Flexible Swivel Elastomer Toroid Hook Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ballyhoo fishing rigs, both O-ring and rigid swivel types, face issues where the hook may not be in the correct orientation to catch game fish effectively, leading to the rig popping out of the fish's mouth, and the rigid swivel's fore ring fits loosely over the hook shaft, potentially coming off during use.

Innovation Solution

A flexible swivel comprising a regular toroid made of elastomer material with a major internal diameter that stretches to fit over the hook barb and relaxes to match the hook shaft's outer diameter, allowing snug fit and free rotation, combining the benefits of O-ring and rigid swivel rigs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid fore ring is used in the rigid swivel rig, then the hook can be secured to the swivel, but the fore ring fits loosely over the hook shaft and may come off during use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachment of hook to swivelVSAvoidfree rotation of hook relative to bait fish

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by replacing the rigid fore ring with a flexible toroid made of elastomer material. The flexible toroid can stretch to fit over the barb during assembly, then contracts to provide a snug fit around the hook shaft, preventing it from coming off while still allowing rotation. This flexible structure eliminates the loose fit problem of rigid rings while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies this principle by changing the physical state of the fore ring from rigid to flexible. The elastomer material allows the toroid to change its dimensional parameters dynamically - stretching during installation and contracting during use. This parameter change enables the fore ring to adapt to different states (assembly vs. operation) and resolve the contradiction between secure attachment and free rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the O-ring is made flexible to fit over the barb span, then the hook can be installed through the O-ring, but the hook may not be in the correct orientation to catch game fish effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation of hook through O-ringVSAvoidhook orientation for catching game fish

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by dividing the single flexible O-ring structure into two separate functional components: a flexible toroid for secure attachment and a rigid fore ring for maintaining orientation. The flexible toroid handles the installation function by stretching over the barb, while the rigid fore ring with its click-over mechanism handles the orientation function, ensuring the hook is properly positioned for catching game fish.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies this principle by introducing the rigid fore ring as an intermediary component between the flexible toroid and the hook. The fore ring acts as a mediator that receives the hook through a controlled click-over action, ensuring proper orientation is established before the hook is secured by the flexible toroid. This intermediary structure resolves the orientation problem while maintaining ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 flexible swivel ensures proper hook orientation and secure attachment to the fish's jaw, reducing the likelihood of the rig coming off, while maintaining free rotation and a snug fit with the hook shaft, enhancing fishing effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

The flexible material may be an elastomer, such as rubber, nitrile, or silicon rubber... said flexible toroid will stretch to pass over the barb of a hook

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The flexible toroid may be selected such that it will stretch to pass over the barb of a hook and then relax to a major ID that is about the same as the OD of a hook shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic Recovery: Elastic Recovery

Data Source

PatentUS10993421B2Flexible swivel

Publication Date: 2021.05.04 TURNER TACKLE LLC

AI summary

A flexible swivel has a flexible toroid described by an internal major diameter, a fore ring, a body, and an aft ring. The flexible toroid is attached to the fore ring. The fore ring is attached with a rotatable fore joint to the front of the body. The aft ring is attached to the back of the body.