US20210354790A1 - Automatic mooring apparatus for watercraft - Google Patents

Automatic mooring apparatus for watercraft Download PDF

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Publication number
US20210354790A1
US20210354790A1 US17/278,408 US201917278408A US2021354790A1 US 20210354790 A1 US20210354790 A1 US 20210354790A1 US 201917278408 A US201917278408 A US 201917278408A US 2021354790 A1 US2021354790 A1 US 2021354790A1
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Prior art keywords
watercraft
dock
unit
mooring
mooring apparatus
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Abandoned
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US17/278,408
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English (en)
Inventor
Attila VIRAGH
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Dockstar Technologies Zrt
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Dockstar Technologies Zrt
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Priority to US17/278,408 priority Critical patent/US20210354790A1/en
Assigned to DOCKSTAR EUROPE KFT. reassignment DOCKSTAR EUROPE KFT. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: VIRAGH, Attila
Assigned to DOCKSTAR TECHNOLOGIES ZRT. reassignment DOCKSTAR TECHNOLOGIES ZRT. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: DOCKSTAR EUROPE KFT.
Publication of US20210354790A1 publication Critical patent/US20210354790A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • B63B21/54—Boat-hooks or the like, e.g. hooks detachably mounted to a pole
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B22/00—Buoys
    • B63B22/02—Buoys specially adapted for mooring a vessel
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B35/00—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B35/00—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
    • B63B35/34—Pontoons
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B3/00—Engineering works in connection with control or use of streams, rivers, coasts, or other marine sites; Sealings or joints for engineering works in general
    • E02B3/04—Structures or apparatus for, or methods of, protecting banks, coasts, or harbours
    • E02B3/06—Moles; Piers; Quays; Quay walls; Groynes; Breakwaters ; Wave dissipating walls; Quay equipment
    • E02B3/068—Landing stages for vessels
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B3/00—Engineering works in connection with control or use of streams, rivers, coasts, or other marine sites; Sealings or joints for engineering works in general
    • E02B3/20—Equipment for shipping on coasts, in harbours or on other fixed marine structures, e.g. bollards
    • E02B3/24—Mooring posts
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B3/00—Engineering works in connection with control or use of streams, rivers, coasts, or other marine sites; Sealings or joints for engineering works in general
    • E02B3/20—Equipment for shipping on coasts, in harbours or on other fixed marine structures, e.g. bollards
    • E02B3/26—Fenders
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B3/00—Engineering works in connection with control or use of streams, rivers, coasts, or other marine sites; Sealings or joints for engineering works in general
    • E02B3/20—Equipment for shipping on coasts, in harbours or on other fixed marine structures, e.g. bollards
    • E02B3/28—Fender piles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
    • B63B2021/003—Mooring or anchoring equipment, not otherwise provided for

Definitions

  • the invention is such a mooring apparatus that allows rope-free, automatic mooring and parking for 10-70 feet long watercrafts.
  • Watercrafts are traditionally moored with ropes to the dock or anchors. This is also the case with expensive watercrafts/yachts equipped with state-of-the-art technology. To moor with ropes, the operator also usually needs an assisting person to moor.
  • Mooring watercrafts is a dangerous manoeuvre, especially in windy weather, in high waves or in case of changes in water level. Under such circumstances, when approaching the mooring spot and during mooring the watercraft may hit the dock with such force that it and/or the dock can be damaged. Repairing the damage of high-value watercrafts involves professional work and therefore significant costs and time. The use of a damaged dock is not safe and requires repair as well.
  • bumpers that are hanging on the ship and the crew on board hang them out by the side of the ship at an appropriate height during mooring.
  • the force of collision with the dock is dampened by the bumpers as they are made of flexible material to absorb collision energy.
  • the problem with the use of bumpers is that they have to be hung out at the right height and points, which is not always successful.
