Ice Screw Assembly With Washer Anchor for Stable Shack Tie-Down
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screw devices for anchoring ice shacks to ice lack an efficient mechanism to securely attach the anchoring line, leading to instability and potential detachment during ice conditions.
Innovation Solution
A screw device comprising a screw with a threaded and unthreaded portion, a first washer to abut the ice, and a second washer with an opening to attach an anchoring line, ensuring secure anchoring of ice shacks to the ice.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing screw devices are used for anchoring ice shacks, then the anchoring mechanism is simple, but the attachment stability is poor and detachment occurs during ice conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the second washer inside the hexagonal head structure, with the anchoring line passing through the central opening of the second washer. This nested configuration allows the anchoring mechanism to be integrated within the existing screw device footprint, providing stable attachment without significantly increasing external dimensions or structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second washer serves as an intermediary element between the ice screw and the anchoring line. Its central opening provides a dedicated attachment point for the anchoring line, while its positioning between the first washer and hexagonal head mediates the force transmission. This intermediary structure enables reliable attachment stability without requiring direct modification of the ice screw shaft or head.
2Reliability
If a secure anchoring line attachment mechanism is added, then detachment is prevented, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The second washer performs multiple functions: it provides a structural support element, creates a central opening for anchoring line attachment, and positions itself between the first washer and hexagonal head to distribute loads. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent prevents detachment without requiring additional separate components such as clips, hooks, or secondary fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the anchoring line attachment function with the existing washer structure. Instead of adding a separate attachment mechanism, the second washer is designed with a central opening that directly accommodates the anchoring line, combining the support and attachment functions into a single integrated component that reduces overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the second washer is positioned between the first washer and head, then anchoring line attachment is facilitated, but the space utilization becomes constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the radial dimension of the screw device by positioning the second washer concentrically within the hexagonal head structure. The central opening of the second washer aligns with the screw axis, allowing anchoring line attachment in the radial direction without interfering with the axial threading operation. This dimensional arrangement facilitates easy anchoring line attachment while efficiently utilizing the available space within the hexagonal head footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
An ice screw assembly includes a screw that has a head and a shaft. The shaft has a threaded portion and an unthreaded portion and the threaded portion penetrates ice for securing the screw into the ice. A first washer is secured around the screw and the first washer is positioned on the unthreaded portion of the shaft to abut the ice when the screw is threaded into the ice. A second washer is movably positioned around the screw and the second washer is positioned between the first washer and the head. The second washer has an opening extending through the second washer thereby facilitating an anchoring line of an ice shack to be attached to the second washer to secure the ice shack to the ice.