Trip Line Anchor Float with Ballast Weight
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchor line configurations fail to reliably indicate when an anchor is properly set or dragging, leading to uncertainty and potential peril, especially in changing sea conditions.
Innovation Solution
A trip line anchor float system balanced with a ballast weight that submerges when the anchor is dragging and resurfaces when it is securely set, providing visual confirmation of anchoring status without relying on GPS or electronic means, using a precise balance of buoyancy and gravitational forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a trip line with marker buoy is used to mark anchor location, then the anchor position can be marked, but the system cannot indicate whether the anchor is dragging or firmly engaged with the seabed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the float's vertical position (above or below water surface) provides visual information about the anchor's holding status. When the anchor is dragging, the float submerges; when the anchor is firmly set, the float remains visible above water. This closed-loop feedback allows the operator to monitor anchor status in real-time without electronic devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The float acts as an intermediary element between the anchor and the operator. Instead of directly observing the anchor on the seabed, the operator observes the float's position, which indirectly indicates the anchor's status through the mechanical connection via the trip line. This intermediary translates subsea conditions into visible surface indicators.
2Illumination intensity
If the float marker remains floating on the surface to mark anchor location, then the anchor position is visible, but the float cannot indicate when the anchor is dragging
Solution Approach 1:
The float transitions from a static floating marker to a dynamic indicator that changes its state (above or below water surface) based on anchor status. The float's vertical position is not fixed but dynamically responds to the mechanical forces transmitted through the trip line when the anchor drags or sets, enabling it to convey information about anchor holding status.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of float position (vertical location relative to water surface) to indicate different anchor states. When the anchor is dragging, the float's position parameter changes from above-water to below-water, providing a clear visual distinction between dragging and set conditions without requiring additional components.
3Length of stationary object
If the trip line length is fixed to mark anchor location, then the buoy can be positioned over the anchor, but the buoy may drift away or become submerged with changing tides
Solution Approach 1:
The ballast weight suspended below the float creates a counterbalancing force against the buoyancy of the float. This weight-buoyancy balance ensures that the float remains sensitive to horizontal forces from a dragging anchor while maintaining a stable vertical position. The ballast prevents the float from being overly influenced by tidal changes or wind, improving its reliability as an indicator.
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 indicates anchor engagement and dragging status, enhancing safety by providing visual feedback to the vessel's skipper, independent of tide or wave changes, and alerting to potential anchor breakage due to seabed adhesion issues.
Implementation Method 1
a ballast weight suspended below the float such that when the anchor is being set by the typical action of the vessel's reverse propulsion—the float will wholly or partially submerge while dragging on the seabed, until such time that the anchor has taken a firm hold with the seabed. At that time, the previously submerged float will again reappear, returning to the water's surface
Implementation Method 2
balances the buoyancy of a trip line anchor float with a ballast weight suspended below the float
Implementation Method 3
The technology of the present description is robust and does not rely on any GPS, mechanical (other than an optional single pulley), or electronic means to function, but rather simply an application of a precise balance of buoyancy, hydrodynamic and gravitational forces to exhibit its beneficial functions
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor assembly for discerning if an anchor has securely engaged with the seabed, having a float with a length of line below no more than twice the distance from the water's surface to the seabed. The float includes a redirection element that allows the line to support a ballast weight via a descending portion of the line and an ascending portion that is secured to an anchor. The volume of the float and ballast weight are selected such that the float remains visibly buoyant when the anchor is stationary, yet becomes wholly or partially submerged when the anchor is in motion with respect to the seabed surface.