  • a further problem is that besides the watercraft operator there is a need for at least one assisting person, who is most often not available.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,161,494 discloses the use of inflatable bumpers on the hull. According to the invention, an appropriate opening must be provided on the hull and an inflatable bumper must be installed there. Its function is ensured by an appropriate mechanical unit. This solution is not applicable to watercrafts already in use, and their incorporation into newly-built watercrafts has not spread either.
  • the drawback of the invention is that bumpers must be mounted at fixed heights, which is not always appropriate. Further problem is that the inflatable bumpers are easily damaged and then do not fulfil their roles.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 7,730,844 discloses a technical solution in which there are rotatable bumping elements fixed at the top of the hull.
  • the bumping elements reduce the collision energy at the physically encountered points of the ship and the dock and can absorb it using an appropriate machine mechanism.
  • the use of the invention in watercrafts is complicated. Factory or post-fitting is expensive. Because of the abovementioned, the solution has not spread in practice.
  • a known solution is the use of bumpers attached to the vertical columns of docks. Such solutions are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,184,562, 5,762,016 and 7,481,174.
  • the bumpers are made of flexible material and are therefore suitable for absorbing some of the collision energy. Bumpers that rotate around the axis also reduce or prevent bumping and friction damage. They have the advantage of allowing to track the changes in water level by freely rising or sinking a moored watercraft. The disadvantage is that they can only be used where the dock is equipped with vertical columns. However, most docks are not like that.
  • Patent No. GB 2.415.942 A special solution is disclosed in Patent No. GB 2.415.942.
  • the object of the invention is a V-shaped mooring unit which includes inclined bumper columns adapted to the shape of the front of the watercraft, on which there are rotating bumping elements. The ship's side-to-side collision is reduced by the ship's own mobile bumpers.
  • the US 2005/0066869 patent discloses a longitudinal bumping element mounted on a dock.
  • the essence of the solution is that an element is attached to the inside of the dock to accommodate the mooring ropes of the watercraft, and also serves as a bumper.
  • bumping and friction are indeed reduced.
  • the problem is that the water level changes.
  • Another problem is that the size of the watercrafts and the shapes of the hulls are different, which cannot be adapted by fixed installation or design.
  • an inflatable device for the protection of docks and watercrafts, an inflatable device is disclosed in patent No. CA 2.672.456.
  • inflatable tubes are fixed on the side of the dock, which significantly reduces the risk of damage from the collision of a watercraft and a dock.
  • the disadvantage of the solution is the mechanical demand, the vulnerability of the air inflated tubes and the need for operational tasks.
  • Another important requirement for a modern mooring apparatus is to make navigation to the mooring easier and ultimately to get to an optimal parking position for the watercraft. After it is reached, there is an additional need for the watercraft to be automatically fixed.
  • Document KR 2013 0001775 discloses a fender with a friction reduction device that comprises a friction reduction device, a protruded portion, and a support portion.
  • the friction reduction device comprises a first friction reduction portion and a first main body portion.
  • the first friction reduction portion has multiple protrusions.
  • the first main body portion resettles the first friction reduction portion to the fender.
  • the protruded portion comprises fixing grooves in which the first main body portion is resettled.
  • the support portion is extended from the protruded portion and is fixed to a structure in a pier.
  • Document U.S. Pat. No. 6,551,010 discloses a vehicle impact system that includes a road accommodating vehicle traffic in a direction along its center line, a support structure and first and second adjacent energy-absorbing fender elements supported by the support structure and extending adjacent to the road.
  • Each of the first and second adjacent energy-absorbing fender elements includes an elastomeric leg extending non-parallel from the support structure and a contact panel extending from the leg.
  • the objective of the present invention is to produce such a mooring apparatus that provides rope-free, automatic mooring and simple sailing out.
  • a further objective is to connect the mooring apparatus to the harbour IT system, thereby support the work of the harbour management. For example, in the event of an outbreak of a storm or at the request of an authority sailing out has to be prohibited, the registration and online rental of watercrafts are required, or harbour data and information have to be sorted and used in a database.
