Telescoping Shallow Water Anchor for Trolling Motor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shallow water anchor systems are inconvenient and lack a mechanism for easy extension and retraction, which limits their usability and compatibility with trolling motors.

Innovation Solution

A retractable shallow water anchor apparatus featuring a telescoping anchor with internal movable members, connected to a trolling motor via a motor mount and cleat system, allowing for selective extension and retraction by manipulating a rope, ensuring the anchor travels with the motor and can be easily deployed and stowed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional shallow water anchor system is used, then the anchor can hold the boat in place, but the system lacks a mechanism for easy extension and retraction, making it inconvenient and limiting usability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of extension and retractionVSAvoidlack of extension/retraction mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor system is divided into multiple telescoping sections that can independently extend and retract. Each section contains anchor members that can be selectively deployed, allowing the system to transition between compact storage and functional deployment states through sequential segment activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor system incorporates dynamic telescoping members that can change length and configuration based on operational requirements. The anchor members transition between retracted and extended states, providing adaptability for different water depths and anchoring needs while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the anchor is made extendable and retractable, then ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanisms required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusability and compatibility with trolling motorsVSAvoidmechanism for extension and retraction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor system is designed to interface with trolling motors through universal mounting mechanisms, allowing the same anchor apparatus to serve multiple functions including anchoring, towing, and storage. The telescoping design enables the anchor to adapt to various water depths and boat configurations, enhancing versatility without requiring multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor members are nested within telescoping sections that can be stored compactly within the boat or motor housing. When deployment is required, the nested sections extend sequentially, providing the needed anchor length. This nesting approach maximizes adaptability while minimizing the space required for storage and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS8943990B2Retractable shallow water anchor apparatus, and methods of constructing and utilizing same

Publication Date: 2015.02.03 MCQUADE MAX EDWARD

AI summary

A retractable shallow water anchor system that mounts onto the trolling motor on a boat. The anchor system does not stick up above the top of the trolling motor. When the motor is pulled up or put down, the anchor system travels with it. With the trolling motor down, the user removes the rope from the cleat on the anchor system and two fiberglass rods extend out (extend to 7-8 ft.) to anchor the boat in place. The unit is made of aluminum, stainless steel, and fiberglass.