Wearable Fishing Rod Harness Redirects Horizontal Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fishing activities, particularly angling, cause back and spinal strain due to the horizontal exertion of forces from the fishing rod, leading to discomfort and potential injury, especially for older or weaker anglers.
Innovation Solution
A wearable fishing rod harness that redirects these horizontal forces to a vertical direction, distributing them across the torso and down to the feet, thereby reducing spinal and bodily injury risk, while allowing free movement of the rod to prevent tangling and facilitate reattachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the angler manually holds and maneuvers the fishing rod, then the rod can be freely positioned and moved, but back and spinal strain increases due to horizontal forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a harness as an intermediary device between the angler's body and the fishing rod. The harness includes a rod holder that attaches to the rod and a wearable harness structure that distributes forces across the torso, shoulders, and hips, preventing direct transmission of horizontal forces to the back and spine while maintaining full rod maneuverability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the force transmission direction from horizontal (against the back) to vertical (down through the harness structure to the hips and legs). The harness redirects the lateral forces exerted on the rod into a vertical load path that the body can better support, changing the dimension of force application from problematic horizontal compression to manageable vertical loading
2Productivity
If stronger muscles are used to pivot the rod rearward, then the rod can be maneuvered effectively, but muscle over-exertion and pain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The harness acts as a mechanical intermediary that takes over the load-bearing function from the muscles. The rod holder and harness structure provide the necessary support to pivot and position the rod, eliminating the need for excessive muscular effort while maintaining full control and effectiveness in rod maneuvering
3Reliability
If the angler maintains a fixed grip on the rod, then control is precise, but arm and shoulder strain increases during extended fishing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control function into two parts: the harness provides primary support and stabilization of the rod, while the angler's hands provide fine control and positioning. This segmentation allows precise control to be maintained through minimal hand movements on the rod, while the harness bears the majority of the support load, significantly reducing arm and shoulder strain during extended fishing periods
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus wearable on a torso of a user to support and article such as a fishing rod is disclosed. The apparatus includes a primary panel defined by an external side and an internal side that has a contour substantially conforming to the torso. The primary panel is also defined by a central section interposed between a left peripheral section and a right peripheral section, with the central section including at least one open recess that is receptive to the article. The recess is defined by an outline on the primary panel and a depth that extends into the primary panel. The apparatus also includes at least one harness member that cooperates with the primary panel to secure the same to the torso and redirect horizontal forces against the primary panel to a vertical direction. The harness member is engageable to the shoulders of the user.