  • the disclosed invention is an automatic mooring apparatus that is built from two dock-finger units fixed to the dock.
  • the dock-finger units are equipped with flexible tentacle elements for positioning the watercraft by keeping continuous contact with the hull, and they are also equipped with automatic-operated locking mechanisms for mooring of the watercraft.
  • the mooring apparatus has a control panel with a built-in programmable processor and a communication unit that is available for the operator via the watercraft's onboard communication unit or from a smart device from anywhere.
  • the central server continuously registers all data and information related to the registered mooring apparatus.
  • the mooring process is automatic and it can be managed alone by the watercraft operator, without any assistance.
  • the progress of mooring can be controlled from the cabin, so it can be easily done even under unfavourable weather conditions.
  • the positioning of the watercraft and reducing its oscillatory movements are provided by the flexible tentacle elements by acting on the hull; there is no need for bumpers or other anti-collision solutions for the mooring process.
  • the mooring process can be carried out in low visibility as well.
  • Control and communication equipment for the mooring apparatus is connected to the harbour IT system.
  • the harbour master is able to prohibit sailing from a harbour with a single instruction which can be required due to bad weather, official orders or any other reason. He/she is able to view the details of the parking or sailing watercrafts, the status and dates of the sailings, and the data of the users.
  • Another advantage is that an online rental system can be implemented for each mooring or watercraft, which can be self-managed by the owner of the watercraft or the harbour management.
  • FIG. 1 Perspective view of the mooring apparatus
  • FIG. 2 Scheme of the dock-finger unit
  • FIG. 3 Harbour arrangement with dock-finger units
  • FIG. 4 A detail of moored watercraft in the mooring apparatus
  • FIG. 5 /A The locking mechanism with spring
  • FIG. 5 /B Design of the catching unit
  • FIG. 6 The principle of operation of the locking mechanism
  • FIG. 7 The locking mechanism with gas spring
  • FIG. 8 Front view of the moored watercraft
  • FIG. 9 A watercraft with double catching units
  • FIG. 10 Designs of flexible tentacles
  • FIG. 11 The watercraft's entry into the mooring apparatus—Phase 1
  • FIG. 12 The watercraft's entry into the mooring apparatus—Phase 2
  • FIG. 13 The watercraft's entry into the mooring apparatus—Phase 3
  • FIG. 14 The watercraft in the mooring apparatus between locked mechanisms—Phase 4
  • FIG. 15 The watercraft in the mooring apparatus between opened mechanisms—Phase 5
  • FIG. 16 A perspective view of the moored watercraft in mooring apparatus
  • FIG. 17 A watercraft in the mooring apparatus with double catching units
  • FIG. 18 Outline of the mooring apparatus' ITC system and its connection to the harbour IT system
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention's mooring apparatus ( 10 ), consisting of two dock-finger units ( 20 ) that are placed parallel to each-other on the water surface and fixed to the dock ( 2 ).
  • the dock ( 2 ) can be a fixed or a floating dock.
  • the dock-finger units ( 20 ) are fixed to the dock ( 2 ) by mounting ( 26 ) matching the type of dock ( 2 ).
  • the dock-finger units ( 20 ) are held above the water surface by air reservoirs ( 24 ).
  • the air reservoirs ( 24 ) are, in one embodiment, height adjustable, which allows the dock-finger units ( 20 ) to be adjusted to the level of the dock ( 2 ) during installation.
  • floating dock-finger units ( 20 ) of closed cross-section for example made of tubes, may be used.
  • control panel ( 90 ) When installing the dock-finger units ( 20 ), the control panel ( 90 ) is placed on the dock ( 2 ) and activated.
  • a programmable processor ( 96 ) and communication module ( 98 ) are incorporated into the control panel ( 90 ) that is accessible by authorized persons from anywhere by communication means.
