation. Measuring system 2 can operate in two modes: object detection mode (including detection of range and speed) and idle mode (no radiation when the power is on).

Depending on weather conditions, the processing unit 3 determines a priority information channel for making measurements. The measurement results of the system 2 radio range, which are less accurate relative to the system 1 of the optical range are taken as the basis. Next, a selection of the measurement results of the system 1 of the optical range according to the data received from the measuring system 2 radio range in the range of ± 1 meter from the measured distance. The measurement results of the optical range system 1 that satisfy the sampling conditions are additionally analyzed and filtered relative to the threshold signal-to-noise ratio, after which the maximum signal level is selected, the measurement result of which is transmitted to external devices. If the measurement results of the optical band system 1 do not satisfy the sample of the radio band measuring system 2, then the processing unit 3 selects the radio band measuring system 2 as a priority information channel, and then transmits the measurement results to external devices.

Inside the protective case 9 in automatic mode, the thermal stabilization module 5 maintains the temperature and humidity necessary for optimal operation of the device in any weather conditions. The temperature and humidity sensor 7, located on the frame 12, measures the temperature and humidity inside the housing 9 at the moment and sends a signal to the thermal stabilization module 5 if the temperature values do not match.

The thermostat 16 controls the temperature inside the housing 9 and gives a command for cooling if the temperature is above the set point (cooling temperature) and for heating if the temperature is below the set value (heating point). Thus, the optimum temperature and humidity necessary for optimal operation of the device, including at significantly low and significantly high temperatures, are maintained inside the case. Thus, a technical result is achieved, which consists in increasing reliability and ensuring uninterrupted operation of the device in adverse weather conditions both at high and low ambient temperatures.

The utility model can be used in automation systems for positioning and control, navigation of water vessels, in particular, in the instrumentation of vessels for transportation of hydrocarbon raw materials at oil and gas terminals, especially in difficult weather conditions.

Claims (4)

1. A device for remote measurement of distance when mooring a vessel, comprising an optical range measuring system, a radio range measuring system, an associated measurement processing unit and a measurement results visualization module, characterized in that it is further provided with a thermal stabilization module, configured to automatic regulation of temperature and humidity inside the protective housing, and the associated temperature and humidity sensor. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the thermal stabilization module comprises at least one fan, at least one heater and a thermostat. 3. The device according to p. 1, characterized in that the protective case contains a base with a frame installed on it to accommodate the equipment of the device, closed by an explosion-proof casing with a cover and a protective glass coated with antireflection and anti-icing coatings. 4. The device according to p. 1, characterized in that the module for visualization of the measurement results is a warning display mounted on the wall of the protective housing.

Images