U.S. patent application number 12/561086 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-18 for mobile harbor.
This patent application is currently assigned to KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. Invention is credited to Yong San Yoon.
Application Number | 20100068008 12/561086 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42007380 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100068008 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yoon; Yong San |
March 18, 2010 |
Mobile Harbor
Abstract
Disclosed is a mobile harbor capable of connecting a loading
module with a propelling means to a ship anchored on the coast and
transporting freights loaded from the loading module to a quay
through a number of transport modules. The mobile harbor comprises
a loading module that includes a connecting device capable of being
securely docked to a ship, and at least one loading crane capable
of loading or unloading container freights; and a transport module
that includes a propelling device and a docking bridge capable of
being connected to a quay, and at least one gantry crane
transferring the freights stacked on a transport vehicle to the
loading module or lading the transport vehicle with the freights on
the transport module deck when being anchored to a quay.
Inventors: |
Yoon; Yong San; (Daejeon,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BAKER & HOSTETLER LLP
WASHINGTON SQUARE, SUITE 1100, 1050 CONNECTICUT AVE. N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20036-5304
US
|
Assignee: |
KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE
AND TECHNOLOGY
Daejeon
KR
|
Family ID: |
42007380 |
Appl. No.: |
12/561086 |
Filed: |
September 16, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
414/138.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 25/006 20130101;
B63B 35/00 20130101; B63B 27/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
414/138.5 |
International
Class: |
B63B 35/00 20060101
B63B035/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 16, 2008 |
KR |
1020080090655 |
Claims
1. A mobile harbor, comprising: a loading module that includes a
connecting device capable of being securely docked to a ship, and
at least one loading crane capable of loading or unloading
container freight; and a transport module that includes at least
one gantry crane loading or unloading the container freight on the
loading module when being connected to the loading module and
unloading the freight stacked on a transport vehicles or lading the
transport vehicles with the freight on the transport module deck
when being anchored to a quay.
2. The mobile harbor according to claim 1, wherein the loading
module is formed to be able to be docked corresponding to a shape
of the transport module, thereby enabling a number of transport
modules to be docked thereto at any time.
3. The mobile harbor according to claim 1, wherein the loading
module has a propelling device, and further comprises: a control
tower that performs operation and control of each device; and a
buffer that absorb the shock from collision by a wave when the
transport module is docked thereto.
4. The mobile harbor according to claim 1, wherein the loading
module further comprises a stabilizer that is protruded in a
transverse direction of the loading module for stability and is
attached/detached thereto/therefrom and foldably received
therein.
5. The mobile harbor according to claim 1, wherein the loading
module further comprises a docking managing tower that includes a
system automatically controlling a location of the transport module
when the transport module is docked thereto to guide the docking of
the transport module.
6. The mobile harbor according to claim 1, wherein the loading
module further comprises a posture control module mounted on a
lower of a hull for maintaining the anchoring location against the
ship.
7. The mobile harbor according to claim 1, wherein the connecting
device uses a vacuum or a magnetic force in order to connect the
loading module to the ship or the transport module.
8. The mobile harbor according to claim 1, wherein the connecting
device uses a connecting member of a flexible material or an oil
pressure cylinder in order to maintain a distance between the
loading module and the ship so that they do not collide with each
other.
9. The mobile harbor according to claim 1, wherein the transport
module includes a propelling device.
10. The mobile harbor according to claim 1, wherein the transport
module includes a docking bridge that is provided in an end thereof
in order to be able to form a slope and be secured into the quay to
maintain anchoring when the transport module is docked to the
quay.
11. The mobile harbor according to claim 1, wherein when the
transport module is docked to the quay, the transport vehicle
embarks on the transport module so that the freight is transferred
from the transport vehicle to the transport module or transferred
from the transport module to the transport vehicle on the transport
module deck.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to foreign Patent
Application KR 10 2008 0090655, filed on Sep. 16, 2008, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a mobile harbor with a
reciprocating shuttle, and more specifically, to a mobile harbor
capable of connecting a loading module with a propelling means to a
ship anchored on the coast and transporting freight loaded from the
loading module to a quay through a number of transport modules.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A competitive power of a product depends on a rapid
production of the product, as well as a rapid movement of the
product and a smooth supply to a consumer. Among transport means of
the product, marine transport using a ship uses a less energy and
has an inexpensive transport cost as compared to other transport
means. Therefore, most international trade uses marine
transport.
[0004] Recently, ships used for marine transport such as container
ships have tended to become larger. This increases the transport
amount of the ship to secure economical efficiency. Accordingly, a
need exists for a harbor including a mooring facility and a loading
facility capable of docking a large ship.
