Pivotal Thumb Button for Fishing Reel Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spincast fishing reels suffer from a rattling casting button issue due to improper attachment, which affects the quality and requires precise alignment of the rear cover, leading to potential cosmetic and functional issues.
Innovation Solution
The thumb button is pivotally secured to the frame rather than the rear cover, featuring a flexible biasing member and actuating post to center the center shaft, allowing for secure and stable operation without the need for redesigning the rear cover attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the casting button is attached to the rear cover, then the button can be positioned and operated, but it causes rattling and requires precise alignment leading to cosmetic and functional issues
Solution Approach 1:
The casting button assembly is segmented from the rear cover attachment. The button is now attached to the frame structure rather than the rear cover, separating the button positioning function from the cover alignment requirements. This eliminates the rattling issue and removes the need for precise rear cover alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame serves as an intermediary structure between the casting button and the reel body. By attaching the button to the frame rather than directly to the rear cover, the design creates a stable mounting point that eliminates rattling without requiring precise cover alignment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the thumb button is repositioned from the rear cover to the frame, then cosmetic modifications can be made without re-designing the rear cover, but the attachment structure must be redesigned
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment structure is segmented into the frame mounting point and the button assembly. This separation allows the button to be repositioned to the frame, enabling cosmetic modifications to the rear cover without affecting the button attachment, thus improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the reel and now also serves as the mounting structure for the casting button. This multi-functionality allows cosmetic modifications to the rear cover without requiring re-design of the button attachment.
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
This configuration enhances the stability and cosmetic appeal of the reel by eliminating rattling and allowing for secure thumb button operation, enabling smooth casting and winding functions while allowing for cosmetic modifications without re-designing the rear cover.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible biasing member extends forwardly of the actuating post for engaging the rearward end of the center shaft and for biasing the thumb button into a ready position... A convex side of the receiving area of the flexible biasing member is received within the concave receiving area of the actuating post for ensuring that the rearward end of the center shaft is centered on the actuating post
Data Source
AI summary
A fishing reel, such as a spincast reel, that includes a body having a frame that defines a thumb button attachment member on a rear side of the frame. A spool and spinner head are rotatably mounted forward of a front side of the frame. A front cover is secured to a front side of the frame to enclose components. A thumb button is pivotally secured to the thumb button attachment member. The thumb button has an actuating post that extends forwardly for applying force to a rearward end of a center shaft when the thumb button is depressed. A back cover is affixed to the rear side of the frame. The back cover defines a thumb button orifice for allowing a user to access the thumb button when the back cover is secured to the frame.