SE522964C2 - Systems for controlling and monitoring the impact of vessels and their means - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a system and a device to control and monitor the hull stress on a ship regarding at least pitch and roll with the aid of a number of sensors and a device for making calculations on basis of the controls. According to the invention a number of sensors (2) are to be attached to the ship (1) in question. Each sensor is composed of plates that are combined two by two at a relative distance from each other. The said sensors (2) are to be connected to a computer (PC) which is connected to a monitor screen. The computer will receive the measure values from the said sensors and on the basis of these values and with the aid of a software program, it will calculate the desired conditions for the vessel in question. The calculated values will then be visualized on the monitor screen.

Description

522 964: nytt: .. š ::. Š _ ..:, _ .. -. ~ | .n This method is not very accurate and requires many measuring points and measurements.

US 5,547,327 A discloses a monitoring system to be used when loading a ship. However, this system is very complicated and also requires many measuring devices.

The main object of the present invention is therefore to provide a system which i.a. solves the above problems easily and efficiently and which allows to be applied without complicated assembly of a variety of equipment.

Said object is achieved by means of a system according to the present invention, which is mainly characterized in that at least one sensor, which is formed by pairwise and mutually spaced disks, is arranged to be attached to the ship, that acceleration measurement of forces ix and / or y and / or z direction / directions are arranged / arranged to be measured by said sensor, that said sensor is arranged to be connected to a computer which is connected to a screen, that said computer is arranged to receive measured values from said connoisseur, that said computer is arranged to calculate, on the basis of obtained measured values with the aid of a computer program, the desired conditions for the vessel in question, and that calculated values are arranged to be illustrated on the computer screen.

Said system consists in its basic form of a sensor if usually mounted in the bow of that ship and connected with a cable to a computer on the bridge. Said system provides a visual Real-time indication and analysis of the ship's movements out at sea or calculates the relationship between the center of gravity and the metacentre, when the ship is in port. To measure rotation and hull tension, at least two sensors are required, one mounted in the bow and one in the stern. 522 964 u n n v | u; By measuring the axis and the period of rolling and lifting in the longitudinal direction together with 3D acceleration, it becomes possible to calculate the forces on fastening devices and containers during the journey and thereby reduce the risk of accidents. Graphic analyzes of all historical movements can be stored for a period of up to 30 days continuously.

Of course, there is no good surrogate for good real seamanship, but the combination with a system, in accordance with the said invention, will help the crew make better decisions. Especially since the system also provides predictive information about the state of the sea, which enables preventive measures. The primary function of said system is to assist the ship's officer in charge of improving ship surveillance in severe weather by displaying all data in easy - to - understand graphics. An audible and visible alarm is given when the preset alarm levels are reached.

A further object of the present invention is to provide means suitable for use in systems of the present invention.

Said further object is achieved by means which are mainly characterized by the fact that the sensor is formed by pairs of discs enclosed in a casing and at spaced apart disks, that means are provided for attaching the sensor to the vessel, that a computer with associated screen and program is arranged to be able to be connected to said sensors, that the program is arranged to receive information about different measured values for subsequent calculation of desired conditions and that calculated conditions are arranged to be able to be displayed on the screen graphically.

The invention is described in the following as a number of preferred embodiments, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a connector, Figs. Fig. 2 shows an image displayed by PASA on a monitor, Fig. 3 shows an image displayed by SAMP on a monitor, Fig. 4 shows an image displayed by HSC on a monitor, Fig. 5 shows a part of image according to PASA in Fig. 2 during measurement situation, Fig. 6 shows a graphic image according to PASA of pitch and roll, Fig. 7 shows image on screen of different choices on the on-screen menu, Fig. 8 shows an image displayed by SAMP on a monitor, Fig. 9 shows different situations recorded by sensors and Fig. 10 shows different alarm situations which have arisen for a certain time and which have been stored in tabular form, and Fig. 11 shows the distribution of container stacks in a cargo space and its stresses at different measuring points.

According to the present invention which relates to a system which is intended for controlling and monitoring the influence of ships 1 on at least pitch and roll by means of at least one sensor 2 but with two or more sensors 2 in measuring bending and rotation and calculation device for to prepare calculations on the basis of performed checks, said system comprises at least one sensor 2, which is formed by pairwise and spaced apart disks, and which is arranged to be attached to the vessel 1. Said sensor 2 is arranged to enable acceleration measurement of forces in one to three directions perpendicular to each other x, y, z. 522 964 = jj = _ ": f-" ¿n uoa-w ~ The sensor (2) consists of one, two or three internal sensors. In the case of more than one sensor, these must be set at an angle to the first.