  • the mooring apparatus ( 10 ) in the event that the dock ( 2 ) is not capable of securing dock-finger units ( 20 ) or if the customer needs an independent mooring spot, is to connect 2 individual dock-finger units ( 20 ).
  • a U-shape mooring apparatus ( 10 ) is formed, which is secured with ropes at the harbour, private bay or other location.
  • a dock-finger unit ( 20 ) is shown in detail in FIG. 2 . Its main components are beam structure ( 22 ) and the locking mechanism fixed to it ( 40 ), as well as the flexible tentacles ( 80 ). These key elements are described in detail below.
  • the beam structure ( 22 ) is a dimensioned structure designed to absorb the generated forces of mooring and to hold the watercraft ( 4 ).
  • the cross-section may be of any cross-section, for example. rectangular or tubular. It can be made of, for example, stainless steel, fibreglass reinforced plastic or carbon fibre composite. Requirements to be met are ensuring longevity and resistance to the effects of seawater.
  • Locking mechanisms ( 40 ) are attached to the beam structure ( 22 ) according to the type of the watercraft ( 4 ) and the location of the catching units ( 70 ) fixed to the hull ( 6 ).
  • the drawing shows that the longitudinal position of the locking mechanisms ( 40 ) mounted on the left and right sides of the dock-finger unit ( 20 ) are different, therefore the positions of the fixing units ( 50 ) are also different.
  • the beam structure ( 22 ) is equipped with flexible tentacles ( 80 ) for guiding the watercraft ( 4 ) into the mooring apparatus ( 10 ) and for reducing its oscillatory movements during parking.
  • the flexible tentacles ( 80 ) are evenly spaced along the length of the beam structure ( 22 ), but may be fixed at different distances depending on the type of the watercraft ( 4 ) and the design of the hull ( 6 ). By appropriately allocating the flexible tentacles ( 80 ), the desired motion limitation of the given watercraft ( 4 ) is achieved.
  • the end of the dock-finger unit ( 20 ) facing the open water is a cylindrical end ( 32 ) which aids in turning the watercraft ( 4 ) while it is moving into and out of the mooring apparatus ( 10 ). Bumpers ( 30 ) are installed to catch any collision. Stepping ( 28 ) is provided for entering or exiting the watercraft ( 4 ).
  • the surface of the dock-finger unit ( 20 ) is walkable and the edges are covered with soft-coverage ( 34 ). Alternatively, the entire walking surface is covered.
  • Parking lots P 1 -P 4 are a series of mooring apparatuses ( 10 ). Different watercrafts ( 4 ) can be moored by choosing the distance between the dock-finger units ( 20 ). In the figure, for example, when installing parking lot P 2 , the dock-finger units ( 20 ) are spaced “a” apart, while parking lot P 3 is spaced “b” apart.
  • the locking mechanisms ( 40 ) are also flexibly mounted on the dock-finger units ( 20 ) depending on the size of the watercraft ( 4 ) and the position of the catching unit ( 70 ) fixed on the hull ( 6 ).
  • the advantageous alternative is the possibility of mooring and parking watercrafts ( 4 ) with the stern or bow.
  • FIG. 4 is a detailed description of the moored watercraft ( 4 ) in the mooring apparatus ( 10 ).
  • the fixing unit ( 50 ) secures the position of the watercraft ( 4 ) and the flexible tentacles ( 80 ) by touching the hull ( 6 ) reduce the oscillation movements of the watercraft ( 4 ).
  • FIG. 5 /A shows an embodiment of the locking mechanism ( 40 ).
  • the locking mechanism ( 40 ) is mounted on the beam structure ( 22 ) of the dock-finger unit ( 20 ).
  • a spring 1 ( 44 ) providing constant force is integrated into the locking mechanisms ( 40 ) for turning the holding arm ( 42 ) towards the hull ( 6 ).
  • a motor unit preferably an electric motor ( 46 ) is mounted, and the motor control ( 48 ) of which is connected to the control panel ( 90 ).
