Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of hatch cover mechanism and more particularly to a system and a method for protecting cargo located on a maritime vessel from one or more factors.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Hatch covers are used to protect cargo located on a ship from water ingress. The hatch covers also shield internal structures of the ship from the green water loads that may damage the internal structures of the ship. The hatch covers are of various types, such as lifting-type hatch covers, rolling-type hatch covers, folding-type hatch covers and the like. The lifting-type hatch covers are used in container ships, whereas the rolling-type hatch covers are used in bulk carriers. The folding-type hatch covers are used in cargo maritime vessels.
[0003] Several problems are associated with the hatch covers that are currently being used. The hatch covers are bulky and difficult to operate. Also, the high cost related to the hatch covers is another point of concern. A considerable amount of space is required to mount the hatch covers, which may limit the cargo-carrying capacity of the ship.
[0004] Hence, there is a need for an improved system and a method for protecting cargo located on a maritime vessel from one or more factors to address the aforementioned issue(s).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0005] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for protecting cargo located on a maritime vessel from one or more factors is provided. The system includes a plurality of hatch covers located on a deck of the maritime vessel. The plurality of hatch covers are mounted above the cargo via a plurality of wheels adapted to enable bidirectional movement of the plurality of hatch covers above the cargo along a longitudinal axis of the maritime vessel. The plurality of hatch covers includes a plurality of corresponding corrugated sheets adapted to provide one or more telescopic motions corresponding to the bidirectional movement of the plurality of hatch covers. The plurality of hatch covers includes a first hatch cover and a second hatch cover. The system also includes an actuator unit positioned adjacent to the plurality of hatch covers. The actuator unit includes a first plurality winches located at a first end of the maritime vessel and coupled to the first hatch cover through a plurality of corresponding ropes.
[0006] The first plurality of winches are adapted to extend the first hatch cover over the cargo by rolling up the plurality of corresponding ropes in a first predefined direction. The actuator unit also includes a second plurality of winches located at a second end of the maritime vessel and coupled to the first hatch cover through the plurality of corresponding ropes. The second plurality of winches are adapted to retract the first hatch cover over the cargo by rolling up the plurality of corresponding ropes in a second predefined direction. The actuator unit further includes a prime mover mechanically coupled to the first plurality of winches and the second plurality of winches. The prime mover is adapted to actuate the first plurality of winches and the second plurality of winches to extend the first hatch cover and to retract the first hatch cover respectively, thereby protecting the cargo.
[0007] In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for protecting cargo located on a maritime vessel from one or more factors is provided. The method includes enabling, by a plurality of wheels, bidirectional movement of a plurality of hatch covers above cargo located on a maritime vessel along a longitudinal axis of the maritime vessel. The method also includes providing, by a plurality of corresponding corrugated sheets, one or more telescopic motions corresponding to the bidirectional movement of the plurality of hatch covers. The plurality of hatch covers includes a first hatch cover and a second hatch cover. The method further includes extending, by a first plurality winches of an actuator unit, the first hatch cover over the cargo by rolling up the plurality of corresponding ropes in a first predefined direction.
[0008] The first plurality of winches are located at a first end of the maritime vessel and coupled to the first hatch cover through a plurality of corresponding ropes. The method also includes retracting, by the second plurality of winches of the actuator unit, the first hatch cover over the cargo by rolling up the plurality of corresponding ropes in a second predefined direction. The second plurality of winches located at a second end of the maritime vessel and coupled to the first hatch cover through the plurality of corresponding ropes. The method also includes actuating, by a prime mover of the actuator unit, the first plurality of winches and the second plurality of winches to extend the first hatch cover and to retract the first hatch cover respectively, thereby protecting the cargo
[0009] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more explicit description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional details with the appended figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a system for protecting cargo located on a maritime vessel from one or more factors in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of a system of FIG. 1, depicting closed position of a first hatch cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a system of FIG. 1, depicting top view of the plurality of hatch covers in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of yet another embodiment of a system of FIG. 1, depicting operational arrangement of the plurality of hatch covers, a first plurality of winches, a second plurality of winches and plurality of corresponding ropes in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0015] FIG. 5 is a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method for protecting cargo located on a maritime vessel from one or more factors in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0016] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] To promote an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0018] The terms ``comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a'' does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures, or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.
