Water-Activated Bobber Release with Dissolvable Tablet Valve
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water-activated bobber release devices are prone to inadvertent release due to premature activation from moisture and corrosion between dissimilar materials, and they often have complex moving parts that are not reusable or fail to function when exposed to water, making them unreliable for fishing applications.
Innovation Solution
A water-activated bobber release device with a dissolvable tablet and a valve system that prevents water from entering until submerged, using a spring-loaded mechanism to jettison the bobber assembly when water pressure is sufficient, and a design that minimizes moving parts for quick resetting and reusability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dissolvable tablet is used to hold the bobber in place by applying shearing force, then the bobber can be retained, but the device is prone to inadvertent release due to premature activation from moisture and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
A valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the external environment and the dissolvable tablet. The valve controls water access to the tablet, allowing it to remain sealed and protected from premature moisture exposure during transport and storage, while enabling controlled activation when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful factor (water) is extracted or blocked from reaching the dissolvable tablet through the valve mechanism. This separation prevents the tablet from being exposed to moisture that would cause premature dissolution and inadvertent bobber release
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple moving parts are used in the device, then the device can function as water-activated, but the moving parts rust when exposed to water and fail to release the bobber
Solution Approach 1:
The internal reel and other moving parts are removed from the device. The release mechanism is simplified to rely on the dissolvable tablet and spring system, eliminating components that would rust and fail when exposed to water
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical reel system is replaced with a simpler chemical-mechanical system using a dissolvable tablet and spring. The spring provides the releasing force without requiring rotating mechanical parts that are susceptible to rust
3Extent of automation
If deeply-positioned moving parts are used, then the device can activate features, but the parts prevent resetting the device without complete disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular components: the housing, the dissolvable tablet, the spring mechanism, and the bobber assembly. This segmentation allows the user to quickly remove and replace the tablet and bobber components without disassembling the entire device, enabling easy resetting
Solution Approach 2:
The dissolvable tablet is designed as a consumable component that is replaced after use. This disposable element simplifies the resetting process, as users can quickly swap out the dissolved tablet for a fresh one without needing to repair or clean the main device mechanism
4Reliability
If dissimilar materials are used at the point of contact between tablet and opposing structure, then the bobber can be held, but corrosion and strain weaken the tablet prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The valve and internal structures that contact the dissolvable tablet are made from the same or similar materials (plastic components). This material homogeneity eliminates galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals and reduces differential strain, preventing premature tablet weakening
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device effectively prevents premature activation and ensures reliable bobber release only when submerged, maintaining the integrity of the dissolvable tablet and allowing for easy resetting and reuse, reducing corrosion risks and maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a dissolvable tablet within the framework... When the device is submerged in water, the valve allows water into the housing which dissolves the tablet
Implementation Method 2
The screw's flared head engages the framework and its elongated threaded section extends through the central hole and the center hole where the fastener connects to the screw to hold the spring in compression
Implementation Method 3
a valve that prevents water from entering the housing unless the device is submerged and water pressure forces water through the valve into the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A water-activated bobber release device has a housing, a bobber assembly, a spool and a line, a bobbin assembly with a dissolvable tablet, a screw extending through a central hole in the bobber assembly and a center hole in the dissolvable tablet of the bobbin assembly, and a cap with an aperture and a valve between the aperture and the bobbin assembly. The screw engages the bobbin assembly and a threaded fastener to compress a spring. When the device is submerged in a body of water at a certain depth, the pressure opens the valve to allow water to enter. The water dissolves the tablet which collapses the bobbin assembly, and the spring forces the bobber away from the housing. Once released from the housing, the bobber is free to float to the surface of the water allowing for the retrieval of the submerged item attached to the housing.