Boat Anchor Roller with Rounded Cutouts to Reduce Line Fraying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional anchor rollers cause fraying and damage to anchor lines due to rough sidewalls and sharp edges, leading to increased wear and replacement frequency.

Innovation Solution

The anchor roller features smooth, rounded cutouts and inserts in the sidewalls to guide the anchor line, preventing it from rubbing against sharp edges and providing side-to-side constraint, thereby reducing fraying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the anchor line is passed over the top edge of the sidewall to be tied off at the cleat, then the anchor line can be secured to the boat, but the anchor line contacts rough areas and sharp corners causing fraying

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of tying off anchor lineVSAvoidfraying of anchor line

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The top edge of the sidewall is rounded instead of having a sharp corner, creating a curved surface that the anchor line passes over. This curvature eliminates the sharp corner that causes fraying while still allowing the line to be tied off at the cleat, thus maintaining ease of operation while preventing damage to the anchor line.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The sidewall surface is made smooth in the specific area where the anchor line contacts it, rather than having rough areas throughout. This localized improvement in surface quality at the contact point prevents fraying while maintaining the overall structural integrity and functionality of the sidewall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the anchor line is allowed to move side-to-side as it slides against the sidewall, then the line has freedom of movement, but the likelihood of contacting rough areas increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefreedom of movement of anchor lineVSAvoidfraying of anchor line

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rounded top edge of the sidewall guides the anchor line along a curved path, naturally constraining its side-to-side movement while still allowing sufficient freedom for the line to be positioned and tied off. The curved surface prevents the line from deviating onto rough areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of operation

If the anchor line must abruptly change direction when passing over the sidewall, then the line can be routed to the cleat, but the line is pressed against a sharp corner causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting of anchor lineVSAvoiddamage to anchor line

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sharp corner at the top edge of the sidewall is replaced with a rounded curve, allowing the anchor line to change direction gradually rather than abruptly. This curved transition path eliminates the sharp corner contact that causes damage while maintaining effective routing to the cleat.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS12420892B2Boat anchor roller

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 GRADY WHITE BOATS INC

AI summary

An anchor roller incudes side walls to allow an anchor to be stored therein. Openings are provided in the side walls to allow the anchor line to pass there through to allow tying to a cleat.