[0019] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.
[0020] In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0021] In the discussion that follows, references will be made to “first hatch cover”, and “second hatch cover” with reference to an entity (hatch cover) that is an integral part of a ship for protecting the cargo. Also, references will be made to “first plurality of winches”, and “second plurality of winces” with reference to the entity (a winch) that is associated with the hatch cover to actuate the hatch cover.
[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system and a method for protecting cargo located on a maritime vessel from one or more factors. The system includes a plurality of hatch covers located on a deck of the maritime vessel. The plurality of hatch covers are mounted above the cargo via a plurality of wheels adapted to enable bidirectional movement of the plurality of hatch covers above the cargo along a longitudinal axis of the maritime vessel. The plurality of hatch covers includes a plurality of corresponding corrugated sheets adapted to provide one or more telescopic motions corresponding to the bidirectional movement of the plurality of hatch covers. The plurality of hatch covers includes a first hatch cover and a second hatch cover. The system also includes an actuator unit positioned adjacent to the plurality of hatch covers. The actuator unit includes a first plurality winches located at a first end of the maritime vessel and coupled to the first hatch cover through a plurality of corresponding ropes.
[0023] The first plurality of winches are adapted to extend the first hatch cover over the cargo by rolling up the plurality of corresponding ropes in a first predefined direction. The actuator unit also includes a second plurality of winches located at a second end of the maritime vessel and coupled to the first hatch cover through the plurality of corresponding ropes. The second plurality of winches are adapted to retract the first hatch cover over the cargo by rolling up the plurality of corresponding ropes in a second predefined direction. The actuator unit further includes a prime mover mechanically coupled to the first plurality of winches and the second plurality of winches. The prime mover is adapted to actuate the first plurality of winches and the second plurality of winches to extend the first hatch cover and to retract the first hatch cover respectively, thereby protecting the cargo.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a system (10) for protecting cargo (20) located on a maritime vessel (30) from one or more factors in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system (10) includes a plurality of hatch covers (40) located on a deck of the maritime vessel (30). In one embodiment, the maritime vessel (30) may include, but not limited to, a cargo ship, a container ship, a bulk carrier and the like. The plurality of hatch covers (40) are mounted above the cargo (20) via a plurality of wheels (not shown in FIG. 1) adapted to enable bidirectional movement of the plurality of hatch covers (40) above the cargo (20) along a longitudinal axis of the maritime vessel (30).
[0025] Further, in one embodiment, the cargo (20) may include, but not limited to, food materials, fuels, automobiles, factory parts and the like. In some embodiments, the plurality of wheels are mounted over one or more guide rails (not shown in FIG. 1) positioned at a port side of the maritime vessel (30) and a starboard side of the maritime vessel (30). The plurality of hatch covers (40) includes a plurality of corresponding corrugated sheets (50) adapted to provide one or more telescopic motions corresponding to the bidirectional movement of the plurality of hatch covers (40). In one embodiment, the one or more telescopic motions may include, but not limited to, a telescopic extension, a telescopic retraction and the like.
[0026] Furthermore, the plurality of hatch covers (40) includes a first hatch cover (60) and a second hatch cover (70). The system (10) also includes an actuator unit (80) positioned adjacent to the plurality of hatch covers (40). The actuator unit (80) includes a first plurality winches (90) located at a first end of the maritime vessel (30) and coupled to the first hatch cover (60) through a plurality of corresponding ropes (100). The first plurality of winches (90) are adapted to extend the first hatch cover (60) over the cargo (20) by rolling up the plurality of corresponding ropes (100) in a first predefined direction. The actuator unit (80) also includes a second plurality of winches (110) located at a second end of the maritime vessel (30) and coupled to the first hatch cover (60) through the plurality of corresponding ropes (100).