[0005] However, the harbors capable of docking a large container
ship are rare in the inside and outside of the country. Also,
enormous expense is required to construct such a harbor. A vast
site is required to construct the harbor. In addition, a vast site
and appurtenant facilities for shipping a large number of
containers in the field are required. When considering the
influence of a large harbor on surrounding environment, it is
difficult to construct a new harbor.
[0006] Also, since the shipping and loading of freight are
concentrated only on a small number of large harbors, traffic jams
occur in roads near the large harbor due to the increase in
vehicles for shipping freight or transporting loaded freight. The
increase in vehicles transporting heavy freight is a main cause
that damages the road. Therefore, a country or a local autonomous
entity should repair the damaged roads with an enormous
expense.
[0007] Currently, since the loading and the shipping of the
container ship are performed only from one side of a ship docked to
an inner wall of the harbor and only in a portion of a ship not in
total length of the ship, the efficiency of the loading and the
shipping is very low.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Embodiments of the present invention advantageously provide
a mobile harbor capable of shipping and loading freight in a state
of anchoring a large ship on a sea away from a land without docking
the ship to an inner wall within the harbor, thereby making it
possible to rapidly ship or load freight.
[0009] Also, embodiments of the present invention provide a mobile
harbor that allows a large ship to be able to load and ship freight
even in a small harbor not including a container-dedicated quay,
thereby making it possible to distribute vehicles for transporting
the freight to smooth physical distribution and to avoid cost and
environmental destruction due to the construction of a new
harbor.
[0010] In addition, embodiments of the present invention provide a
mobile harbor that continuously performs the loading and shipping
of freight at the same time by a number of shuttles, thereby making
it possible to reduce time required to load or ship freight.
[0011] Further, embodiments of the present invention provide a
mobile harbor that has a structure capable of using a canal passing
through an inland, thereby making it possible to load containers or
freight from a large ship and then directly transport them to the
vicinity of demands.
[0012] One embodiment of the mobile harbor comprises a loading
module that includes a connecting device capable of being securely
docked to a ship, and at least one loading crane capable of
shipping and loading container freight; and a transport module that
includes a propelling device and a docking bridge capable of being
connected to a quay, and at least one gantry crane unloading the
freight stacked on a transport vehicle or lading the transport
vehicle with the freight on the deck when being anchored to a
quay.
[0013] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the
loading module may be formed to be able to be docked corresponding
to a shape of the transport module, thereby enabling a number of
transport modules to be docked thereto at any time.
[0014] In addition, the loading module may have a propelling
device, and may further comprise: a control tower that performs
operation and control of each device; and a buffer that may absorb
the shock from collision by a wave when the transport module is
docked thereto.
[0015] In addition, the loading module may further comprise a
stabilizer that is protruded in a transverse direction of the
loading module for stability and may be attached/detached
thereto/therefrom and foldably received therein.
[0016] In addition, the loading module may further comprise a
docking managing tower that includes a system automatically
controlling a location of the transport module when the transport
module is docked thereto to guide the docking of the transport
module.
[0017] In addition, the loading module may further comprise a
posture control module mounted on a lower of a hull for maintaining
the anchoring location against the ship.
[0018] In addition, the connecting device may use a vacuum or a
magnetic force in order to connect the loading module to the ship
or the transport module.
[0019] In addition, the connecting device may use a connecting
member of a flexible material or an oil pressure cylinder in order
to maintain a distance between the loading module and the ship so
that they do not collide with each other.
[0020] In addition, the transport module may include a propelling
device.
[0021] Further, the transport module may include a docking bridge
that is provided in an end thereof in order to be able to form a
slope and be secured into the quay to maintain anchoring when the
transport module is docked to the quay.
[0022] Preferably, when the transport module is docked to the quay,
the transport vehicle embarks on the transport module so that the
freight is loaded on the transport vehicle.
[0023] The mobile harbor, according to embodiments of the present
invention, has a construction that provides the following
effects.
[0024] The mobile harbor according to embodiments of the present
invention includes a crane and a docking facility, and may rapidly
load or ship freight from both sides of a ship anchored to an outer
port. Shipping and loading of containers and freight from a quay to
the mobile harbor or from the mobile harbor to the quay are
performed after docking the mobile harbor to the vicinity of the
quay.
[0025] The mobile harbor may ship and load the containers even in a
harbor not including a container-dedicated quay, and minimally
occupies a docking location of the quay, thereby making it possible
to simultaneously dock a number of transport modules. Therefore,
the mobile harbor may process much more freight in a unit time as
compared to an existing method. Also, the mobile harbor
decentralizes vehicles for land transportation, thereby making it
possible to prevent traffic jams occurring in the vicinity of a
container ship-dedicated quay, efficiently and rapidly transport
the freight, and prevent environmental destruction due to
development of a new or large harbor.
