Line Roller Sealing Structure for Fishing Reel Waterproofing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fishing reel line rollers are prone to seawater intrusion due to gaps in sealing structures and insufficient waterproofing, leading to reduced functionality and maintenance issues.

Innovation Solution

A line roller design featuring a cylindrical guide member with an axle bearing member supported by an inner and outer ring, incorporating a grease holding unit with complementary side surfaces to retain water-repellent grease, and an external seal member to prevent seawater penetration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If a seal is disposed on both sides of the axle bearing member to prevent water-repellent grease from flowing out, then grease retention is improved, but seawater can still penetrate through the gap between the seal end and the axle bearing member

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater-repellent greaseVSAvoidseawater penetration
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is divided into two independent components: seals for grease retention and a waterproofing structure (labyrinth or additional seal) for seawater prevention. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A waterproofing structure acts as an intermediary element between the seal and the axle bearing member, preventing seawater from reaching the bearing through the gap. This intermediary component addresses the waterproofing issue without interfering with the seal's grease retention function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If water-repellent grease is used to prevent seawater entry, then waterproofing is improved, but centrifugal force causes the grease to flow out through gaps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseawater intrusionVSAvoidwater-repellent grease
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproofing structure is positioned to preemptively block seawater before it can reach the axle bearing member through the gap. This preliminary barrier prevents the need for grease to provide waterproofing, allowing the grease to remain in place without being pushed out by centrifugal force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If magnetic fluid is used to prevent seawater entry, then waterproofing is improved, but magnetic forces may interfere with rotational movement and the solution is expensive and maintenance-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseawater preventionVSAvoidstructural complexity and maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses simple, inexpensive waterproofing structures (labyrinths or basic seals) that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, rather than complex magnetic fluid systems. This approach prioritizes cost-effectiveness and simplicity while achieving the same waterproofing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Effectively prevents seawater from entering the axle bearing member, ensuring prolonged functionality and reducing maintenance needs by securely holding water-repellent grease in place even under centrifugal forces.

Implementation Method 1

a grease holding unit that holds water-repellent grease between the inner ring and the outer ring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWater-repellent grease: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 2

it is possible for the water-repellent grease to flow out through the gap due to the centrifugal force that is applied to the line roller

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3183962B1Line roller
Publication Date: 2019.10.16 SHIMANO INC
  • EP3183962B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3183962B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3183962B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A line roller (3) includes a cylindrical guide member (6) including a guide surface (61) on an outer perimeter for guiding a fishing line, an axle bearing member (4) rotatably supporting an inner perimeter surface of the guide member (6), and a support member (24) supporting the axle bearing member (4). The axle bearing member (4) includes an inner ring (41) supported by the support member (24), an outer ring (42) integrally rotatable with the guide member (6), a rolling body (43) disposed between the inner ring (41) and the outer ring (42), and a grease holding unit holding water-repellent grease (10) between the inner ring (41) and the outer ring (42).