[0027] Additionally, the second plurality of winches (110) are adapted to retract the first hatch cover (60) over the cargo (20) by rolling up the plurality of corresponding ropes (100) in a second predefined direction. In one embodiment, the first plurality of winches (90) and the second plurality of winches (110) may be coupled to the first hatch cover (60) through the plurality of corresponding ropes (100) running through a first plurality of corresponding supports (120) and a second plurality of corresponding supports (130) respectively with a predefined inclination to leverage mechanical advantage.
[0028] Moreover, in a specific embodiment, the first plurality of winches (90) may be adapted to roll down the plurality of corresponding ropes (100) when the second plurality of winches (110) are rolling up the plurality of corresponding ropes (100) to retract the first hatch cover (60) over the cargo (20). In some embodiments, the second plurality of winches (110) may be adapted to roll down the plurality of corresponding ropes (100) when the first plurality of winches (90) are rolling up the plurality of corresponding ropes (100) to extend the first hatch cover (60) over the cargo (20).
[0029] Further, in one embodiment the first predefined direction and the second the second predefined directions may be mutually opposite. The actuator unit (80) further includes a prime mover (not shown in FIG. 1) mechanically coupled to the first plurality of winches (90) and the second plurality of winches (110). The prime mover is adapted to actuate the first plurality of winches (90) and the second plurality of winches (110) to extend the first hatch cover (60) and to retract the first hatch cover (60) respectively, thereby protecting the cargo (20) from the one or more factors. In one embodiment, the prime mover may include at least one of an electric actuator, a hydraulic actuator, and a pneumatic actuator. In some embodiments, the one or more factors may include, at least one of a water ingress, and a mechanical damage.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of a system (10) of FIG. 1, depicting retracted position of the first hatch cover (60) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Extended position of the second hatch cover (70) is also shown in the FIG. 2.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a system (10) of FIG. 1, depicting a top view of the plurality of hatch covers (40) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed explanation regarding the plurality of hatch covers (40) are provided in paragraph [0025]. A simplified diagram depicting operational arrangement of the plurality of hatch covers (40), the first plurality of winches (90), the second plurality of winches (110) and plurality of corresponding ropes (100) are shown in FIG. 4.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of yet another embodiment of a system (10) of FIG. 1, depicting operational arrangement of the plurality of hatch covers (40), the first plurality of winches (90), the second plurality of winches (110) and plurality of corresponding ropes (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method (200) for protecting cargo located on a maritime vessel from one or more factors in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (200) includes enabling bidirectional movement of a plurality of hatch covers above cargo located on a maritime vessel along a longitudinal axis of the maritime vessel in step 210. In one embodiment, enabling bidirectional movement of a plurality of hatch covers above cargo located on a maritime vessel along a longitudinal axis of the maritime vessel includes enabling bidirectional movement of a plurality of hatch covers above cargo located on a maritime vessel along a longitudinal axis of the maritime vessel by a plurality of wheels.
[0034] Further, in one embodiment, the maritime vessel may include, but not limited to, a cargo ship, a container ship, a bulk carrier and the like. In one embodiment, the cargo may include, but not limited to, food materials, fuels, automobiles, factory parts and the like. In some embodiments, the plurality of wheels are mounted over one or more guide rails positioned at a port side of the maritime vessel and a starboard side of the maritime vessel.
[0035] The method (200) also includes providing one or more telescopic motions corresponding to the bidirectional movement of the plurality of hatch covers in step 220. In one embodiment, providing one or more telescopic motions corresponding to the bidirectional movement of the plurality of hatch covers includes providing one or more telescopic motions corresponding to the bidirectional movement of the plurality of hatch covers by a plurality of corrugated sheets. The plurality of hatch covers includes a first hatch cover and a second hatch cover. In one embodiment, the one or more telescopic motions may include, but not limited to, a telescopic extension, a telescopic retraction and the like.
