AUTOMATED DOCKING ASSISTIVE DEVICE FOR WATER VESSELS

Abstract

An automated docking assistive device for water vessels comprises of a plate 1 developed to be positioned on peripheral portion of a water vessel, the plate 1 is installed with an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit to detect approaching of a designated anchor installed on a fixed surface, a hydraulically operated rod 2 installed on the plate 1 to get extended for positioning a free end of the rod 2 in proximity to the anchor, a U-shaped member 3 arranged at end of the rod 2 that is positioned in proximity to the anchor, a link having a first and second end is assembled in the member 3 and integrated with a motorized clamping unit engaged with a rope coiled on a motorized roller arranged on the plate 1 that is positioned on one side of the anchor.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated docking assistive device for water vessels that is capable of docking a water vessel in an automated manner, thereby handling the whole process with minimal human intervention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Docking refers to the process of bringing a water vessel, generally a boat into a dock or berth and securing it in place. The docking process might vary depending on factors such as the type of boat, the design of the dock, and the environmental conditions. When docked properly, boats are less susceptible to drifting away or being affected by currents or wind. Proper docking ensures the safety of both the boat and its occupants. It prevents collisions with other vessels, structures, or obstacles in the water.

[0003] Traditionally, water vessels docking involves a combination of manual skills and the use of basic equipment. The user manually ties the rope in the anchor for securing the water vessel. The traditional approach relies heavily on the skill and experience of the water vessel operator and crew, along with the use of fundamental equipment like lines and fenders. Also traditional techniques lack in efficiency and speed which makes the overall process time consuming.

[0004] CN109552564A discloses about an invention which includes an adjustable bracket, an ejection device, a hook, a mooring rope and a mooring rope column; an adjusting rod is arranged on the adjustable bracket so that an angle of the ejection device can be adjusted; the ejection device can eject the hook put on the ejection device so as to reduce the manual mooring rope throwing process, and therefore, the labor of a person is saved, and a better effect can be obtained; the mooring rope column has an internal part and an external part; and the internal part and the external part can finish mooring rope winding and unwinding process by being connected by a pin column. The ship berthing and docking device is mounted on a ship so that many conveniences can be obtained; and compared with an existing manual mooring rope throwing device, the ship berthing and docking device has more advantages.

[0005] CN116280000A discloses about an invention which includes a front connecting assembly and a rear connecting assembly, the front connecting assembly is arranged at the head of the ship body; the rear connecting assembly is arranged at the tail part of the ship body; the heads and the tails of two adjacent ship bodies can be quickly locked and automatically butted by means of the front connecting assemblies and the rear connecting assemblies; the front connecting assembly comprises a first oil cylinder connecting hook unit and a second oil cylinder connecting hook unit. The first oil cylinder connecting hook unit and the second oil cylinder connecting hook unit are symmetrically fixed to the head of the ship body and can automatically stretch out and drawback to be connected with the rear connecting assembly located at the tail of the adjacent ship body in a hooked mode. The automatic docking device provided by the invention is simple and rapid in connection mode, high in applicability, low in cost, convenient to control and capable of realizing full-automatic unmanned operation.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of assisting a user in in docking a water vessel. However, these devices are incapable of carrying out the whole process in an automated manner, and fails in reducing manual efforts as well as consumption of time in the overall process. Additionally, these existing devices also lack in tying a knot of the rope on the anchor in an automated manner.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of docking a water vessel in an automated manner. In addition, the developed device should also form a knot at the anchor and tie the knot of the rope on the anchor in an automated manner.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing a means to dock a water vessel automatically, thereby reducing the physical effort and time consumption of the user.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of forming a knot at the anchor for in view of tying a knot of the rope on the anchor.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is reliable in nature.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to an automated docking assistive device for water vessels that is capable of docking a water vessel in an automated manner in order to reduce the physical effort and time consumption of the user in manual docking. Additionally, the proposed device also provides reliability to the user.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated docking assistive device for water vessels comprises of a plate developed to be positioned on peripheral portion of a water vessel, the plate is installed with an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit to detect approaching of a designated anchor installed on a fixed surface, an ultrasonic sensor integrated on the plate and synced with the imaging unit for monitoring distance of the plate from the anchor, a hydraulically operated rod installed on the plate to get extended for positioning a free end of the rod in proximity to the anchor, a U-shaped member arranged at end of the rod that is positioned in proximity to the anchor, a link having a first and second end is assembled in the member and integrated with a motorized clamping unit engaged with a rope coiled on a motorized roller arranged on the plate that is positioned on one side of the anchor.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a primary electromagnet integrated in between the member and first end that remain in disengaged state for allowing the engaged rope to pass along the anchor, followed by energizing and de-energizing of the primary electromagnet and a secondary electromagnet integrated in between the second end and member respectively to engage the first end of the link with the member and disengage the second end which results in formation of a knot at the anchor in view of tying a knot of the rope on the anchor in order to assist the vessel in docking, the first and second ends corresponds to a right and left ends of the link respectively, upon tying of the knot the rod get retracted along with synchronous rotation of the roller to tighten the rope on the anchor, and a battery is configured with the frame for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an automated docking assistive device for water vessels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to an automated docking assistive device for water vessels that is capable of docking a water vessel in an automated manner. Additionally, the proposed device also provides reliability to the user.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated docking assistive device for water vessels illustrated, comprising a plate 1 developed to be positioned on peripheral portion of a water vessel, a hydraulically operated rod 2 installed on the plate 1 and a U-shaped member 3 arranged at end of the rod 2.

