Articulating Ice Scoop for Fish Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for ice fishing, such as pulling fish directly out of the water or using traditional ice scoops, fail to meet market needs as they require bending, can be wet, and are not suitable for elderly or disabled individuals.
Innovation Solution
An articulating ice scoop made of temperature-resistant polypropylene and stainless steel that allows for the removal of ice, debris, and fish from an ice hole without bending or getting wet, featuring a handle-activated mechanism that flips the scoop to a 90-degree angle for easy retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional ice scoops are used to scoop ice out of the ice hole, then ice removal function is achieved, but it requires bending and lifting which is hard on the back and not good for elderly or someone with a disability
Solution Approach 1:
The scoop head is made articulating with respect to the shaft, allowing it to move between a first position for scooping ice and a second position for dumping ice. This dynamic configuration eliminates the need for bending and lifting, as the scoop automatically positions itself for both scooping and dumping operations through the articulation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating scoop is designed to automatically transition between scooping and dumping positions using the articulation mechanism and buoyancy forces. The scoop head self-adjusts to the optimal dumping angle when lifted from the water, eliminating the need for manual manipulation or bending by the user.
2Ease of operation
If fish are pulled directly out of the water using the fishing line, then fish retrieval is achieved, but the fisherperson may get wet and cold or the line may break
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating scoop serves as an intermediary tool between the fishing line and the fish. Instead of directly pulling the fish with the line, the scoop captures the fish and provides mechanical support for lifting it out of the water. This intermediary mechanism distributes the weight and reduces stress on the fishing line while preventing the user's hands from getting wet.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the scoop is designed to scoop ice and fish, then multi-functionality is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating scoop is designed as a universal tool that performs multiple functions: scooping ice, retrieving fish, and cleaning debris from the ice hole. The same articulating mechanism and scoop head configuration serve all these purposes, achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate specialized tools for each task.
Data Source
AI summary
An ice fishing tool takes the form of an articulating scoop or ladle for scooping out fish, ice, or debris configured as an ice fishing tool. The tool comprises a handle, a perforated scoop, and a shaft connecting the handle to the scoop. The tool also comprises an articulating actuating assembly made up of a spring and one or more pivotally-connected links that couple a handle trigger to the scoop. Actions of squeezing the handle trigger toward the handle and releasing the handle trigger cause the scoop to move between a position approximately parallel to the shaft and a position approximately perpendicular to the shaft.