  • the fixing unit ( 50 ) is mounted to the end of the holding arm ( 42 ) rotating around the horizontal “Axis B”.
  • the fixing unit ( 50 ) has a vertical standby position, which is supported by a spring 2 ( 52 ). Using the spring 2 ( 52 ) is not mandatory in some cases.
  • the fixing rod ( 62 ) is clamped between the head element ( 56 ) and the bottom element ( 58 ).
  • the outer surfaces of the head element ( 56 ) and the bottom element ( 58 ) are provided with collar elements ( 60 ) covered with soft coverage ( 34 ).
  • the collar elements ( 60 ) can rotate freely around the Axis C of the fixing unit ( 50 ).
  • the material of the fixing rod ( 62 ) is preferably steel of suitable strength, its length is in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 meters, but its actual length is always determined by the type of the watercraft ( 4 ).
  • the cross-sectional diameter is in the range of 10-50 mm, the actual diameter fits into the catching units ( 70 ) mounted on the hull ( 6 ).
  • the design of the catching unit ( 70 ) is shown in FIG. 5 /B.
  • the catching unit ( 70 ) is such a pedestal ( 72 ) that has at least one wedge-type hook ( 74 ) that is suitable for catching the fixing rod ( 62 ).
  • a cover element ( 76 ) When using a cover element ( 76 ), the cover ( 76 ) flexibly turns outwards when the fixing rod ( 62 ) is removed from the hull ( 6 ), and the fixing rod ( 62 ) is free to leave the catching unit ( 70 ).
  • the catching unit ( 70 ) is preferably made of silicone and is preferably secured to the hull ( 6 ) by gluing.
  • the exact location of the anchorage depends on the type, dimensions, structure and geometry of the watercraft ( 4 ) and other factors. Due to this, the place of gluing to the hull ( 6 ) is always preceded by careful planning.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates the operation of the locking mechanism ( 40 ) on schematic drawings, on which only the watercraft ( 4 ), the hull ( 6 ), the beam structure ( 22 ), the holding arm ( 42 ), the spring 1 ( 44 ), the fixing rod ( 62 ) and the catching unit ( 70 ) are shown.
  • Schema A the watercraft ( 4 ) enters into the mooring apparatus ( 10 ).
  • the motor ( 46 ) built into the locking mechanism ( 40 ) automatically turns the holding arm ( 42 ) from the “resting” state maintained by spring 1 ( 44 ) to the “opened” state.
  • the fixing unit ( 50 ) and its fixing rod ( 62 ) get out of the way of the watercraft ( 4 ) and collision with it or any projecting objects placed on it is avoided. It is common to suspend a boat, bicycle, or other equipment on a watercraft ( 4 ) that may extend beyond its normal width.
  • the fixing rod ( 62 ) clamped between the head element ( 56 ) and the bottom element ( 58 ) is in a “forced” position and is approached by a catching unit ( 70 ) fixed to the hull ( 6 ).
  • Schema C illustrates when the catching unit ( 70 ) reaches the fixing rod ( 62 ) and after passing the wedge-type hook ( 74 ), it is fixed. This is the “locked” state of the locking mechanism. The closed state remains until the opening command is sent to the motor control ( 48 ).
  • the watercraft ( 4 ) has only limited mobility in both directions: in the horizontal direction, the fixing rod ( 62 ) has limited movement in the horizontal gap formed in the catching unit ( 70 ), and in the vertical direction, movement is limited in the direction of the axis of the fixing rod ( 62 ).
  • the relative movements of the watercraft ( 4 ) towards the dock-finger units ( 20 ) when moored are minimized by the locking mechanism ( 40 ) and the flexible tentacle ( 80 ) together.
  • Schema D shows the case of sailing out.
  • the holding arm ( 42 ) rotates away from the hull, causing the fixing rod ( 62 ) to move away from the hull ( 6 ).
