Anchor Retrieval System Pivoting Fouled Anchor at Crown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchor retrieval systems are inefficient and unreliable, often causing direct tension on the anchor crown or fluke when attempting to free a fouled anchor, leading to further entanglement and inadequate attachment mechanisms for retrievers.
Innovation Solution
A stainless steel add-on kit with a sleeve assembly and retriever system that allows for pivoting of the anchor by changing the pulling point from the leading edge to the crown end, using a slider and floating shackles to securely lift the anchor without direct tension on the crown, and optionally incorporating cameras for placement aid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If direct tension is applied to the anchor crown or fluke to free a fouled anchor, then the anchor may be lifted, but the anchor becomes further entangled in the obstacle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the anchor retrieval system with slider and tether) that transfers the pulling force from the boat to the anchor shank at a strategic location. The slider engages with the anchor shank and the tether applies force through the crown eye, using the anchor's own geometry as a fulcrum to pivot the anchor free without direct pulling on the crown or fluke that would cause entanglement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of pulling the anchor directly at the crown or fluke (the conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by applying tension through the crown eye to create a pivoting motion that lifts the leading edge. This reverse approach transforms the harmful direct pull into a beneficial rotational motion that frees the anchor from entanglement.
2Ease of operation
If releasable fasteners are used to secure anchor chain to the leading edge, then the anchor can be initially retrieved, but the fasteners are bulky and unreliable when tension angles change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the unreliable fastener component from the system and replaces it with a positive mechanical engagement system. The slider engages with the anchor shank through a geometric interface (crown eye and shank interaction) that provides reliable attachment without relying on fasteners that may fail under varying tension angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to changing tension angles through the slider mechanism that can pivot and adjust its position on the anchor shank. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain reliable engagement regardless of the direction or magnitude of the pulling force, unlike static fasteners.
3Productivity
If the anchor line is fixed at the head of the anchor in normal operation, then the anchor functions properly, but breaking the attachment to pull at the crown causes direct alignment that further entangles the anchor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the slider and tether as intermediary components between the anchor line and the anchor. The tether attaches to the crown eye and the slider engages the shank, creating a mechanical advantage system that applies force through the anchor's geometry rather than directly at the crown, preventing entanglement while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the anchor retrieval function into two distinct attachment points: the crown eye for applying lifting force and the slider engagement with the shank for providing leverage. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without the harmful effects of direct crown pulling.
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor rescue system includes an improved slider assembly 200 and retriever assembly 300 allowing for secure attachment as the retriever assembly is lowered upon an anchor line to attach to the slider assembly. Once attached, the retriever assembly pulls upon the slider assembly with the slider assembly attached to a tether chain 210 with the tether chain attached to a lower portion of the anchor, such as crown, causing the anchor to move upwardly in a relative horizontal position. The system frees trapped anchors without need for floatation devices.