Radial Arm Split Crown Anchor Self-Releasing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat anchoring systems pose a significant risk of capsizing when the anchor becomes snagged, leading to potential loss of life and equipment damage, as boaters attempt to pull the anchor free, which can result in unintended capsizing and drowning.
Innovation Solution
The Radial Arm Double Shank Split Crown Self-Releasing Mechanism Anchor, which incorporates a radial arm and shear pin mechanism that allows the anchor to automatically release from underwater snags, enabling safe retrieval by pivoting 180 degrees and separating from the snag, preventing capsizing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the anchor is designed to be securely held in place during anchoring, then anchoring reliability is improved, but the ability to release from snags is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the anchor shank movable rather than fixed. The shank is designed to pivot at the crown and can rotate 180 degrees when subjected to upward pulling force on the anchor line. This dynamic movement allows the anchor to automatically release from snags by changing its orientation, while still providing reliable anchoring when in the correct position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the automatic release mechanism. When the anchor becomes snagged and the operator pulls the anchor line upward, the anchor automatically pivots and releases from the snag without requiring manual intervention. The shear pin breaks under the force, causing the shank to rotate and free the anchor, making the system self-releasing and eliminating the need for complex manual release operations.
2Device complexity
If the anchor uses a fixed shank design, then structural simplicity is improved, but the ability to automatically release from snags is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the anchor shank into two separate components: a fixed crown portion and a movable shank portion connected by a shear pin. This segmentation allows the shank to pivot and rotate when needed for release, while maintaining a simple overall structure. The shear pin acts as a controlled weak point that enables the segmentation to function automatically under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a shear pin as an intermediary element between the crown and the shank. This shear pin serves as a controlled failure point that allows the shank to detach and pivot when subjected to upward force. The intermediary shear pin enables the automatic release mechanism while keeping the overall design simple and avoiding the need for complex actuators or control systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If the anchor requires manual pulling to free from snags, then ease of manufacture is improved, but safety risk is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing the anchor to automatically release from snags through its own mechanical response to loading. When upward force is applied to the anchor line, the shear pin breaks and the shank pivots, causing the anchor to free itself without requiring complex manual intervention systems. This self-releasing capability eliminates the dangerous manual pulling operations while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-designing the anchor with a built-in release mechanism that counteracts the harmful effect of snagging before it can cause capsizing. The shear pin and pivot joint are pre-configured to automatically activate when snagging occurs, creating an opposing action that frees the anchor from the hazardous situation before manual intervention would be needed, thereby preventing capsizing.
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
This mechanism effectively prevents loss of life and equipment while ensuring safe and reliable anchoring, allowing the anchor to be easily retrieved even when snagged, reducing the risk of capsizing and protecting the environment.
Implementation Method 1
it causes the shear pin holding the anchor shank and the radial arm shank together to shear and separate from each other
Implementation Method 2
the longer alternate, radial arm shank that twins the anchor shank horizontally, side by side, connected to the anchor shank by means of a 1⁄4×1′′×20 threaded nylon pin, plastic bolt or heavy nylon or plastic zip tie receives a continued upward tug of approximately 50 lbs of pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A common experience for boat owners is to lose anchors, particularly when anchored next to structure, wrecks, sunken debris, tree roots, rocks or other obstacles that are likely to become firmly engaged, holding the flukes of an anchor. Attempts to release the anchor by maneuvering the boat or by the manipulation of the anchor line often prove futile and succeed only in increasing the entanglement of the anchor. Ultimately it may lead to anchor loss or even loss of life of those on board the boat. This fluke style anchor mechanism design was invented by research and development through which the inventor created the Radial Arm Double Shank Split Crown Self-Releasing Mechanism Anchor providing a superior, safer, practical and economical solution to overcome the aforementioned problems of past art devices referenced herein or exhibited within this document shown in exhibits; Description of the Prior Art or Patent Citations and Searches.