Flat-Piece Nautical Anchor Assembly for Compact Stowage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nautical anchors face challenges in manufacturing, storage, and transport due to their volume and weight, and require complex assembly processes that can lead to errors, while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A nautical anchor composed of three flat pieces - a penetration nail, positioning clamp, and supporting arm - that are coupled symmetrically without tools, using a shackle or carabiner for secure assembly, allowing quick deployment and efficient stowage, even in heterogeneous materials, and optimized weight distribution for enhanced grip on the seabed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional anchors use complex assembly methods with multiple parts and fasteners, then structural strength is improved, but assembly time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is divided into three separate flat pieces that can be stored independently and assembled quickly on board, resolving the contradiction by enabling fast assembly without requiring complex pre-assembly structures
Solution Approach 2:
The three flat pieces are designed to combine into a single functional anchor unit when deployed, merging their individual structures to achieve the required structural strength for anchoring operations
2Stability of the object's composition
If anchors are designed as single solid bodies, then structural integrity is improved, but storage volume and transport weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor structure is segmented into three flat pieces that can be stored in a compact, space-efficient manner, reducing storage volume while maintaining the capability to form an integrated structure when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor pieces are designed as flat two-dimensional structures that can be stacked or stored in layers, utilizing vertical space efficiently and reducing the overall storage footprint compared to traditional three-dimensional anchor forms
3Strength
If anchors use multiple fastening components and welding, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor consists of three separately manufactured flat pieces that are simplified in design, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining connection strength through their geometric interlocking and single fastener system
Solution Approach 2:
The complex welding and multiple fastening components traditionally required for anchor assembly are extracted and replaced with a single simple fastener system, reducing manufacturing complexity while preserving connection integrity
4Volume of moving object
If anchors are designed for easy disassembly into simple parts, then storage efficiency is improved, but assembly reliability and error prevention decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is segmented into three parts that store efficiently but assemble through a designed sequence using a single fastener, where the geometric constraints of the pieces guide correct assembly and prevent errors
Solution Approach 2:
The flat pieces are designed with inherent geometric features that guide their own assembly into the correct configuration, with the single fastener serving as the final locking element, enabling self-assembly with minimal human intervention and high reliability
Data Source
AI summary
Nautical anchor comprising three flat pieces, consisting of a penetration nail, a positioning clamp and a supporting arm, which have a configuration that allows, quickly, easily, and without the need for the use of tools for it, the mutual coupling of the same, being firmly joined and arranged symmetrically with respect to a central vertical longitudinal plane and facing each other, in their working position, so that the nail and the arm are completely perpendicular to each other, the nail being located in a horizontal plane and the arm in a longitudinal vertical plane, while the clamp is located in an inclined vertical plane, facing transversely to the arm and forming an angle greater than 90° with respect to the nail.