Dual-Axis Spool Fishing Reel for Line Twist Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fishing reels suffer from line twist issues during casting and retrieval, leading to tangling problems, and existing drag mechanisms are either mechanically complex or lack adjustability.

Innovation Solution

A fishing reel with a spool that rotates about two axes, featuring a viscous fluid drag system and a dual configuration for casting and retrieval, which counteracts line twist by synchronizing the spool's rotation with the rotor axis during retrieval and pay-out, and includes a pivotally mounted shroud assembly and gearing to manage line wrapping and drag adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a spool rotates about a single transverse axis during retrieval, then line is wound onto the reel, but line twist accumulates causing tangling problems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveline retrieval efficiencyVSAvoidline twist and tangling
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by changing the rotation from a single transverse axis to a dual-axis system. The spool rotates about a first transverse axis during normal retrieval operations, and simultaneously rotates about a second transverse axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. This dual-axis rotation creates a twisting motion that counteracts the line twist accumulated during casting, thereby eliminating the harmful tangling effect while maintaining efficient line retrieval.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a frictional drag mechanism is used to retard line pay-out, then fish can be tired out, but the mechanism becomes mechanically complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefish tiring capabilityVSAvoiddrag mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by replacing the traditional mechanical frictional drag mechanism with a fluid-based drag system. A viscous fluid is positioned between the spool and a drag plate, where the fluid provides drag resistance through viscous shear forces. This fluid dynamic approach eliminates the need for complex mechanical friction components such as cam mechanisms or adjustable friction plates, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining the ability to retard line pay-out and tire fish.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Device complexity

If a viscous fluid drag system is used, then drag adjustment is simplified, but the system requires precise control of fluid viscosity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrag mechanism simplicityVSAvoidfluid viscosity control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by utilizing the temperature-dependent viscosity characteristics of the viscous fluid. Instead of requiring precise manufacturing control of the fluid's viscosity, the system exploits the natural variation of viscosity with temperature. As water temperature changes during fishing conditions, the fluid viscosity automatically adjusts, providing a self-regulating drag mechanism. This thermal parameter change approach simplifies the drag system while using environmental temperature as the control variable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 reel effectively reduces line twist and tangling by compensating for casting-induced twist during retrieval, while the viscous fluid drag system provides adjustable resistance to handle hooked fish, enhancing fishing performance and reducing mechanical complexity.

Implementation Method 1

A viscous fluid is positioned between the drag plate and the friction plate which provides viscous shear therebetween

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscous shear: Viscous Damping

Data Source

PatentUS8876031B2Fishing reel with dual spool spin axes
Publication Date: 2014.11.04 BLOEMENDAAL BRENT J
  • US8876031B2 patent drawing
  • US8876031B2 patent drawing
  • US8876031B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A fishing reel with dual spool spin axes includes a housing, a rotor assembly rotatably mounted on the housing, and a spool shroud assembly including a fishing line spool gimbal mounted on the rotor assembly. The shroud assembly is movable between a casting position with a spool axis parallel to a rod axis and a retrieve position with the spool axis perpendicular to the rod axis. The spool is geared to the housing in such a manner that rotation of the rotor assembly about a rotor axis to retrieve the line causes the spool to spin about the rotor axis and simultaneously about a spool axis to counteract twist in the line caused by the manner of casting the line or by line pay-out by a hooked fish.