Level Winding Mechanism Foreign Object Trapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing level winding mechanism in dual-bearing reels experiences smooth reciprocation issues due to foreign objects like mud getting stuck in the clearance between the guide member and slide member, causing friction and damage.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a slide member with a first through hole and an accommodation recess that traps foreign objects, and a guide member with an opening for efficient discharge, along with an engaging member and lid member to prevent wobbling and retain the engaging member, allowing smooth reciprocation while trapping and discharging foreign objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a small clearance is produced between the inner peripheral surface of the through hole of the slide member and the outer peripheral surface of the guide member, then smooth reciprocation of the slide member along the guide member is enabled, but foreign objects get stuck in the clearance causing friction and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmooth reciprocationVSAvoidforeign object contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An intermediary structure (accommodation recess with trap) is introduced between the slide member and guide member to intercept foreign objects before they can cause damage in the clearance, allowing the small clearance to be maintained for smooth operation while protecting against contamination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful function of the clearance (allowing foreign objects to cause damage) is separated from its useful function (enabling smooth reciprocation) by extracting the foreign object trapping function into a separate accommodation recess structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If a small clearance is produced between the inner peripheral surface of the through hole of the slide member and the outer peripheral surface of the guide member, then smooth reciprocation of the slide member along the guide member is enabled, but the stuck object scratches the outer peripheral surface of the guide member

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmooth reciprocationVSAvoidsurface integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The accommodation recess acts as an intermediary barrier that prevents foreign objects from reaching the critical clearance area where they would otherwise scratch the guide member surface, while still allowing the slide member to reciprocate smoothly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The trap structure provides beforehand protection by intercepting foreign objects before they can cause surface damage, cushioning against the harmful effect of scratches to the guide member outer peripheral surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS9826725B2Level winding mechanism for dual-bearing reel

Publication Date: 2017.11.28 SHIMANO INC

AI summary

A level winding mechanism for a dual-bearing reel includes a worm shaft, a guide member and a slide member. The guide member has a tubular shape and is disposed radially outside of the worm shaft. The slide member has a first through hole and an accommodation recess. The first through hole enables the guide member to penetrate therethrough. The accommodation recess is formed on the inner surface of the first through hole. The slide member is configured to slide along the guide member.