Kayak Anchor Support System with Orthogonal Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchor support systems for kayaks face challenges such as limited storage space, tangling of anchor ropes, instability of the kayak, and insufficient anchoring to prevent rotation due to currents.
Innovation Solution
A kayak anchor support system comprising a front and rear anchor support system with orthogonal support arms, pulleys, reels, and routing conduits that allow for easy deployment and stowage of anchors, preventing tangling and ensuring stability by anchoring from opposing ends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the anchor is stored within the passenger compartment of the kayak, then the anchor can be kept secure when not in use, but the storage space is minimal and the anchor interferes with the user's comfort or enjoyment
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system is extracted from the passenger compartment and relocated to an external mounting system on the kayak. The support arm assembly with reel and pulley is mounted on the exterior, allowing the anchor to be stored and deployed outside the passenger compartment, thus eliminating the interference with user comfort while maintaining secure storage.
2Ease of operation
If a free rope is used for the anchor system, then the anchor can be deployed and retrieved easily, but the rope may become tangled in other items and equipment stored within the kayak
Solution Approach 1:
A reel mechanism serves as an intermediary between the user and the anchor rope. The reel controls the rope dispensing and retrieval, preventing the rope from freely moving and tangling with other equipment. The pulley system also acts as an intermediary to guide the rope along a controlled path from the reel to the anchor, eliminating tangling issues while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the kayak is maneuvered to retrieve the anchor or disentangle the rope, then the anchor can be accessed, but the kayak becomes unstable and may capsize
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor retrieval function is extracted from the kayak interior and relocated to an external position accessible from the side or rear of the kayak. The reel and pulley assembly is positioned such that the user can operate it without needing to maneuver or exit the kayak, eliminating the stability risk while maintaining ease of anchor retrieval.
4Device complexity
If a single anchor system is used, then the system is simple, but it is insufficient to retain the kayak in a stable position as currents may cause the kayak to rotate about the anchor point
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system is segmented into multiple independent anchor points distributed along the kayak (forward, aft, and side positions). Each anchor point has its own reel and support arm assembly, allowing the kayak to be anchored at multiple locations simultaneously. This segmentation provides rotational stability against currents while maintaining relatively simple individual components.
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
The system provides convenient storage and deployment of anchors, prevents tangling, and ensures kayak stability by anchoring from both ends, effectively addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
A pulley is affixed to the distal end of the second support arm
Implementation Method 2
An anchor cable is engaged with each of the pulley and a reel, wherein the reel is disposed opposite the pulley. An anchor is affixed to a terminal end of the anchor cable, whereupon actuation of the reel, the anchor is selectively movable between a raised position and a lowered position
Data Source
AI summary
A kayak anchor support system includes a first support arm having a first end opposite a second end, wherein the first support arm is removably securable to a kayak via at least one mounting bracket. A proximal end of a second support arm is affixed to the first support arm adjacent to the first end. The second support arm extends orthogonally from the first support arm such that a distal end of the second support arm is maintained in an elevated position above the kayak. A pulley is affixed to the distal end of the second support arm. An anchor cable is engaged with each of the pulley and a reel, wherein the reel is disposed opposite the pulley. An anchor is affixed to a terminal end of the anchor cable, whereupon actuation of the reel, the anchor is selectively movable between a raised position and a lowered positioned.