Helical Fishing Line Connector for Quick Leader Swapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fishing connectors are complex, heavy, delicate, and difficult to use, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with vision or fine-motor impairment, and they may have limited applicability to different fishing conditions.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic connector with a body divided into line and leader sections, featuring a helical protrusion and a securing feature, allowing easy attachment and detachment of fishing lines and leaders without severing, and adjustable buoyancy through a plug or ring, facilitating quick swapping and adaptability to various fishing methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional clasp connector is used to connect leaders to main line, then the connection is removable and allows leader swapping, but the connector becomes complex, heavy, delicate, and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the leader connection function and main line connection function into a single integrated connector body. The connector includes a first securing feature for the leader and a second securing feature for the main line, both formed as integral parts of one monolithic structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate clasps, carabiners, or snap connectors that would otherwise be required, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining removable connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a universal component that can connect different types of fishing lines and leaders through its dual securing features. The first securing feature (helix) and second securing feature (eyelet with groove) can accommodate various line diameters and materials. This multi-functionality allows a single connector design to replace multiple specialized connectors, reducing the number of components needed and simplifying the overall system.
2Ease of operation
If existing connectors are used, then connection and detachment is possible, but the operation becomes difficult for children, the elderly, and those with vision or fine-motor impairment
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional zones: the first securing feature (helix) for leader attachment, the second securing feature (eyelet with groove) for main line attachment, and the mid-section connecting them. Each segment has a simple, dedicated function that can be operated independently. The helix provides a tactile winding action that is easy to grasp and manipulate, while the eyelet with groove offers a clear visual and tactile target for line insertion. This segmentation of functions into simple, specialized components makes the overall operation easier for users with limited dexterity or vision.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates local quality variations to enhance ease of operation: the helix provides a textured, tactile surface for easy grasping and rotational manipulation; the eyelet offers a enlarged, visually distinct target area; and the groove provides a tactile guide for line insertion. These localized features with enhanced sensory characteristics (touch and sight) accommodate users with vision or fine-motor impairments by providing clear feedback and reduced manipulation difficulty.
3Ease of manufacture
If a monolithic connector design is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced and production is simplified, but the connector must serve multiple fishing conditions with a single design
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic connector incorporates universal securing features that can accommodate various fishing line types, diameters, and materials. The helix securing feature can bind different line materials through its spiral geometry, while the eyelet with groove provides a universal attachment point. This universality allows a single monolithic design to replace multiple specialized connectors, achieving both manufacturing simplicity and broad adaptability to different fishing conditions including freshwater, saltwater, fly fishing, and spin casting.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design allows for parameter variations in a single monolithic structure: the helix can be manufactured with different pitch, diameter, and depth parameters to accommodate different line strengths and materials; the eyelet can have varying opening sizes and groove dimensions. These parameter changes within the unified monolithic design enable adaptation to different fishing conditions without requiring separate connector designs, maintaining both manufacturing efficiency and versatility.
4Reliability
If leaders are tied directly to the line or leader, then the connection is secure, but significant time is wasted cutting and tying new knots for each swap
Solution Approach 1:
The connector provides preliminary prepared securing features (the helix and eyelet with groove) that are pre-configured for secure attachment. Users do not need to perform the preliminary action of knot tying; instead, the connector's built-in securing mechanisms perform this function automatically when the leader is inserted and the main line is threaded through the eyelet. This preliminary preparation of secure attachment points eliminates the time-consuming knot-tying process while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector replaces the mechanical system of knot tying and cutting with a simpler mechanical engagement system. The helix provides a binding action through rotation, and the eyelet with groove provides a friction-based retention mechanism, eliminating the need for complex knot-tying maneuvers. This substitution of mechanical systems maintains secure connection while dramatically reducing the time and skill required for leader and hook swapping.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector is disclosed for connecting a first fishing line to a second fishing line. The connector may include a body having a first section, a second section, and a mid-section located between the first and second sections. The connector may also include a first securing feature formed in the first section, and a second securing feature formed in the second section. The second securing feature may include a helix protruding away from the mid-section.