Removable Anchor Chain Pressing System for Boats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to effectively retain anchor chains within chain lockers of boats, particularly during strong pitch accelerations, leading to chain entanglement and difficulties in weighing anchor, especially in small high-speed boats, with existing solutions being complex, non-removable, and difficult to apply or release in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A removable system comprising a support plate, guide tubes, movable half-covers with pneumatic, hydraulic, or mechanical driving, and elastic or inflatable cushions that securely hold the chain in place, allowing quick disassembly and access, suitable for various chain locker shapes and existing boats, ensuring safety compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a removable pressing system with movable covers and flexible cushions is used, then the chain retention effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing system is divided into two movable half-covers that can operate independently or together, allowing the chain locker to be accessed and the system to be installed or removed in sections rather than as a single complex unit
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs movable half-covers that can shift position dynamically to adapt to different chain configurations and locker shapes, rather than using a fixed rigid structure
Solution Approach 3:
Flexible or inflatable cushions are used instead of rigid pressing mechanisms, allowing the system to conform to various chain locker geometries while maintaining effective chain retention through soft contact
2Reliability
If a complex non-removable chain wrapping system is used, then the chain is contained, but the ease of operation and emergency release is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed as removable and可拆卸 components that can be quickly taken apart in emergency situations, contrasting with permanently installed complex wrapping systems
Solution Approach 2:
The movable covers are positioned and configured in advance to automatically contain the chain when deployed, eliminating the need for complex manual wrapping operations during normal operation or emergencies
3Ease of manufacture
If a removable pressing system is used, then the ease of manufacture and installation on existing boats is improved, but the structural integrity may be worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is divided into two movable half-covers that can be independently installed and removed, facilitating easier manufacturing and installation on existing boat structures without requiring complete structural modifications
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible cushions distribute pressing forces evenly across the chain and locker structure, preventing stress concentration that could compromise structural integrity while maintaining effective chain retention
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively prevents chain movement and entanglement, allows easy weighing and stabilization of the anchor chain, and enables quick disassembly for inspection and maintenance without altering the chain locker's structure, addressing safety concerns and operational inefficiencies.
Implementation Method 1
a cushion made of elastic or inflatable pneumatic material (4d) which elastically presses against the chain
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A removable system of pressing of the anchor chain within the chain locker (1) of boat and the like, with movable covers and elastic or inflatable cushions. The system consists of a flange or plate (6) to be fixed to an existing or dedicated chain locker (1), two movable half-covers (4) driven by pneumatic, hydraulic or electric cylinders, each bearing a cushion (4d) of pressing on the chain. The latter, made of elastic material or pneumatically inflated, keeps in place the mass of the chain, effectively preventing kinks of the same deriving from external forces such as those ones of pitch acceleration of the boat. The pneumatic driving of the half-covers (4) allows to recover any adjustments in the chain. A guide tube (5) of the chain completes the equipment, which can be disassembled into two halves too, each of which may be connected through slides with the half-covers (4) and operated by an external command. All this can be completely manually dismantled in emergency conditions by means of quick release or equivalent connections between the parts.