- an unconventional anchor
When boat accessory specialists NOA Aluminium decided they wanted to try to make it in anchors, it was obvious that much of what was known about anchoring techniques up until then, had to be set aside.
Industrial design / NOA / Spring 2016
- challenge
To design an anchor that aligned with NOA's profile and specific area of competence it had to be made completely out of aluminum, and preferably aluminum extrusions. This meant creating a product that passed the high set demands for high end marine tools without the traditional strength and benefits of steel, the dominant material in the market.
Early sketches with variations on how to possibly mount the arms to the blade.
- aluminum 5083
With the characteristics that comes with Aluminum 5083, the total weight of the anchor is halved, while the risk of yielding remains almost as low, compared to the often used steel alloys. This significantly simplifies the handling of the anchor, in the water as well as in the boat.
The blade, extrusions and arms are all made out of Aluminum 5083.
- sheet metal
By using sheet metal in multiple parts instead of a one-piece casted ditto, the anchor could be designed for easy user assembling and -dismounting. Making storage, transportation and manufacturing more effective.
The form evolution of the sheet metal blade.
- extrusions
Thanks to the two angled slots on the blade and the aluminum extrusions that attaches the arms, the construction locks in place by three simple screws.
A close up of the aluminium extrusions that slides on to the blade after being attached to the arms with four screws.
The major steps of assembling the anchor for the first time.
- function
The curved tip and the optimized point of towing allows the anchor to dig into the bottom in which the user intend to fix. A function that is enhanced by the wings of the blade that stabilizes the downward motion.
The lifted connection point and the blade's curved tip and wings are important features for optimizing the anchors function.
Testing the 1:2 scaled prototype in sand. Notice how the anchor, when forces are applied, directly finds it way into the sand and continues to dig deeper as Max pulls the rope.