Helicopter Rig Dropper Pivot Mechanism for False Weight Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing droppers for helicopter fishing rigs release weights inadvertently due to excess tension in the mainline or leader, even in the absence of a bite, which can occur during casting.
Innovation Solution
A dropper design for helicopter rigs featuring a first and second member that pivot to retain the weight in a closed position and open position only when tension is exerted in the hookline, utilizing a biasing mechanism and interengaging features to prevent accidental release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-biased inner sleeve dropper is used to retain weight, then the weight can be released when hookline tension is applied, but excess tension in the mainline during casting can inadvertently activate the dropper and release the weight
Solution Approach 1:
The dropper is segmented into two distinct members: a first member attached to the mainline and a second member that pivots relative to the first. The weight retention function is divided between these members, with the second member's pivot action serving as the release mechanism. This segmentation isolates the release function from general mainline tension, preventing false activation during casting while maintaining reliable weight retention during normal fishing.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot connection between the first and second members acts as an intermediary mechanism that distinguishes between harmful mainline tension and beneficial hookline tension. The abutment surface on the second member requires specific directional force (from hookline tension via swivel action) to overcome the spring bias and trigger opening. Ordinary mainline tension during casting cannot activate this intermediary mechanism, thus preventing false activation while allowing intentional release.
2Ease of operation
If the dropper opens in response to any tension in the mainline, then casting inertia is accommodated, but the weight may be released even in the absence of a bite
Solution Approach 1:
The dropper employs a dynamic pivot connection between the first and second members, rather than a fixed connection. The second member can pivot relative to the first when sufficient force is applied to the abutment surface. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to respond selectively to different types of tension: during casting, the inertia-induced tension is insufficient to overcome the spring bias and trigger pivot action, while during a bite, the hookline tension directly acts on the abutment surface to initiate the pivot and release the weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The dropper changes the force threshold parameter for activation by using a spring biasing mechanism. The spring sets a specific force threshold that must be exceeded at the abutment surface to trigger the pivot action. This parameter change distinguishes between normal casting tension (below threshold) and bite-induced tension (above threshold), allowing smooth casting operation while maintaining accurate bite detection and preventing false weight release.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a swivel is used to allow hookline rotation around the mainline, then helicopter rig functionality is achieved, but the swivel can act on the dropper's abutment surface and cause opening under excessive mainline tension
Solution Approach 1:
The abutment surface on the second member is specifically positioned and oriented to receive forces only from the hookline direction, not from the mainline. This local quality differentiation ensures that the swivel's rotational capability is maintained for helicopter rig functionality, while the abutment surface's specific geometry and location prevent it from being activated by mainline tension during casting. The surface is locally optimized to respond only to the directional force of a hooked fish pulling on the hookline.
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 dropper effectively prevents inadvertent weight release by ensuring it opens only when a fish is hooked, maintaining the weight until the hookline experiences tension, thus reducing false activations during casting.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing means configured to bias the dropper to the closed position... wherein the biasing means comprises an elastic sleeve fitting over the first and second elements
Implementation Method 2
the second member having an abutment surface, said surface arranged to be acted on at least indirectly by a hookline... to cause mutual opening of the first and second members when a fish is hooked
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure provides a dropper for a helicopter rig. The dropper includes a first member configured to be connected to a mainline of the helicopter rig. A second member pivotably connects to the first member so as to provide an open position and a closed position. A biasing means biases the dropper to the closed position. The dropper has holding means to retain a fishing weight when the dropper is in the closed position and to allow release of the fishing weight when the dropper is in the open position. The dropper is arranged such that, when a fish is hooked, tension in the hookline and tension in the mainline causes the first member to pivot, relative to the second member, to the open position. The disclosure also provides a helicopter rig having a mainline, a hookline branched from and rotatable about the mainline, and a dropper.