  • the catching unit ( 70 ) also opens the cover ( 76 ). This is the “released” state, in which the fixing rod ( 62 ) moves away from the hull to release the watercraft ( 4 ).
  • FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative solution of the present invention where a gas spring ( 64 ) is mounted in the locking mechanism ( 40 ) for rotating the holding arm ( 42 ) towards the hull.
  • the operation of the locking mechanism ( 40 ) is essentially the same as that described above.
  • FIG. 8 is a front view of the watercraft ( 4 ) moored in the mooring apparatus ( 10 ). It can be seen that the fixing unit ( 50 ) is rotated in accordance with the tilt angle of the hull ( 6 ) and thereby connects the fixing rod ( 62 ) to the catching unit ( 70 ) according to the tilt angle.
  • the mooring apparatus ( 10 ) of the present invention allows the watercraft ( 4 ) to be moored forward or in reverse.
  • two catching units ( 70 ) fixed in opposite directions are placed on the hull ( 6 ), as shown in FIG. 9 .
  • Another solution is when one catching unit ( 70 ) is designed for both mooring options.
  • the flexible tentacles ( 80 ) are made in a variety of geometries and sizes, with a thicker/stronger cross-section at the attachment point and a thinner/weaker cross-section at the other end.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates two possible solutions.
  • Type A is a flexible tentacle ( 80 ) with a simpler cross-section and designed for less stress. It is fixed to the beam structure ( 22 ) by screwing so that it can be easily replaced if necessary.
  • Type B is capable of absorbing and dampening larger and more dynamic forces. As it can be seen, both solutions are statically clamped, flexible consoles.
  • the flexible tentacles ( 80 ) are generally distributed evenly along the length of the beam structure ( 22 ). The frequency of the distribution depends on the size of the watercraft ( 4 ), the shape and structure of the hull ( 6 ), the weather conditions and the security conditions of the harbour.
  • the role of the flexible tentacles ( 80 ) is to secure the position of the watercraft ( 4 ) by providing pressure on the hull by touching it and maintaining it in the central axis of the mooring apparatus ( 10 ) during mooring and parking.
  • the flexible tentacles ( 80 ) due to their flexibility, balance most of the force effects and transmit the unbalanced forces to the statically dimensioned beam structure ( 22 ). Their other general role is to dampen the oscillatory movements of the watercraft ( 4 ).
  • the flexible tentacles ( 80 ) are made of seawater and weather resistant material, preferably silicone.
  • FIG. 11 to FIG. 15 show the phases of the automatic mooring of the watercraft ( 4 ) into the mooring apparatus ( 10 ) and its sailing out.
  • FIG. 11 is Phase 1, when the watercraft ( 4 ) approaches the dock ( 2 ) for mooring purposes, but the distance D 1 measured by the laser rangefinder ( 92 ) built into the control panel ( 90 ) is such that the locking mechanism ( 40 ) is not activated and the fixing unit ( 50 ) is in “resting” state.
  • FIG. 12 is Phase 2, when the watercraft ( 4 ) reaches distance D 2 and the motor ( 46 ) of the locking mechanism ( 40 ) turns on and by rotating the holding arm ( 42 ), the fixing unit ( 50 ) is in “opened” state.
  • the distance D 2 is pre-programmed in the control panel ( 90 ) during installation the mooring apparatus ( 10 ) by adapting it to the particular watercraft ( 4 ).
  • FIG. 13 is Phase 3 , when the watercraft ( 4 ) reaches a predetermined and programmed distance D 3 , the motor ( 46 ) shuts down and the fixing unit ( 50 ) enters a “forced” state.
  • the collar elements ( 60 ) mounted on the fixing unit ( 50 ) then touch the hull ( 6 ) and rotate there as the watercraft ( 4 ) moves further backward.
