Leonardo da Vinci designed a canal lock to let boats overcome a difference in water level. His work on canal engineering in northern Italy included improvements to lock designs used on navigable waterways.
A canal lock is a chamber with gates at both ends. A boat enters the chamber, the gates close, and water is added or released until the boat reaches the level of the next section of canal. The second gate can then open safely.
Leonardo’s contributions included attention to mitre gates, water control, and practical canal construction. His designs were connected with projects around Milan and the Naviglio system.
Leonardo did not invent the general idea of a lock from nothing; earlier forms existed in Europe and China. His importance lies in analyzing and improving the engineering of locks for reliable navigation.