Anchor Shank Fluke Hinge Angle Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchors for heavy maritime or offshore objects face challenges in transferring high forces while allowing for precise angle adjustments between the shank and fluke, as current solutions fail to effectively manage both requirements simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
The anchor features a hinge-based angle adjustment provision with positioning members and holes on the shank and fluke, allowing for fine adjustments by toggling a positioning pin between holes with different intermediate distances, ensuring strength and versatility in angle settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a rigid angle adjustment mechanism is used to transfer high forces, then force transfer capability is improved, but angle adjustment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The angle adjustment mechanism is segmented into multiple discrete angular positions defined by pairs of positioning holes at different distances from the hinge axis. The positioning pin selects from multiple pre-defined angle configurations, allowing precise angle adjustment while maintaining structural rigidity for high force transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
Different pairs of positioning holes are located at different intermediate distances from the hinge axis, creating local variations in angular positioning. This allows the same rigid structure to provide multiple precise angle settings without compromising overall structural integrity or force transfer capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple positioning holes at different distances are provided, then angle adjustment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same positioning pin serves multiple functions by interacting with different pairs of positioning holes at various distances from the hinge axis. This single component enables multiple angular positions without requiring separate adjustment mechanisms for each angle, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving precise angle control.
3Strength
If the anchor structure is made rigid for high force transfer, then strength is improved, but adaptability to different angles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor structure transitions from a completely rigid configuration to a semi-rigid system with controlled flexibility at the hinge joint. The positioning pin and multiple positioning holes enable the structure to adapt to different angular configurations while maintaining rigidity within each selected position for effective force transfer during operation.
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
This design enables the anchor to transfer high forces while allowing for precise angle adjustments, enhancing its effectiveness in various anchoring soils without compromising structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the angle adjustment provision comprises a hinge between the fluke and the shank to pivot the shank with respect to the fluke in the plane of symmetry of the anchor around a hinge axis
Implementation Method 2
a positioning pin that is inserted in one of the aligned first and second positioning holes
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor has a fluke, a shank that is connected to the fluke, a coupling to attach the fluke to an anchor line or anchor chain, and an angle adjustment provision to adjust the angle between the shank and the fluke, wherein the angle adjustment provision is a hinge between the fluke and the shank, a first positioning member connected to the shank that is provided with a series of first positioning holes at a first intermediate distance and a second positioning member connected to the fluke that is provided with a series of second positioning holes at a second intermediate distance and spaced apart from the hinge axis, and a positioning pin that is inserted in one of the aligned first and second positioning holes, wherein the second intermediate distance differs from the first intermediate distance.