Each sensor consists of two plates, one of which is fixed, the other is loosely mounted.

The loosely mounted plate is affected by the gravitational field and the distance between the two plates will change, depending on the sensor's angle to the gravitational field or the acceleration to which the sensor is subjected.

An electric field is measured between the two plates.

When the sensor is moved or angled, the distance between the plates will change and thus the signal can be analyzed as a sum of angular change and acceleration change.

The signal is analyzed against a time axis and can then be separated as acceleration and angle.

It is thus possible to measure acceleration and angular change in a plane with a sensor. When three sensors are mounted at an angle to each other (X, Y, Z), all resulting angles and movements can be measured.

The sensor's measured values can be applied directly to the ship's control system, alternatively to an informant (eg PC) where the movements are shown graphically (as described below).

Said sensor 2 is further arranged to be connected to a computer 3 which is connected to a screen 4 or other similar image display surface. The computer 3 is arranged to be able to receive measured values from said sensor 2 and on the basis of obtained measured values by means of a computer program calculate desired conditions for the vessel 1 in question, and that calculated values are arranged to be graphically illustrated on the computer screen 4. ... n .. ø oo -u. - ",, '°,,",, ".' '' '' 0 0 uo; so 'nvon o. I' '.". "H .. .....:. ---- - - --- - -.. u. :: ::.. .. ".". UHHH.

On the screen 4 it is arranged to show the movements of the ship, such as pitch and roll according to Fig. 2. Thereby a ring 5 with different colors on the outer 6 and inner 7 circumferential edge is arranged to clearly illustrate the pitch and roll for the ship 1, the total inclination being arranged to be displayed on screen 4. Preferably, the colors are red for outer and yellow for inner ring circumferential edge 6 and 7, respectively.

A point 8, which is arranged to be displayed on the screen 4, indicates the pitch and roll of the ship or other conditions which are desirable to obtain, and the diameter h of said point 8 is arranged to be variable, the diameter h being arranged to graphically indicate the value on the affected forces of the ship. The said point 8 is arranged to move on the screen 4 in the same direction as forces acting on the ship do, the movement of the point 8 being directly proportional to the acceleration and that when the point is exceeded the outer ring 6 shown on the screen 4 is a warning of some kind arranged to be accomplished. At least two sensors 2 of the above type are attached to the vessel 1 at a distance from each other in order to be able to measure and with the aid of said measurement values be able to calculate the vessel's stresses regarding rotation and pressure, one of the two sensors 2 being arranged to be placed in the vessel. while the other of the two sensors 2 is arranged to be placed in the stern of the ship.

In order to be able to use a system of the type indicated above to control and monitor the ship 1's impact on at least pitch and roll by means of a number from one up to a plurality of sensors 2 and a calculation device for preparing calculations on the basis of performed checks. said sensor 2 is formed by: pairwise enclosed in a housing and spaced apart from each other 522 964 a .o non-no n In una-un discs and which are arranged to enable acceleration measurement of up to three different in relation to each other perpendicular directions x, y, 2, and that velocities, rotations, positions, deformations and stresses are arranged to be measured by means of said sensors 2. Furthermore, there is device 9, for example holes for fixing screw and that a computer with associated screen etc 4 and programs and which is arranged to be able to be connected to said connector 2. The program is then arranged to be able to receive information about different measured values for subsequent calculation of desired conditions and that the conditions calculated therefrom are arranged to be able to be displayed graphically on the screen 4.

The said invention, which has been briefly described above, is called the S.M.C. which means Ship Movement Controller and which is further described below. The sensors 2 used in said invention are intended for: Angle and shock analyzer.

Checking the load of the hull.

Lashing control (goods determination) Prediction of the state of the sea.

Stability control system.

Tank level program.

Basic design for sensors The measurement system makes it possible to connect one or more sensors depending on which function you want. Each sensor measures angle, speed of movement, direction of movement and shocks in three degrees of freedom. The sensor signals are converted into data low-current signals, which enable the signal transmission to the signal converter (transformer) without any interference. 522 964 u I n .nun - 1 nu o 1 o n I ao n uoqu - m 1 u -can u 1 n 1 unng n n. ~ v 0 a ~ au wo 0- u a -run »ovana u 1 -annu Number of sensors A sensor is usually sufficient to measure a ship's movements. In special circumstances, more than one sensor may be necessary. An example of this is control of the loading capacity in several separate cargo spaces. Two sensors are needed to measure rotation and deflection.

Hardware installation The sensor is molded in epoxy plastic and the sensor housing is made of stainless steel to avoid moisture damage. Although the sensor is well protected, installation in a splashproof box is recommended.