  • FIG. 14 is Phase 4 , when the watercraft ( 4 ) is fixed; the fixing unit is in the “locked” state. This is done by the fixing rod ( 62 ) mounted in the fixing unit ( 50 ) passing the wedge-type hook ( 74 ) found in the catching unit ( 70 ) mounted on the rearward moving watercraft ( 4 ), then it gets stuck there and thus stops the watercraft ( 4 ).
  • FIG. 15 is Phase 5 , when the watercraft ( 4 ) sails out of the mooring apparatus ( 10 ). In this case the fixing unit is in the “opened” state. It is not the result of an automatic operation but the result of direct action of the operator.
  • the motor control ( 48 ) is commanded via the communication panel ( 96 ) to start the motor ( 46 ).
  • the holding arm ( 42 ) is rotated and the fixing unit ( 50 ) is rotated to the “opened” position as described.
  • the watercraft ( 4 ) sails out freely and when the distance from the dock ( 6 ) is D 2 , the fixing unit automatically returns to the “resting” position. This operation is pre-programmed in the control panel ( 90 ).
  • FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a watercraft ( 4 ) set at stern and moored in the mooring apparatus ( 10 ).
  • FIG. 17 shows a watercraft ( 4 ) intended to be moored with a bow on which the two mounted catching units ( 70 ) are marked.
  • FIG. 18 is an outline of the information and communication system of the mooring apparatus ( 10 ).
  • the mooring apparatus ( 10 ) is equipped with state-of-the-art information and communication tools that are connected to the harbour IT system ( 100 ).
  • the programmable processor ( 96 ) built into the control panel ( 90 ) is in direct contact with the motor control ( 48 ), the laser rangefinder ( 92 ) and the camera ( 94 ). It also has a connection with the communication module ( 98 ).
  • the communication module ( 98 ) is wired or wirelessly connected to the central server ( 110 ) of the harbour IT system ( 100 ).
  • the actual position of the locking mechanism ( 40 ), the resting, opening, locking and forcing events are visible in the IT system ( 100 ) and continuously recorded in its database ( 112 ).
  • all related data and information such as the data of the renter of the mooring apparatus ( 10 ), the identity of the owner of the watercraft ( 4 ), etc., are provided and stored in the database ( 112 ) of the central server ( 110 ).
  • the stored data provides harbour management records and greatly facilitate harbour operations. Eligible users have access to the data from external smart devices such as a notebook ( 116 ), PC ( 114 ) or a cell phone ( 108 ) via the Internet.
  • the communication module ( 98 ) can be accessed online by the owner or the renter of the watercraft ( 4 ) or another authorized person who can directly act on the operation of the mooring apparatus ( 10 ). Access can be done directly from the onboard control ( 102 ) of the watercraft ( 4 ), using a remote control ( 104 ), a tablet ( 106 ), or a cell phone ( 108 ).

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Refuge Islands, Traffic Blockers, Or Guard Fence (AREA)
  • Superstructure Of Vehicle (AREA)
  • Traffic Control Systems (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
US17/278,408 2018-09-21 2019-08-22 Automatic mooring apparatus for watercraft Abandoned US20210354790A1 (en)

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CN115094833A (zh) * 2022-06-27 2022-09-23 刘泽平 一种水域设施防护结构的布置方法

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AU2022432854A1 (en) 2022-01-13 2024-07-25 Richard G. FARRELL Boat docking assist assembly
CN115331485B (zh) * 2022-07-07 2023-10-17 镇江港务集团有限公司 一种用于船舶的远程安全监测与港口管理系统

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CN115094833A (zh) * 2022-06-27 2022-09-23 刘泽平 一种水域设施防护结构的布置方法

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EP3853116B1 (en) 2022-09-14
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CA3112992A1 (en) 2020-03-26
CN112823118A (zh) 2021-05-18
WO2020058734A1 (en) 2020-03-26
MX2021003284A (es) 2021-05-31
AU2019343334A1 (en) 2021-05-27

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