Ice Fishing Strike Indicator Solid-State Switch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice fishing devices lack a reliable and efficient mechanism for signaling fish strikes and retrieving fish, particularly due to the vulnerability of moving electrical contactor parts to low temperatures and the need for improved sensitivity and user customization in alarm triggers and visual signals.
Innovation Solution
A fish strike indicator and retrieval apparatus featuring a solid-state electronic switch unit, user-selectable color-changing light signals, adjustable sensitivity, a protective eyelet, and a battery pack acting as a counterweight, which eliminates moving electrical contactor parts and provides enhanced reliability and user-programmable visual and audible alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If moving electrical contactor parts are used in the alarm trigger mechanism, then the device can be manufactured with simpler structure, but the reliability deteriorates due to vulnerability to low temperatures and mechanical failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces moving electrical contactor parts with a solid-state electronic switch unit that uses electronic components instead of mechanical contacts. This substitution eliminates the vulnerability to low-temperature mechanical failure while maintaining the alarm trigger function through electronic sensing and switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the switching mechanism from mechanical (moving contacts) to electronic (solid-state switches). This parameter change in the fundamental operating principle of the switch unit resolves the contradiction by providing both manufacturing simplicity and temperature-resistant reliability.
2Device complexity
If the alarm trigger sensitivity is fixed, then the device structure is simpler, but the adaptability deteriorates because it cannot compensate for different weights of baits and different sizes of reels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an easily adjustable mechanism that allows the alarm trigger sensitivity to be dynamically modified by the user. This adjustment capability enables compensation for different weights of baits and different sizes of reels without requiring complex fixed mechanisms, achieving adaptability through user-controlled parameter modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the alarm trigger mechanism into adjustable components that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the sensitivity to be tuned for different fishing conditions while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple, resolving the contradiction between complexity and adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the light signal color is changed by replacing electrical components, then the visual signal customization is improved, but the device complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables light signal color customization through a mechanism that does not require replacing electrical components. The color can be changed by modifying non-electrical elements such as filters or lenses, allowing user-selectable color customization while maintaining electrical component simplicity and reliability.
4Device complexity
If the eyelet is exposed during transport, then the device structure is simpler, but the strength deteriorates due to risk of damage in the eyelet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a protective shield around the eyelet that is integrated into the device structure. This protective feature is provided beforehand to prevent damage to the eyelet during transport and storage, resolving the contradiction by adding minimal structural complexity to ensure eyelet strength and durability.
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 a reliable and efficient mechanism for signaling fish strikes and retrieving fish, with improved sensitivity and user customization, enhancing operational lifetime and reducing the risk of mechanical failure under low temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a battery pack that is mounted on the tipping arm and acts as a counterweight to improve the sensitivity and reliability of the alarm trigger
Implementation Method 2
a solid-state electronic switch unit that eliminates any moving electrical-contactor parts
Implementation Method 3
a light signal having a color that may be changed by the user without changing any electrical components
Implementation Method 4
a protective shield around the tip eyelet to prevent damage in the eyelet during transport
Implementation Method 5
an easily adjustable mechanism for adjusting the alarm trigger sensitivity to compensate for different weights of baits and different sizes of reels
Implementation Method 6
a power-on glow light that indicates that the device is powered up and serves as a locator light in low-light conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A fish strike indicator and retrieval apparatus comprising an upper unit with a fishing reel holder, a battery holder, a line guide, a light flag, a printed circuit board enclosure, and a handle and a lower unit with a pair of slide rails and a detachable sliding mount that pivotally connects the upper unit to the lower unit. The invention incorporates a set of magnets and a Hall-effect sensor that activates and deactivates visual and audible alarm signals to signify a strike on the fishing line.