The sensor must be installed near the ship's center line and at the bow. The sensor must be installed with the disc in horizontal position.

The arrows marked "Y" 3 on the top of the sensor must be mounted in accordance with the direction of the ship.

Basic window The bass page shows all the measurement functions of the program.

The program window has been constructed in two parts. The upper part shows the basic information for the ship's most recent movements according to Fig. 7. The information is displayed in the field as well as numerically in each menu. The bar on the far right shows the temperature inside the sensor body.

PASA - Power Angle and Shock Analyzer Shows and analyzes the interaction of the waves. Adds angles and shocks in 3D axis.

PASA is made up of two circles, 6 and 7, one red and one yellow and one point 8, one green in a coordinate system. The two center circles move in the diagram in relation to the ship's movements. Both angle and direction are displayed. The thickness of the circles, 6 and 7, corresponds to the alarm level. Point, 8, illustrates the shocks to which the ship is subjected. This ring moves in 522 964 gg; the coordinate system in proportion to the acceleration. When the rings touch each other, alarms are given. The event is registered under "Events" and the alarm is heard. All maximum values are adjustable when checking the fields.

PASA provides a graphical representation of the ship's longitudinal lifting and rolling, as shown in Figs. 2 and 6.

The inner yellow circle 7 shows "low alarm level". The red outer circle 6 shows "high alarm level". The yellow and red circles move in a coordinate system with the ship's latest movements.

Longitudinal elevation is described by a movement in the Y-direction in the coordinate system. The scrolling is described by a movement in the X-direction. The total angle of inclination will be displayed automatically. The setting of the maximum allowable lift is the same as in the angle measurement field above. The diameter of the green dot 8 will change in relation to the G-force.

Higher G-force gives a larger diameter at the point. The point has its basic position in the center of the coordinates. When the green dot 8 accelerates laterally, it will move in the same direction as the acceleration force. The motion of point 8 is directly related to the acceleration. When the green dot moves and touches the yellow 7 or the red 6 field, an event will be registered under "Events" and an alarm will sound.

Real Time measurement See Fig. 5. 7 = Inner alarm ring (low alarm level) 6 = Outer alarm ring (high alarm level) 8 = Center point symbolizes impact d = Vessel's total angle of inclination e = Vessel's angle of inclination f = Rolling angle -oo-nu 1 vuøovo 522 964 g üfn f * 10 g = Acceleration force (displayed as distance to the original coordinates). The direction of the arrow shows the direction of acceleration. h = The diameter of the point corresponds to the value of the impact force.

Shock circle The function is similar to that of PASA but is a definitive analysis of shock and acceleration in 3 dimensions.

See Fig. 6.

SAM? - Ship's Average Movement Position Optimizes and simplifies trim control when integrating with level systems for ballast tank. Optimizes fuel consumption and reduces hull tensions. The program calculates the average value for each rolling period for rolling and lifting. Then the mean value is calculated in 30-minute periods through a point in the chart. This point in the diagram shall be at the origin of the coordinates when the ship is running optimally. At the point there is an arrow that shows the direction of the deviation. The size of the arrow symbolizes the speed change of the deviation but without any graded scale.

The O position (home position) deviates from the sensor's 0 point and then this 0 point must be set separately. The optimal O-point will vary depending on the speed and the ship's load as well as the weather.

When two sensors are connected to the software, it is possible to measure the difference between the specified angles. The angular difference at the sensor's measuring points will indicate rotation and deflection.

See Fig. 4. nano-u Tendency - Predictions The curve is divided into two parts. The left (history) shows the events of the previous hour. The signal Predictions shows the expected average curve for the coming hour.

The alarm level "Max limit" and "Warning limit" are the same as in the set values in "PASA".

This is not shown in any Fig.

Events Historical alarm table The set alarm levels in the menu will be stored in the Event table.

See Fig. 10.

The scale setting will change automatically according to what the curve requires. Graphic analyzes of all the ship's historical movements and movement combinations can be displayed down to 0.1 second resolution.

Alignment (the right button in the lower menu bar) converts graphically negative values into positive ones. This means that the negative values will move to the positive scale and you can compare the positive peaks with the negative peaks.

See Fig. 9.

Acceleration, stroke and speed of movement depend on the distance between the center of rotation of the rotation, the measuring point of the sensor and the current point / container in question.

In the "Option" window under "Sensor", corrections are made between the sensor and the center of rotation to determine the forces at 12 different locations in the ship. The distance between the measuring point and the center of rotation must be programmed.

