Gear-Driven Outriggers for Stable Trolling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional outrigger systems on open fishing vessels face challenges with stability and control, particularly on narrow beam boats, due to rotational forces from waves and cantilevered outrigger poles, leading to uncontrolled movement and potential damage or entanglement of fishing lines.
Innovation Solution
A gear-train driven outrigger positioner assembly that allows controlled rotation of outrigger poles in both X and Y planes, using a worm gear and drive gear system to increase torque and prevent uncontrolled movement, enabling safe and efficient operation of oversized outriggers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional outrigger systems are used on narrow beam boats, then the boat can operate at high speeds and remain maneuverable, but the outrigger poles become unstable and may rotate uncontrollably due to wave forces and cantilever effects
Solution Approach 1:
The outrigger system is divided into multiple independent rotational stages (first rotational stage for horizontal movement, second rotational stage for vertical movement), each with its own gear train and control mechanism. This segmentation allows independent stabilization of each degree of freedom, preventing uncontrolled rotation while maintaining the ability to position the outrigger for high-speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Gear trains are introduced as intermediary mechanisms between the outrigger poles and the boat body. These gear trains act as mediators that transmit and control rotational forces, providing mechanical advantage to resist wave-induced movements and stabilize the outrigger position during high-speed operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If outrigger poles are extended to widen bait spacing, then fishing effectiveness increases, but the torque and rotational forces on the poles increase, leading to uncontrolled movement
Solution Approach 1:
Gear trains serve as intermediary mechanisms that provide mechanical advantage, allowing the operator to control long, heavy outrigger poles with minimal effort. The gear reduction ratios transform small input torques into large output torques, enabling controlled movement of extended outriggers that would otherwise be uncontrollable due to their length and the forces acting upon them.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamically adjustable gear train ratios that can be selected based on the outrigger position and loading conditions. This allows the mechanical advantage to be optimized for different operational scenarios, providing sufficient torque control for extended outriggers while maintaining ease of operation during repositioning.
3Device complexity
If manual control of outrigger poles is used, then the system remains simple, but heavy or long outriggers become difficult to maneuver and position
Solution Approach 1:
Gear trains are introduced as intermediary mechanical advantage systems between the operator's manual input and the outrigger poles. These gear mechanisms amplify the operator's input force, making it feasible to maneuver heavy or long outriggers with minimal physical effort while maintaining a purely manual control system without motors or hydraulics.
4Adaptability or versatility
If outriggers are positioned for trolling, then bait placement is improved, but the outrigger poles are exposed to uncontrolled rotation from waves and cantilever forces
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent rotational stages, each with its own gear train and locking mechanism. This segmentation allows the outrigger to be reliably positioned and locked in the trolling configuration, preventing uncontrolled rotation from wave forces while maintaining the adapted bait placement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Gear trains act as intermediary control mechanisms that provide positive mechanical engagement and locking capability. This ensures reliable positioning of the outrigger in the trolling position, preventing drift or uncontrolled rotation even when exposed to prolonged wave forces during slow-speed trolling operations.
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 gear-train system provides positive engagement and increased torque for controlled movement of outrigger poles, reducing the risk of uncontrolled rotation and entanglement, even in harsh sea conditions, and allows for easy adjustment and operation of long or heavy outriggers with minimal effort.
Implementation Method 1
A gear-train driven outrigger device (10) for use on a fishing vessel having a T-top defining an upper surface and a lower surface. The outrigger device includes a base member secured to the lower surface of the T-top, wherein a gear-train driven positioner is mounted beneath the T-top structure. The gear-train driven positioner includes a worm gear and drive gear, which effectuate a transfer of rotational torque from a hand crank to cause a torque increased rotational movement of the outrigger pole.
Implementation Method 2
The gear-train driven positioner includes a worm gear and drive gear, which effectuate a transfer of rotational torque from a hand crank to cause a torque increased rotational movement of the outrigger pole.
Data Source
AI summary
A gear-train driven outrigger device for use on a fishing vessel having a first tubular member for holding of an outrigger pole. The gear-train driver assembly allows rotation of the outrigger pole in an X or Y plane; the gear-train driver having a selector to chose either an upper gear assembly to allow horizontal rotation of outrigger or a lower gear assembly to allow vertical angular positioning of the outrigger pole, wherein the gear assembly allows for movement of the outrigger pole from a stowage position to an angled trolling position.