[0036] The method (200) also includes extending the first hatch cover over the cargo by rolling up the plurality of corresponding ropes in a first predefined direction in step 230. In one embodiment, extending the first hatch cover over the cargo by rolling up the plurality of corresponding ropes in a first predefined direction includes extending the first hatch cover over the cargo by rolling up the plurality of corresponding ropes in a first predefined direction by a first plurality of winches of an actuator unit. The first plurality of winches are located at a first end of the maritime vessel and coupled to the first hatch cover through a plurality of corresponding ropes.
[0037] The method (200) also includes retracting the first hatch cover over the cargo by rolling up the plurality of corresponding ropes in a second predefined direction in step 240. In one embodiment, retracting the first hatch cover over the cargo by rolling up the plurality of corresponding ropes in a second predefined direction includes retracting the first hatch cover over the cargo by rolling up the plurality of corresponding ropes in a second predefined direction by the second plurality of winches of the actuator unit. The second plurality of winches are located at a second end of the maritime vessel and coupled to the first hatch cover through the plurality of corresponding ropes.
[0038] Further, in one embodiment, the first plurality of winches and the second plurality of winches may be coupled to the first hatch cover through the plurality of corresponding ropes running through a first plurality of corresponding supports and a second plurality of corresponding supports respectively with a predefined inclination to leverage mechanical advantage. In a specific embodiment, the first plurality of winches may be adapted to roll down the plurality of corresponding ropes when the second plurality of winches are rolling up the plurality of corresponding ropes to retract the first hatch cover over the cargo.
[0039] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the second plurality of winches may be adapted to roll down the plurality of corresponding ropes when the first plurality of winches are rolling up the plurality of corresponding ropes to extend the first hatch cover over the cargo. In one embodiment the first predefined direction and the second the second predefined directions are mutually opposite.
[0040] The method (200) further includes actuating the first plurality of winches and the second plurality of winches to extend the first hatch cover and to retract the first hatch cover respectively in step 250. In one embodiment, actuating the first plurality of winches and the second plurality of winches to extend the first hatch cover and to retract the first hatch cover respectively includes actuating the first plurality of winches and the second plurality of winches to extend the first hatch cover and to retract the first hatch cover respectively by a prime mover of the actuator unit. In one embodiment, the prime mover may include at least one of an electric actuator, a hydraulic actuator, and a pneumatic actuator. In some embodiments, the one or more factors may include, at least one of a water ingress, and a mechanical damage.
[0041] Various embodiments of the system and a method for protecting cargo located on a maritime vessel from one or more factors described above enable various advantages. Fabrication of the plurality of hatch covers by the plurality of corresponding corrugated sheets provides a way for reducing over all weight of the system. Telescopic expansion and telescopic retraction of the plurality of corresponding corrugated sheets reduces area required for installing the system, thereby enhancing cargo carrying capacity of the ship. Provision of the first plurality of winches and the second plurality of winches provides a way for extending and retracting the plurality of hatch covers.
[0042] Further, the prime mover provided in the actuator unit enables effortless operation of the plurality of hatch covers. Provision of the first plurality of corresponding supports, and the second plurality of corresponding supports routes the plurality of corresponding ropes from the first plurality of winches and the second plurality of winches to the first hatch cover for providing mechanical advantage. Further, the system is simple, and easy to operate.
[0043] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof. While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended.
