Removable Anchor Windlass Mount for Forklift-Safe Pontoon Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The underslung anchor windlass system on pontoon boats is obstructive when lifting the boat with a fork-lift, requiring removal due to potential damage or unsafe lifting, and is inconvenient for storage, especially when fasteners corrode or are difficult to access.
Innovation Solution
An anchor windlass system with a base mount permanently attached to the deck and a slidably received windlass mount, allowing the windlass assembly and bow roller to be conveniently removed as a unit, facilitating safe lifting and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the anchor windlass system is permanently fixed to the deck structure, then the installation is stable and secure, but the system cannot be removed when needed for lifting or storage
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor windlass system is divided into two main segments: a base mount that is permanently fixed to the deck structure, and a windlass mount that can be removed. This segmentation allows the system to maintain stable installation through the fixed base while enabling removal of the operational components when needed for lifting or storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the base mount and windlass mount transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic removable connection. The windlass mount can be slidably received onto the base mount and then securely fastened when needed, or removed when not needed, providing adaptability while maintaining stability during use.
2Reliability
If the windlass assembly is permanently attached to the deck, then it provides stable anchoring operation, but it obstructs fork-lift insertion and creates safety hazards during lifting
Solution Approach 1:
The windlass assembly is extracted from the permanently fixed portion and placed on a removable windlass mount. This allows the operational components to be removed from the deck area before lifting operations, eliminating obstructions and safety hazards, while the base mount remains securely attached to provide stable reinstallation capability.
3Reliability
If the anchor windlass system remains installed during storage, then no reinstallation is needed, but it is vulnerable to damage and requires complex removal procedures when lifting is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The windlass mount is designed with preliminary alignment features that guide it onto the base mount during installation. The sliding reception mechanism and fastener alignment are pre-configured to simplify the attachment process, making reinstallation after lifting operations straightforward rather than complex.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed an anchor windlass system for installation on a boat, the boat including at least two hulls and a deck structure supported by the hulls, the deck structure having a top side and a bottom side. The anchor windlass system is configured to be attached to the bottom side of the deck structure. The anchor windlass system comprises a base mount configured to be permanently attached to the bottom side of the deck structure, and a windlass mount configured to be slidably received onto the base mount and to be removably attached to the base mount.The windlass mount has a windlass attached to the windlass mount and a bow roller assembly attached to the windlass mount. Also disclosed is a related method of installing the anchor windlass system on a boat, and a boat equipped with an anchor windlass system.