Coiled Snap Swivel Latch to Prevent Line Snagging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional snap swivels for fishing tackle have an exposed latching hook that can snag or cut fishing lines or leaders, and may inadvertently open due to the loop of a leader becoming lassoed, leading to loss of terminal tackle and fish.
Innovation Solution
A snap swivel with a single wire element forming an eye, a first arm member, a flexible second arm member, and a coiled arrangement of rings, where the latching hook is concealed within the coiled arrangement in the closed position to prevent snagging or cutting, and is designed to maintain a secure connection without exposing the hook.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the latching hook is exposed on traditional snaps, then the snap can be easily opened for attachment, but the latching hook can snag or cut fishing lines and leaders, and may inadvertently open when fishing
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful exposed latching hook is extracted from its traditional exposed position and relocated inside the coiled arrangement of rings. The latching hook remains functional for attachment but is now concealed within the coil structure, preventing it from snagging or cutting fishing lines while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching hook is nested within the coiled arrangement of rings. The coil structure serves as a protective enclosure that contains the latching hook during fishing, allowing the hook to perform its latching function while being shielded from external objects that could cause snagging or cutting.
2Ease of operation
If the latching hook is exposed, then attachment is convenient, but the loop of leader can become lassoed onto the latching hook causing inadvertent opening
Solution Approach 1:
The latching hook is extracted from its exposed position and placed inside the coiled arrangement, eliminating the lassoing hazard while preserving the attachment function. The coil structure provides a protective barrier that prevents leader loops from encircling the hook.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching hook is nested within the protective coil structure, which acts as an outer shell. This nesting arrangement allows the hook to fulfill its attachment purpose while being contained within a structure that prevents inadvertent opening by blocking leader loops from reaching and encircling the hook.
3Device complexity
If a traditional snap design is used, then the structure is simple, but the exposed latching hook causes snagging, cutting, and potential loss of tackle
Solution Approach 1:
The latching hook is nested within the coiled arrangement of rings, creating a protective enclosure. This nested structure adds minimal complexity to the overall snap design while effectively containing the hazardous exposed hook, preventing snagging and cutting of fishing lines and leaders.
Solution Approach 2:
The coiled arrangement, which adds slight structural complexity, is used to convert the harmful exposed hook into a beneficial concealed component. The coil structure that might seem like an added complication actually serves to protect the fishing line by containing the potentially harmful latching hook within its structure.
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 solution prevents snagging or cutting of fishing lines and leaders, ensuring secure attachment and preventing accidental opening of the snap, thus reducing tackle loss and improving fishing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a bottom flexure region between the first arm and the second arm
Implementation Method 2
a coiled arrangement of rings wrapped about an upper portion of the first arm member just below the eye
Data Source
AI summary
A snap swivel for fishing includes a snap component and a swivel component. The snap component includes an eye, a first arm member extending down from the eye, a second arm member defining a lever arm, a bottom flexure region extending between the first arm member and the second arm member, and the bottom flexure region exerting a biasing force to urge the second arm member to a relaxed open position. A coil arrangement formed about the first arm member includes an open gap for receipt of a latching hook on the end of the second arm member in interlocking engagement with the first arm member to close the snap with a distal tip of the latching hook contained within the coil arrangement and guarded to prevent snagging or cutting other fishing tackle.