Ship Anchor With Segmented Joint Cavity and Spherical Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ship anchors face issues such as deformation under load, corrosion, and sticking due to their design, particularly in sandy or rubble anchorage, and are limited by weight and holding capacity, especially when used in larger yachts.

Innovation Solution

A ship anchor with a spherical housing and a pivotably mounted anchor rod, featuring a loose guidance system and a releasable cover for the joint cavity, along with surface-hardened stainless steel construction, allows for efficient penetration and distribution of force without deformation, and can be easily adapted in size using foam casting models.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a hinged anchor with a bearing head pivotally mounted in a joint cavity is used, then the anchor is suitable for larger yachts, but the bearing head may become stuck in the joint cavity due to corrosion or contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuitability for larger yachtsVSAvoidrisk of bearing head sticking

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The joint cavity is divided into two parts: a first joint cavity in the anchor head and a second joint cavity in the anchor rod. The bearing head transitions from being fully enclosed in one cavity to being distributed across two separate cavities connected by a passage, allowing segmentation of the joint space to prevent sticking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing head is extracted from the single enclosed joint cavity and repositioned to extend through the passage into the second joint cavity. This extraction from the confined space eliminates the risk of the bearing head becoming stuck due to corrosion or contamination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Manufacturing precision

If the joint cavity is made tight-fitting for precision, then the bearing head is securely positioned, but the anchor rod may become stuck and cannot move freely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetight-fitting joint cavityVSAvoidfreedom of anchor rod movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The joint cavity is segmented into two separate cavities (first in anchor head, second in anchor rod) connected by a passage. This segmentation allows the bearing head to be positioned precisely in the first cavity while having clearance to move freely through the passage into the second cavity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The passage acts as an intermediary space between the two joint cavities, allowing the bearing head to transition smoothly while maintaining precise positioning in the first cavity and freedom of movement through the passage to the second cavity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If the anchor head is made rigid to resist deformation, then the anchor can handle larger loads, but the anchor head may deform under occurring anchor loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to anchor loadsVSAvoiddeformation of anchor head

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor head is designed with a spherical shape, which distributes stresses uniformly across its surface and prevents localized deformation under anchor loads, while maintaining the strength needed for larger yacht applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 design ensures stable anchoring with reduced risk of deformation and sticking, enhanced holding capacity, and cost-effective production, suitable for larger yachts, while maintaining weight efficiency and preventing anchor head deformation.

Implementation Method 1

the anchor head has a substantially spherical housing. This can absorb relatively large forces without deforming against the flukes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpherical shape force distribution:

Implementation Method 2

the anchor is subjected to surface hardening in a furnace after casting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface hardening: Case Hardening

Implementation Method 3

then smoothed by shot peening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShot peening: Shot Peening

Data Source

PatentEP2399818B1Ship anchor

Publication Date: 2013.01.16 FIMBINGER JOHANN

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AI summary

The anchor has two anchor palms (7) provided at an anchor head (1) and symmetrically moved towards a pivoting plane of an anchor rod (2). The anchor head comprises a joint hollow space, which forms a joint socket for a bearing head (4) that is provided at an associated end of the anchor rod. The space runs towards a side as an opened hole, where the side is turned towards anchor palms tips (8). The joint hollow space runs opposite to the side with a guide slot (6) for pivoting motion of the rod such that the rod is detachably supported at the head in a guided manner. An independent claim is also included for a method for manufacturing a ship anchor.