[0044] The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, the order of processes described herein may be changed and is not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. , Claims:1. A system (10) for protecting cargo (20) located on a maritime vessel (30) from one or more factors comprising:
a plurality of hatch covers (40) located on a deck of the maritime vessel (30), wherein the plurality of hatch covers (40) are mounted above the cargo (20) via a plurality of wheels adapted to enable bidirectional movement of the plurality of hatch covers (40) above the cargo (20) along a longitudinal axis of the maritime vessel (30),
wherein the plurality of hatch covers (40) comprises a plurality of corresponding corrugated sheets (50) adapted to provide one or more telescopic motions corresponding to the bidirectional movement of the plurality of hatch covers (40), wherein the plurality of hatch covers (40) comprises a first hatch cover (60) and a second hatch cover (70);
an actuator unit (80) positioned adjacent to the plurality of hatch covers (40), wherein the actuator unit (80) comprises:
a first plurality winches (90) located at a first end of the maritime vessel (30) and coupled to the first hatch cover (60) through a plurality of corresponding ropes (100), wherein the first plurality of winches (90) are adapted to extend the first hatch cover (60) over the cargo (20) by winding up the plurality of corresponding ropes (100) in a first predefined direction;
a second plurality of winches (110) located at a second end of the maritime vessel (30) and coupled to the first hatch cover (60) through the plurality of corresponding ropes (100),
wherein the second plurality of winches (110) are adapted to retract the first hatch cover (60) over the cargo (20) by rolling up the first plurality of corresponding ropes (100) in a second predefined direction; and
a prime mover mechanically coupled to the first plurality of winches and the second plurality of winches (110), wherein the prime mover is adapted to actuate the first plurality of winches (90) and the second plurality of winches (110) to extend the first hatch cover (60) and to retract the first hatch cover (60) respectively, thereby protecting the cargo (20).
2. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the prime mover comprises at least one of an electric actuator, a hydraulic actuator, and a pneumatic actuator.
3. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more factors comprises at least one of a water ingress, and a mechanical damage.
4. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first predefined direction and the second predefined direction are mutually opposite.
5. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of wheels are mounted over one or more guide rails positioned at a port side of the maritime vessel (30) and a starboard side of the maritime vessel (30).
6. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first plurality of winches (90) and the second plurality of winches (110) are coupled to the first hatch cover (60) through the plurality of corresponding ropes (100) running through a first plurality of corresponding supports (120) and a second plurality of corresponding supports (130) respectively with a predefined inclination to leverage mechanical advantage.
7. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second plurality of winches (110) are adapted to roll down the plurality of corresponding ropes (100) when the first plurality of winches (90) are rolling up the plurality of corresponding ropes (100) to extend the first hatch cover (60) over the cargo (20).
8. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first plurality of winches (90) are adapted to roll down the plurality of corresponding ropes (100) when the second plurality of winches (110) are rolling up the plurality of corresponding ropes (100) to retract the first hatch cover (60) over the cargo (20).
9. A method (200) for protecting cargo located on a maritime vessel from one or more factors comprising:
enabling, by a plurality of wheels, bidirectional movement of a plurality of hatch covers above cargo located on a maritime vessel along a longitudinal axis of the maritime vessel; (210)
providing, by a plurality of corresponding corrugated sheets, one or more telescopic motions corresponding to the bidirectional movement of the plurality of hatch covers, wherein the plurality of hatch covers comprises a first hatch cover and a second hatch cover; (220)
extending, by a first plurality winches of an actuator unit, the first hatch cover over the cargo by rolling up the plurality of corresponding ropes in a first predefined direction, wherein the first plurality of winches are located at a first end of the maritime vessel and coupled to the first hatch cover through a plurality of corresponding ropes; (230)
retracting, by the second plurality of winches of the actuator unit, the first hatch cover over the cargo by rolling up the plurality of corresponding ropes in a second predefined direction, wherein the second plurality of winches are located at a second end of the maritime vessel and coupled to the first hatch cover through the plurality of corresponding ropes; (240) and
actuating, by a prime mover of the actuator unit, the first plurality of winches and the second plurality of winches to extend the first hatch cover and to retract the first hatch cover respectively, thereby protecting the cargo. (250)
Dated this 21st day of November 2022

Signature

Jinsu Abraham
Patent Agent (IN/PA-3267)
Agent for the Applicant