Below-Deck Boat Anchor Storage Tray With Sliding Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat anchor storage solutions on deck require boaters to lift and carry heavy anchors, which is physically demanding, especially for elderly or disabled users, and can damage deck surfaces with dripping water and mud, and occupy valuable space.
Innovation Solution
A movable boat anchor storage tray attached below the deck with a sliding mechanism and water-draining design, allowing easy access and preventing water from dripping onto the deck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If anchor storage area is located on the boat deck, then anchor can be easily accessed, but boaters must lift and carry heavy anchors which is physically demanding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the anchor storage area from the horizontal deck surface to the vertical space below the deck, utilizing the third dimension (depth) for storage. This allows the anchor to remain easily accessible through a开口 in the deck while eliminating the need for boaters to lift it onto the deck surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a slide mechanism as an intermediary device between the anchor and the boater. The slide allows the heavy anchor to be moved horizontally along a track rather than requiring vertical lifting, reducing the physical force needed to handle the anchor.
2Ease of operation
If anchor storage area is located on the boat deck, then anchor is easily accessible, but valuable deck space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The storage solution transitions from occupying horizontal deck area to utilizing vertical space below the deck. The anchor storage compartment is positioned in the depth dimension, allowing the deck surface to remain fully available for other purposes while maintaining anchor accessibility through a controlled opening.
3Ease of operation
If anchor is carried on the boat deck, then it can be moved to storage area, but water and mud drip onto the deck making it slippery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the anchor from the deck environment entirely, storing it below the deck level. This separation prevents direct contact between the muddy anchor and the deck surface, eliminating the source of the harmful dripping effect while allowing the anchor to be moved along a protected track.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide mechanism acts as an intermediary that guides the anchor along a controlled path below or at the edge of the deck. This intermediary structure prevents uncontrolled movement and dripping onto the deck surface, channeling any water or mud away from the walking areas.
4Ease of operation
If anchor is carried on the boat deck, then it can be placed in storage area, but decorative flooring may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the anchor from the deck environment and positions the storage compartment below the deck. This extraction prevents direct contact between the heavy anchor and the decorative flooring, eliminating the mechanical damage risk while maintaining placement functionality through the slide mechanism and access opening.
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
Reduces the lifting effort, preserves deck space, and prevents water and mud from damaging the deck, enhancing user accessibility and deck utilization.
Implementation Method 1
reduces the height a boater would have to lift the boat anchor
Implementation Method 2
water does not drip onto the boat deck, but instead, the water on the anchor flows down a downwards slope of the closed tray, and through the drain holes and into the body of water the boat is floating upon
Data Source
AI summary
A boat anchor storage tray includes an attachment member, and at least one mounting channel attached to the attachment member. In another aspect, a tray is slidably engaged with the at least one mounting channel and is configured to move between an open position and a closed position below a boat deck. A further aspect of a movable boat anchor storage tray includes water draining holes. In yet another aspect, a boat apparatus includes a storage tray moveable from an open position to a closed position below a pontoon boat deck, with a lock movably securing the tray in the closed position.