Calculators l. The distances between sensor and center point are programmed. 2.The distances between each measuring point and the position of the center point are programmed. 3.The program calculates the distance to all measuring points on the ship. 4. The program calculates acceleration and inclination for all measuring points on the ship in accordance with given distances and sensor values.

Control of cargo, its volume and also fastening Calculations can be made at any desired point and used afterwards for analyzes of transport damage. Real Time Monitoring Supervision is displayed in “PASA”.

Container The program is designed for the maximum number of containers as follows.

Bay O-35 Pcs, Row / Column O-20 Pcs, Height O-10 Pcs.

See Fig. 11.

All columns that have their weight noted (in tons) for a container will be automatically transferred to power diagrams. (Bay, Row, Stack.) Alarm violations are also noted in the table. All notices will be stored under the "Events" table. 13 See Fig. 11.

Motion force Tension on different parts of the ship and its load is a combination of acceleration, stroke and angle of inclination.

Force analysis of measuring points The program calculates the distance to all containers on board.

The program calculates acceleration and inclination for all containers on board in accordance with given distances and sensor values.

When the movement is known at a point on the ship, it will be possible to estimate the force at all points of the ship. It should be noted that these results are theoretical and must be used as a recommendation only.

The invention is of course not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications are possible, in particular as regards the nature of the various parts, or by the use of equivalent technology, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims (10)

522 964 14 T8l PlSE LG / KOE P a t e n t k r a v A system for controlling and monitoring the influence of ships (1) on at least pitch and roll by means of a number of sensors (2) and a calculation device for preparing calculations on the basis of performed checks, characterized in that at least one sensor (2), formed by pairwise and spaced apart disks, is arranged to be attached to the vessel (1), that acceleration measurement of forces ix and / or y and / or 2 direction / directions are arranged / arranged to be measured by means of said sensor, that said sensor (2) is arranged to be connected to a computer (3) which is connected to a screen (4), that said computer (3) is arranged to receive measured values from said sensor (2), that said computer (3) is arranged to calculate, on the basis of obtained measured values with the aid of a computer program, the desired conditions for the vessel in question (1), and that calculated values are arranged to be illustrated on the computer screen (4). System according to claim 1, characterized in that on the computer screen (4) calculated values are arranged to be displayed graphically. System according to Claim 2, characterized in that the movements (such as pitch and roll) are arranged on the screen (4). A system according to any one of claims 2-3, characterized in that a ring (5) with different colors on the outer (6) and inner (7) circumferential edges is arranged to illustrate pitch uu uuu uu uu uu uu suuu uu uuu uu uuuu uu uu uu u uu u uu uu uu uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu uuu uuu uu uuuuuuu uuuu uu uuuuu uu uuuuuuuu uu uuuuu uu uu uuuu uu vu uu uu uu uu uu uu uu uu uu uu vu u uvid uu System according to one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that a point (8) is arranged to be displayed on the screen (4) which indicates the total pitch and role of the ship or other conditions which are desirable to obtain. System according to claim 5, characterized in that the diameter (h) at said point (8) is arranged to be able to be varied, the diameter (h) being arranged to indicate the value of the affected forces of the ship. System according to claim 6, characterized in that the point (8) is arranged to move on the screen (4) in the same direction as forces acting on the ship (1) do, the movement of the point (8) being directly proportional to acceleration. and that when the point is exceeded by an outer ring (6) shown on the screen (4), a warning is arranged to be provided. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two sensors (2) are attached to the vessel (1) at a distance from each other in order to be able to measure and with the aid of said measurement values calculate the vessel's stresses regarding rotation and pressure. System according to claim 8, characterized in that one of the two sensors (2) is arranged to be placed in the bow of the ship, while the other of the two sensors (2) is arranged to be placed in the stern of the ship. Means to be used in connection with a system for checking and monitoring the impact of the ship (1) on at least pitch and roll by means of a number of sensors (2) and a calculation device for preparing calculations on the basis of checks performed according to any of the above claims 1-9, characterized in that the sensor (2) is formed by paired discs enclosed in a housing and spaced apart from each other, that acceleration measurement in one to three perpendicular directions relative to each other ( x, y, z) are arranged to be measured by means of said sensor (2), that speeds, rotations, positions, deformations and stresses are arranged to be measured by means of said sensor, that device (9) is provided for attaching the sensor (2) to the ship (1), that a computer with associated screen (4) and program is arranged to be able to be connected to said sensor (2), that the program is arranged to receive information about different measured values for subsequent e calculation of desired conditions and that calculated conditions are arranged to be displayed on the screen (4) graphically.