Retrievable Anchor With Dual Frangible Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anchor systems face difficulties in retrieving anchors stuck in underwater obstructions and require complex procedures for resetting, which complicates their operation.

Innovation Solution

A retrievable anchor system featuring a dual attachment assembly with a primary directional attachment and a secondary frangible attachment, allowing the anchor to be released from obstructions by inverting the anchor and breaking a frangible loop, facilitating easy retrieval and resetting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an anchor is designed with a single permanent attachment point, then the anchor holds securely to the vessel, but the anchor cannot be easily retrieved when stuck in obstructions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidretrieval ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into two separate attachment structures (primary and secondary) at different locations on the shank, allowing independent operation of each attachment point during retrieval operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor can be inverted and pulled downward to engage the secondary attachment structure, reversing the normal upward pull direction to access a different attachment point for retrieval

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If a directional attachment is used, then the anchor maintains secure connection during normal operation, but the attachment cannot release when needed for retrieval

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidrelease capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment structures transition from a static permanent connection to a dynamic system where the secondary attachment can be selectively engaged or disengaged based on operational needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment state changes from permanently fixed to conditionally releasable by altering the engagement status of the secondary attachment structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the attachment point is located at the top of the shank, then retrieval is facilitated, but the anchor may not hold securely during normal operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretrieval easeVSAvoidholding security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holding function is segmented between the primary attachment structure for secure mooring and the secondary attachment structure for retrieval operations, allowing each to be optimized for its specific function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The secondary attachment structure acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables retrieval operations without compromising the primary holding function during normal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8783201B2Retrievable anchor system

Publication Date: 2014.07.22 MELLAGE BRYAN

AI summary

A retrievable anchor system may comprise an anchor having a central shank with a top and bottom end, an elongate flexible member having a base end substantially permanently fixed to the bottom end of the central shank. The system may further comprise a dual attachment assembly releasably attaching a location on the flexible member to a location on the central shank located toward the top of the anchor, with the location on the flexible member being separated from the base end of the member. The dual attachment assembly may comprise a primary attachment structure forming a directional attachment between the flexible member and the central shank, and a secondary attachment structure forming a frangible attachment of the flexible member to the central shank.