Fishing Rod Harness with Rotating Sockets Redirects Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fishing activities often lead to back strain and spinal discomfort due to the physical demands of managing fishing rods, particularly for older or weaker anglers, as conventional methods require substantial exertion and can result in pain and potential injury.
Innovation Solution
A wearable fishing rod harness with a primary panel that redirects horizontal forces exerted by the rod to a vertical direction, using a combination of partial spherical sockets and harness members to distribute the force across the torso, thereby alleviating back strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fishing rod handling methods are used, then anglers can maintain control and maneuverability of the rod, but back strain and spinal compression increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a harness system 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 distributes its weight across the angler's torso through shoulder straps and a waist belt, preventing direct transmission of rod weight and maneuvering forces to the back and spine.
Solution Approach 2:
The harness system divides the load-bearing function into multiple components: shoulder straps that distribute weight across the shoulders, a waist belt that anchors the system to the lower torso, and a rod holder that interfaces with the fishing rod. This segmentation allows forces to be distributed across multiple body regions rather than concentrated on the back.
2Productivity
If anglers pivot the rod rearward to distribute line tension, then fishing effectiveness improves, but muscle exertion and spinal twisting increase
Solution Approach 1:
The harness system provides a counterbalancing support structure that opposes the weight of the fishing rod and the forces generated during rod maneuvering. The shoulder straps and waist belt create a distributed support network that counteracts gravitational force on the rod, reducing the muscular effort required to maintain rod position and execute pivoting motions.
3Ease of operation
If anglers use substantial back and abdominal muscle exertion to pivot the rod, then rod control is maintained, but pain and potential injury result
Solution Approach 1:
The harness acts as a mechanical intermediary that transfers rod control forces from the angler's hands and arms to the harness structure, which then distributes these forces to the shoulders and waist. This eliminates the need for back and abdominal muscles to generate substantial force for rod pivoting, preventing pain and injury while maintaining full rod control capability.
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 harness effectively reduces back strain by distributing the forces exerted by the fishing rod vertically, minimizing the load on the upper and lower back and allowing for easier handling of the rod without excessive exertion.
Implementation Method 1
a partial spherical socket that is receptive to at least a corresponding partial spherical joint member in a rotating engagement
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus wearable on a torso of a user to support a fishing rod is disclosed. A primary panel is defined by an external side, an internal side, and a central section. The internal side has a contour substantially conforming to an abdominal side of the torso, while the central section is interposed between a left peripheral section and a right peripheral section, and further defined by a tapered top end apex, through which a center axis spanning a length of the central section extends. Partial spherical sockets are in a spaced relationship aligned in a single column along the center axis. The socket is receptive to a corresponding partial spherical joint member in a rotating engagement, and the joint member is coupled to the article. A harness member secures the primary panel to the torso and redirect horizontal forces against the primary panel to a vertical direction.