[0026] Meanwhile, when the transport module is designed to have a
structure capable of using a canal passing through inland, it is
possible to load container freight from a large ship and then
directly transport them to the vicinity of a demanded location.
Accordingly, it is possible to reduce physical distribution costs
and conserve environment through energy saving, and reduction of
CO.sub.2 discharge.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will be more fully described in the following
detailed description of preferred and other embodiments and
examples, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In
the drawings:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a loading module
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a loading module
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a transport module
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state that a ship, a
loading module and a transport module are docked with each other
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0032] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state that a
transport module is docked to a quay according to the preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] Specific features and benefits of the present invention will
further be obvious by the following detailed description with
reference to accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in the
case where it is judged that a specific description for a known
function with respect to the present invention and a configuration
thereof may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present
invention, it will be omitted.
[0034] The present invention provides a system capable of shipping
and loading freight such as containers, which is a mobile harbor
comprising a loading module 1 and a number of transport modules
2.
[0035] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views showing a loading module
according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is
a perspective view showing a state that a ship, a loading module
and a transport module are docked with each other according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the loading module 1 according
to the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a
loading crane 11, a connecting device 12, a buffer 13, a control
tower 14, a docking managing tower 15, a posture controller 16, and
a stabilizer 17.
[0037] The loading module 1 is formed in a structure capable of
docking the ship and the transport module thereto, wherein one side
of the loading module is formed with at least one stabilizer 17 in
a `U` shape in which at least one transport module 2 is accepted to
facilitate the docking.
[0038] The stabilizer 17 is a guide acting as a docking quay to be
able to securely guide the transport module 2 when the transport
module 2 is docked to the loading module 1. Herein, the stabilizer
17 is configured to be able to be attached/detached to/from the
loading module 1 or foldably received in the loading module 1 for
facilitating movement of the loading module 1 or obtaining
stability against waves.
[0039] At least one loading crane 11 is installed on an upper plate
of the loading module 1, thereby making it possible to ship and
load freight into the ship and the transport module 2.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 4, the connecting device 12, which is a
device maintaining the ship 3, the transport module 2, and the
loading module 1 to be fixed each other when the ship 3 and the
transport module 2 are docked to the loading module 1, includes a
number of connectors along a side of the loading module 1. An
absorption cup may be used as the connecting device 12. The
absorption cup allows the loading module 1 to be able to have a
small-scale relative displacement in a state where the loading
module 1 is connected to the ship 3 and/or the transport module 2.
The absorption cup may use a vacuum or a magnetic force in order to
generate connecting force, and may use a flexible material such as
rubber or an oil pressure cylinder, etc., in order to allow the
small-scale relative displacement.
[0041] Herein, the small-scale relative displacement means a spaced
state where a distance is maintained between the ship 3, the
transport module 2, and the loading module 1 so that they do not
collide with each other at the time of occurrence of shaking due to
a wave or movement thereof.
[0042] The buffer 13, which is an elastic protective guide provided
in an end side of the stabilizer 17 of the loading module 1 guided
when the transport module 2 is docked to the loading module 1, is a
protector that buffers impact due to collision by the wave when the
transport module 2 is docked to the loading module 1.
[0043] The control tower 14 is installed on the upper plate of the
loading module 1, and is designed in a sufficiently high structure
in order to operate the loading module 1, ship/load the freight and
secure a visual field for performing other functions. The control
tower 14 may operate the loading module 1 as well as control a
situation that the freight such as containers are shipped and
loaded, in real time. The control tower 14 controls and manages
most functions of the loading module 1 as follows: propulsion of
the loading module 1, adjustment of the loading crane 11 and
shipping/loading of the freight, docking arrangement with regard to
the ship, communication, etc.
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, since guide rails are formed
along a length direction of the loading module 1, the loading crane
11 can move through the guide rails. And, the control tower 14 also
may move through unillustrated rails.
[0045] The docking managing tower 15 is a system that is installed
on the upper plate of the loading module 1 and automatically
controls a location of the transport module 2 when the transport
module 2 is docked to the loading module 1, thereby guiding the
transport module 2 to be securely docked to a receptor of the
loading module 1. When the transport module 2 has arrived at a
certain location with regard to the loading module 1, the docking
managing tower 15 performs operation and control of the transport
module 2 to guide the loading module 1 and the transport module 2
to be harmonically docked depending on the waves or surrounding
circumstances.
[0046] The posture controller 16 is a stabilizing device that is
installed on a lower of a hull of the loading module 1 and has a
rectangular plate shape with a narrow width along a length
direction of the hull in order to maintain an anchoring location
against the ship, as well as a parallel state of the hull of the
loading module 1. The posture controller 16 includes a posture
implementing system such as gyroscope in order to maintain a stable
posture even in the presence of strong waves.
