1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to using a magnet to attach a vessel to another object, and, more particularly, to using a magnet to attach a vessel, such as a vehicle, to another vessel or docking point.
2. Description of the Related Art
Many water-based vessels, such as ferries, tugs, and cargo ships use thrust generated by on-board motors to keep the vessel in position when docking with land, against other vessels, or other docking points. For example, a passenger ship may maneuver through a harbor or channel using its own propulsion system or with the assistance of a tugboat or other positioning vessel. The ship may be guided toward a docking point, such as a pier, dock, or other structure, that has been equipped with protective padding, such as tires, inflatable bladders, and the like, to prevent the docking point from damaging the hull of the ship. The ship may be positioned so that at least some portion of its hull is proximate the docking point. For example, in one embodiment, one side of the ship may be positioned against a dock so that the surface area of the hull to be mated with the dock is maximized.
Once the ship is sufficiently near the docking point, on-board motors may be used to generate thrust that holds the ship against the docking point. The thrust from the on-board motors may be used to hold the ship in place, while passengers are boarded and/or cargo is loaded. Often, the ship is docked for an extended period requiring the constant use of thrust to keep the ship positioned in the desired space.
In some situations, the thrust from one or more tugboats or other positioning vessels is used to keep a larger vessel in position when docked. For example, one or more tugboats may be positioned on one side of the docked ship, while the other side of the ship is mated with a docking point. By applying thrust to the opposite side of the ship, one or more tugboats may be used to hold the ship in its docked position. Usually, the tugboat is equipped with a protective barrier (e.g., tires, inflatable bladders, etc.) around its hull to prevent damages to either ship.
These techniques for keeping a vessel secure to a docking point, while somewhat effective, are not energy efficient. A more efficient method of keeping a vessel in position while docked may be accomplished using various configurations of electromagnets. Such electromagnets may be used to keep a vessel secure to a docking point, and if properly configured, may allow for a range of movement in certain directions to accommodate the action of waves, or other motion.
The present invention is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above.