[0023] The device disclosed herein, comprising a plate 1 developed to be positioned on peripheral portion of a water vessel, wherein the plate 1 is installed with an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller for capturing multiple images in vicinity of the plate 1 to detect approaching of a designated anchor installed on a fixed surface. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit is constructed with a camera lens and a processor, wherein the camera lens is adapted to capture a series of images of the surrounding present in proximity of the plate 1.

[0024] The processor carries out a sequence of image processing operations including pre-processing, feature extraction, and classification. The image captured by the imaging unit is real-time images of the plate 1's surrounding. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit transmits the captured image signal in the form of digital bits to the microcontroller. The microcontroller upon receiving the image signals compares the received image signal with the pre-fed data stored in a database and constantly determines approach of a designated anchor.

[0025] Further, an ultrasonic sensor integrated on the plate 1 and synced with the imaging unit for monitoring distance of the plate 1 from the anchor. The ultrasonic sensor emits high-frequency waves toward the plate 1 and measures the time it takes for the waves to bounce back after hitting the surface of the plate 1. The sensor is typically oriented in a way that it measures the distance of the plate 1 from the anchor. The ultrasonic sensor collects a significant amount of data by scanning the entire surface of the plate 1 and forms a 3D point cloud, which represents the shape of the plate 1.

[0026] The ultrasonic sensor sends the data to a microcontroller which processes the acquired data and detects the distance of the plate 1 from the anchor.

[0027] In case the monitored distance recedes a threshold distance, the microcontroller actuates a hydraulically operated rod 2 installed on the plate 1 to get extended for positioning a free end of the rod 2 in proximity to the anchor. At the same instant of time, a U-shaped member 3 arranged at end of the rod 2 that is positioned in proximity to the anchor, wherein a link having a first and second end is assembled in the member 3 and integrated with a motorized clamping unit engaged with a rope coiled on a motorized roller arranged on the plate 1, that is positioned on one side of the anchor.

[0028] The clamping unit includes a pair of flaps which are pivoted with each other for allowing the axiall motion of the flaps required for clasping, a DC motor is paired with the pivot joint that is activated by the microcontroller for providing a rotational motion to the joint for automating the movement of the flaps.

[0029] Further, a primary electromagnet integrated in between the member 3 and first end that remain in disengaged state for allowing the engaged rope to pass along the anchor, followed by energizing and de-energizing of the primary electromagnet and a secondary electromagnet integrated in between the second end and member 3, respectively to engage the first end of the link with the member 3 and disengage the second end which results in formation of a knot at the anchor in view of tying a knot of the rope on the anchor in order to assist the vessel in docking.

[0030] A battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrode named as a cathode and an anode. The battery use a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0031] The present invention works well in following manner, where the proposed device for water vessels comprises of the plate 1 developed to be positioned on peripheral portion of the water vessel, the plate 1 is installed with the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit to detect approaching of the designated anchor installed on the fixed surface, the ultrasonic sensor integrated on the plate 1 and synced with the imaging unit for monitoring distance of the plate 1 from the anchor, the hydraulically operated rod 2 installed on the plate 1 to get extended for positioning the free end of the rod 2 in proximity to the anchor, the U-shaped member 3 arranged at end of the rod 2 that is positioned in proximity to the anchor, the link having the first and second end is assembled in the member 3 and integrated with the motorized clamping unit engaged with the rope coiled on the motorized roller arranged on the plate 1 that is positioned on one side of the anchor. the primary electromagnet integrated in between the member 3 and first end that remain in disengaged state for allowing the engaged rope to pass along the anchor, followed by energizing and de-energizing of the primary electromagnet and the secondary electromagnet integrated in between the second end and member 3 respectively to engage the first end of the link with the member 3 and disengage the second end which results in formation of the knot at the anchor in view of tying the knot of the rope on the anchor in order to assist the vessel in docking, the first and second ends corresponds to the right and left ends of the link respectively, upon tying of the knot the rod 2 get retracted along with synchronous rotation of the roller to tighten the rope on the anchor, and the battery is configured with the frame for providing the continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with the device.

[0032] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An automated docking assistive device for water vessels, comprising:

i) a plate 1 developed to be positioned on peripheral portion of a water vessel, wherein said plate 1 is installed with an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said plate 1, respectively to detect approaching of a designated anchor installed on a fixed surface;
ii) an ultrasonic sensor integrated on said plate 1 and synced with said imaging unit for monitoring distance of said plate 1 from said anchor, wherein in case said monitored distance recedes a threshold distance, an inbuilt microcontroller actuates a hydraulically operated rod 2 installed on said plate 1 to get extended for positioning a free end of said rod 2 in proximity to said anchor;
iii) a U-shaped member 3 arranged at end of said rod 2 that is positioned in proximity to said anchor, wherein a link having a first and second end is assembled in said member 3 and integrated with a motorized clamping unit engaged with a rope coiled on a motorized roller arranged on said plate 1, that is positioned on one side of said anchor; and
iv) a primary electromagnet integrated in between said member 3 and first end that remain in disengaged state for allowing said engaged rope to pass along said anchor, followed by energizing and de-energizing of said primary electromagnet and a secondary electromagnet integrated in between said second end and member 3, respectively to engage said first end of said link with said member 3 and disengage said second end which results in formation of a knot at said anchor in view of tying a knot of said rope on said anchor in order to assist said vessel in docking.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second ends corresponds to a right and left ends of said link, respectively.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein upon tying of said knot, said microcontroller directs said rod 2 to get retracted along with synchronous rotation of said roller to tighten said rope on said anchor.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is configured with said frame for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with said device.

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