[0047] Also, the loading module may further comprise a propelling
means (not shown) in order to move or connect between the quay and
the ship.
[0048] To this end, the loading module may also comprise a
propeller providing a propelling force in each direction.
[0049] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a transport module
according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is
a perspective view showing a state that a transport module is
docked to a quay according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 3, the transport module 2 according to the
present invention comprises a gantry crane 21, a docking bridge 22,
and a propelling device 23.
[0051] The transport module 2 is constituted by a number of
shuttles formed in a uniform size to correspond to the receptor of
the loading module 1. Also, the transport module 2 has a
miniaturized and simplified structure to facilitate the docking to
the quay 4 with a relatively low water level.
[0052] The gantry crane 21, which is at least one relatively
miniaturized crane installed on an upper plate of the transport
module 2, may move in a length direction of the transport module 2,
and may ship the containers in multi-layer or directly ship or load
the freight 5 onto a trailer or a train when the transport module 2
is docked to the quay to ship and load the freight 5.
[0053] The gantry crane 21 may be constituted by a plurality of
miniaturized cranes mounted on the upper plate of the transport
module 2 in a rows or columns. This reduces weight and size of the
gantry crane 21 and enables loading of many trailers in the
plurality of rows, thereby making it possible to simultaneously
perform a lot of loading works.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 5, the docking bridge 22, which is a
receptive temporary bridge capable of being connected to the quay
4, is a bridge that is installed on an upper end of one side of the
transport module 2. The docking bridge 22 is received therein when
the transport module 2 is navigated, and is protruded to form a
slope, is secured into the quay 4 to maintain anchoring, and passes
the trailer and the train to the upper plate of the transport
module 2 when the transport module 2 is docked to the quay 4.
[0055] The propelling device 23 is a transport device that is
installed on a lower surface of the transport module 2 and moves
and/or connects between the loading module 1 and the quay 4.
[0056] The propelling device 23 may be provided as a propeller
providing a propelling force in each direction. Also, a propelling
device such as a hovercraft or hydrofoil may be used in order to be
able to rapidly transport the freight and move even in a harbor or
a canal with a shallow water level.
[0057] The embodiment in which the concept of the mobile harbor is
applied will be described with reference to accompanying drawings.
All of the structures of the mobile harbor include items shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, the items being omitted in other drawings.
[0058] A form that the transport module 2 and the ship 3 are
anchored to the loading module 1 in the `U` shape according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention will be schematically
shown in FIG. 4.
[0059] The loading module 1 with the propelling means approaches
toward the ship 3 anchored on a sea area in the vicinity of the
harbor and the quay 4 with a relatively low water level to be
connected and fixed to the ship 3 by the connecting device 12.
[0060] The transport module 2 anchored to the quay 4 is guided by
the docking managing tower 15 and connected to the receptor of the
loading module 1.
[0061] In the case where the transport module 2 is shaken due to a
changing factor such as a wave when the transport module 2 is
docked to the loading module 1, the shock from collision between
the transport module 2 and the loading module 1 is absorbed by the
buffer 13 of the loading module 1.
[0062] Works for loading or shipping the freight 5 on the ship 3
onto the connected transport module 2 are performed by the loading
crane 11.
[0063] The transport module 2 finishing the loading or shipping
works is returned to the quay 4. At this time, at least one
transport module 2 waits in the loading module 1 to allow the
loading and shipping works to be continued, thereby rapidly
performing the works.
[0064] Herein, the freight 5 may be stacked in multi-layer or move
within the transport module 2 by the gantry crane 21 installed on
the transport module 2.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 5, the transport module 2 docked to the
quay 4 is connected and seated to the quay 4 by the protruded
docking bridge 22 and the trailer and the train enters into the
transport module 2, thereby directly shipping or loading the
freight 5 by the gantry crane 21.
[0066] At this time, the shipping and loading amount of the freight
5 may be increased depending on an area of the transport module 2
docked to the quay 4 or the number of the adjacent cranes, and the
transport speed and the transport amount of the freight 5 is
largely increased due to a number of transport modules 2.
[0067] Also, since the freight 5 is directly shipped and loaded to
the trailer within the transport module 2, the present invention
advantageously reduces congestion in the quay and may be applied
even in a quay with a small loading space.
[0068] Although the present invention has been described in detail
with reference to its presently preferred embodiment, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications
and equivalents can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention, as set forth in the appended
claims.
[0069] Also, the substances of each constituent explained in the
specification can be easily selected and processed by those skilled
in the art from the well-known various substances. Furthermore,
those skilled in the art can change the order to methodic steps
explained in the specification according to environments of
processes or equipments. Thus, it is intended that the present
invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention
provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and
their equivalents.
* * * * *