Fishing Reel Snap Lock Button Spool Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fishing reels face issues with durability and user safety when cutting a fishing line stuck to obstacles, as current spool locking structures are complex and prone to damage or require continuous button pressing, leading to potential injury or equipment loss.
Innovation Solution
A fishing reel with a snap button mechanism that locks a locking protrusion into a rectangular or trapezoidal locking groove, allowing for one-touch operation and minimizing line loss, where the locking protrusion remains engaged even after the pressing force is reduced, and automatically unlocks when tension is removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex spool locking structure with multiple parts is used, then the spool can be prevented from rotating, but the locking structure and reel are severely damaged when cutting a fishing line stuck to an obstacle
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into a spool shaft with locking protrusions and a reel body with locking grooves, allowing the locking function to be separated from the main spool structure. This segmentation enables the locking components to be designed for high strength and simplicity, reducing damage risk during emergency line cutting.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted from the complex multi-part structure and implemented through simple geometric features (protrusions and grooves) directly formed on the spool shaft and reel body. This extraction eliminates unnecessary intermediate components that could fail under emergency loads.
2Ease of operation
If a spool locking structure with necessary tolerances between multiple parts is used, then the spool can be locked, but the structure is prone to damage when cutting a fishing line
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and unlocking functions are merged into a single snap button operation. The snap button simultaneously engages the locking protrusions into the locking grooves and disengages them when pressed, eliminating the need for separate locking and unlocking mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap button serves multiple functions: it acts as both the locking actuator and the unlocking mechanism, and also provides tactile feedback to confirm the locking state. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.
3Ease of operation
If a snap button mechanism is used for one-touch locking, then the operation is simplified, but the locking protrusion must remain engaged even after pressing force is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking protrusions are preliminarily positioned by the snap button pressing action, and once engaged with the locking grooves, they remain in place due to the geometric interference fit. The rectangular or trapezoidal shape of the protrusions ensures they cannot back out once engaged, maintaining reliability without continuous pressing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking protrusions have an asymmetric rectangular or trapezoidal cross-section that matches the corresponding grooves. This asymmetric geometry allows easy insertion in one direction (when pressed) but prevents removal in the opposite direction (when pressure is released), ensuring reliable engagement without continuous actuation force.
4Reliability
If the locking protrusion is designed to remain locked even without pressing force, then the locking is reliable, but the mechanism must automatically unlock when tension is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocked state when fishing line tension is removed. The snap button, previously held in the locked position by tension-induced forces, becomes free to move under spring return force or gravity, automatically disengaging the locking protrusions and allowing the spool to rotate freely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses fishing line tension as feedback to maintain the locked state. When tension is present, the mechanism remains locked; when tension is removed, the feedback signal changes and triggers automatic unlocking. This feedback-based control ensures the spool is locked only when needed during active fishing.
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
Enables safe and efficient cutting of fishing lines with minimal loss and reduced risk of reel damage, improving user safety and durability by simplifying the locking mechanism and reducing machining costs through optimized design.
Implementation Method 1
a spring which keeps pressing the snap button
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a reel having a snap button for locking a spool that includes: a frame including a palm-facing first panel, a gear-facing second panel, a spool space between the first and second panel, and a connecting unit maintaining the space and including a first rib connecting the first and second panel to each other and combined with a fishing rod mount; a spool disposed in the space and having a shaft mounted on the first and second panels; a handle connected to the shaft; and a locking unit including a locking gear coupled to the shaft of the spool, a snap button in the first or second panel, a spring pressing the snap button upward; and a locking protrusion connected to the snap button and fitted in a locking groove between teeth of the locking gear when the snap button is pressed.