Pivoting Anchor Shank for Reliable Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixed fluke anchors face challenges in reliably orienting, maintaining position, and retrieving anchors, especially in deep water or heavy seabed conditions, leading to potential snagging or sticking issues, particularly with large-scale vessels.
Innovation Solution
An anchor design featuring a fluke with a pivotally connected shank that can transition between deployment and retrieval configurations, utilizing a fastener to retain the shank in the retrieval configuration, and an actuator to facilitate automatic release, along with a brace to restrict pivoting and ensure proper orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the shank is rigidly connected to the fluke to improve strength, then the anchor strength increases, but the ease of retrieval deteriorates due to inability to pivot into optimal retrieval configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The shank is made dynamically adjustable through a pivot connection that allows it to change orientation between deployment and retrieval configurations. During deployment, the shank pivots to optimize digging angle; during retrieval, it pivots to minimize profile and reduce snagging, transforming a static rigid connection into a dynamic adaptive one.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor is segmented into modular components (fluke, shank, fastener) connected by a pivot mechanism. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's function while enabling relative movement between them, particularly the shank's ability to pivot independently during retrieval operations.
2Ease of operation
If the shank is pivotally connected to allow orientation adjustment, then the ease of retrieval improves, but the reliability of maintaining position deteriorates due to potential unintended pivoting
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is pre-configured to automatically engage with the shank when it assumes the correct retrieval configuration. This preliminary positioning of the fastener ensures that once the shank pivots into the optimal retrieval orientation, the fastener is already in place to lock it, preventing unintended pivoting during the critical retrieval phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot mechanism provides mechanical feedback through the fastener engagement system. When the shank reaches the correct orientation, geometric constraints and mechanical interfaces provide feedback that triggers fastener engagement, creating a self-regulating system that maintains reliability without requiring external control.
3Reliability
If a fastener is added to retain the shank in retrieval configuration, then the reliability of retrieval improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener system is designed to be self-activating through mechanical engagement. As the shank pivots into the retrieval configuration, the fastener automatically engages without requiring external actuation, sensors, or control systems. This self-service mechanism adds minimal complexity while maximizing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener acts as a simple mechanical intermediary between the shank and fluke, providing a straightforward engagement interface that translates the shank's pivot motion into a reliable locked position without introducing complex control systems or multiple moving parts.
4Length of stationary object
If the anchor is designed for deep water deployment with long cable lengths, then the water depth capability increases, but the retrieval time increases due to prolonged exposure to snagging risks
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic pivot mechanism allows the anchor to continuously adapt its configuration during retrieval, minimizing its profile as it moves through the water column. This reduces snagging risks throughout the entire retrieval journey, whether the cable is short or extends to great depths, thereby reducing total retrieval time.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor adopts a streamlined retrieval configuration in advance, before encountering potential obstacles during ascent. By pre-positioning the shank and fluke in a minimized profile orientation, the anchor proactively prevents snagging rather than reacting to it, reducing delays regardless of cable length.
Data Source
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AI summary
An anchor (1) comprises a fluke (2) and a shank (3) pivotally connected to one another.The shank (3) is pivotable between an anchor deployment configuration and an anchor retrieval configuration, and a fastener 36 is provided to engage with the shank 3 to retain the shank (3) in the anchor retrieval configuration.