Windlass Assembly Integrated Bow Roller Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of windlass and bow roller assemblies in marine craft is labor-intensive and complex, requiring substantial time and numerous fixings, and poses alignment and safety hazards due to separate components.
Innovation Solution
A windlass assembly with a connection portion that links the windlass and bow roller, providing mechanical alignment, fixed or adjustable spacing, and safety features like a channel cover to prevent contact with the anchor rode, along with a rode securing mechanism to prevent unwanted movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the windlass and bow roller are installed separately, then each component can be independently positioned, but the installation becomes labor-intensive and complex requiring substantial time and numerous fixings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the windlass and bow roller into a single integrated assembly with a fixed relationship between components. The windlass is positioned at the aft end of the bow roller, creating a unified structure that is installed as one unit rather than separate components, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining proper positioning
2Adaptability or versatility
If the windlass and bow roller are installed separately, then each component can be independently secured, but the alignment between components becomes critical and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated assembly design inherently provides alignment between the windlass and bow roller through their fixed spatial relationship. The windlass is positioned at the aft end of the bow roller, eliminating the need for separate alignment operations that would be required if installed as independent components
3Volume of moving object
If the windlass is set back from the bow to provide anchor locker space, then the anchor locker can be properly located, but the distance from the bow increases requiring longer anchor rode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the longitudinal dimension of the bow roller to position the windlass at its aft end, effectively using the length of the bow roller itself to minimize the setback distance. This dimensional approach allows the windlass to be as forward as possible while still providing adequate anchor locker space, thereby reducing the required anchor rode length
Data Source
AI summary
A windlass assembly for a marine craft anchoring system is disclosed. The assembly comprises, before attachment to the craft, a windlass portion and a bow roller portion connected to each other via a connection portion. The connection portion provides a mechanical link between the windlass portion and the bow roller portion, secures alignment between the windlass portion and the bow roller portion and fixes the spacing between the windlass portion and the bow roller portion.