Dredge Position Controller With Encoder-Based Drag Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dredge systems face high towing tensions, line failures, and manual adjustment challenges, making it difficult to control and retrieve teaser lures effectively, especially in rough sea conditions, which can lead to loss of fish and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A position controller with an electric powered line winding spool, encoder, and microprocessor for precise drag control, using a wired digital bus to interface with marine electronics for automated positioning and tension management, reducing manual intervention and preventing line failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual retrieval of dredges is attempted, then the system is simple and requires no additional devices, but the high towing tension makes retrieval impossible without stopping the boat or employing mechanical advantage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical retrieval with an electric motor-driven spool system. The electric reel assembly includes a motor coupled to a spool that automatically winds the tow line, eliminating the need for manual cranking or mechanical advantage systems. This allows retrieval operation without boat stopping while the motor overcomes the high towing tension forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The drag mechanism is designed to automatically slip at critical tension levels, preventing line breakage without human intervention. The system self-regulates by allowing the drag to slip when tension exceeds predetermined thresholds, then automatically resets when tension decreases, eliminating the need for constant manual adjustment of drag settings.
2Ease of operation
If the boat stops to allow dredge retrieval, then manual retrieval becomes possible, but line pressure is relaxed and fish can be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor-driven spool system enables retrieval operation while the boat maintains forward motion. The motor continuously winds the line, maintaining tension and allowing fish retention, while simultaneously retrieving the dredge. This eliminates the need to stop the boat, thereby preserving line pressure on hooked fish throughout the retrieval process.
3Reliability
If manual adjustment of drag mechanism is performed frequently, then line failures are prevented, but the fishing process is disrupted and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The drag mechanism automatically slips at critical tension levels, preventing line breakage without human intervention. When tension exceeds the drag threshold, the mechanism slips to protect the line, then automatically resets when tension decreases. This self-regulating system eliminates the need for frequent manual adjustments, maintaining line integrity while preserving fishing efficiency and preventing disruptions to the fishing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic feedback through the drag mechanism's slip condition. When line tension reaches critical levels, the drag mechanism detects this through mechanical feedback and automatically slips to reduce tension, preventing line failure. This continuous feedback loop maintains line integrity without requiring external monitoring or manual intervention, thereby preserving fishing productivity.
4Device complexity
If dredge position is not precisely controlled, then the system is simpler, but line tangles, back lashes, and high tension spikes occur in rough seas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates encoders that provide feedback on spool position and line payout. This feedback is sent to a microprocessor that continuously monitors dredge position and adjusts motor operation accordingly. The feedback system detects when the dredge approaches the boat or when excessive tension develops, allowing the microprocessor to adjust motor speed and drag settings to prevent line tangles, back lashes, and tension spikes, thereby maintaining line integrity without requiring complex mechanical control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts motor speed and drag settings based on real-time conditions. The microprocessor receives encoder feedback and continuously modifies operational parameters to maintain optimal dredge positioning. This dynamic control prevents line failures by adapting to changing sea conditions and dredge positions, achieving reliable operation without requiring overly complex static mechanical control systems.
5Ease of operation
If skilled fishermen manually control dredges, then positioning can be adjusted, but valuable time is consumed and other activities are delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The electric reel assembly with automatic drag slip mechanism operates autonomously without requiring skilled fisherman intervention. The system self-regulates drag settings, automatically slips at critical tensions, and maintains dredge positioning without human input. This eliminates the time-consuming manual control operations while preserving effective position control, thereby recovering valuable fishing time for other activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual skilled operation with an automated electric motor-controlled spool system. The microprocessor and encoder system automatically manages dredge positioning, drag adjustment, and retrieval operations without human intervention. This substitution of manual mechanical control with automated electromechanical control eliminates time loss while maintaining or improving positioning accuracy, allowing fishermen to engage in other productive activities simultaneously.
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 system provides safer, more accurate, and trouble-free operation of dredge assemblies, allowing precision control of teaser positioning and reducing line failures, enabling efficient retrieval and deployment without manual intervention, even in challenging sea conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The position controller consists of an electric powered line winding spool with an electric encoder to indicate line speed and position to a microprocessor
Implementation Method 2
A drag control assembly with electric control is used to increase, decrease or set the drag at desired setting by microprocessor control
Implementation Method 3
A drag feedback assembly having a drag feedback assembly such as a potentiometer or optical and Hall effect sensor coupled to a drag motor and drive motor
Data Source
AI summary
A position controller for electronically monitoring the position and speed of a dredge. The position controller consists of an electric powered line winding spool with an electric encoder to indicate line speed and position to a microprocessor. A drag control assembly with electric control is used to increase, decrease or set the drag at desired setting by microprocessor control. Touch screen microprocessor interface is the preferred method to enter settings into the system and allow display/control through multiple preexisting marine electronic devices throughout a fishing boat.