Fly Reel Drag Assembly with Curved Ramp Thrust Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fly rod reels lack precise control over drag resistance, requiring significant rotational effort for maximum drag adjustment and offering limited fine-tuned control, especially during intense fishing situations.
Innovation Solution
A drag assembly with a first and second thrust plate, featuring ramp surfaces and curved members, such as spherical bearings, that allow for precise control of drag resistance through the rotation of a drag knob, enabling quick adjustment between minimum and maximum drag forces with less than 360 degrees of rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional drag assembly design is used, then the reel can provide basic drag resistance, but it requires significant rotational effort (more than 360 degrees) to achieve maximum drag adjustment and lacks precise control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved ramp surfaces on the thrust plates instead of flat surfaces. The curved geometry of the ramp surfaces works with spherical bearings to convert rotational motion into precise axial displacement, enabling fine-tuned drag control with minimal rotation of the drag knob.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spherical bearings as intermediary elements between the thrust plates and ramp surfaces. These spherical bearings act as mediators that translate small rotational movements into precise linear adjustments of the drag stack, providing both precision and ease of operation.
2Productivity
If conventional drag assembly design is used, then the structure can be simple, but it cannot achieve quick adjustment between minimum and maximum drag forces
Solution Approach 1:
The curved ramp surfaces are designed to extend through more than 360 degrees around the axis, allowing the spherical bearings to traverse the entire range from minimum to maximum drag force in a single rotation or less. This curved geometry enables rapid full-range adjustment while maintaining structural efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The drag assembly employs movable thrust plates that can dynamically adjust their position along the axis through the rotation of the drag knob. This dynamic configuration allows quick transition between drag settings without requiring disassembly or complex mechanisms.
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 solution provides precise and efficient control over drag resistance, allowing anglers to quickly adjust between minimal and maximum drag forces, minimizing tippet breakage and ensuring maximum drag is achieved with minimal rotational effort, enhancing fishing performance.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one curved member is configured to ride along the at least one ramp surface, such that rotation of the second thrust plate about the axis causes movement of the first thrust plate along the axis so as to control the resistance to rotation of the spool relative to the frame.
Implementation Method 2
The drag assembly is configured to control resistance to rotation of the spool relative to the frame. The drag assembly includes a drag stack adjacent to the first thrust plate, the drag stack having a first drag disc, a friction disc, and a second drag disc arranged along the axis.
Data Source
AI summary
A reel for a fly rod is described. The reel includes a frame and a spool for holding a supply of fly line. The spool is rotatable about an axis relative to the frame. The reel includes a drag assembly coupled to the spool and the frame. The drag assembly is configured to control resistance to rotation of the spool relative to the frame. The drag assembly includes a first thrust plate that includes at least one ramp surface and a second thrust plate. At least one curved member is carried by the second thrust plate. The at least one curved member is configured to ride along the at least one ramp surface, such that rotation of the second thrust plate about the axis causes movement of the first thrust plate along the axis so as to control the resistance to rotation of the spool relative to the frame.