Modular Fishing Rod Handle Interface for Secure Interchangeability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fishing rod systems lack modularity, requiring anglers to purchase multiple rods for different fishing conditions and species, leading to expense, space inefficiency, and limited customization options, as handles are typically permanently attached and not easily interchangeable.
Innovation Solution
A modular fishing rod system with interchangeable components, including a handle assembly and rod sleeve assembly, allowing users to customize and upgrade their rod configurations easily by using a standardized cylindrical surface on the rod sleeve and secure connections such as screws or quick-connection mechanisms, enabling various handle and rod blank combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If handles are permanently attached to rod blanks during production, then manufacturing precision and structural integrity are improved, but adaptability and ease of customization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fishing rod system is divided into separate modular components: rod blank, handle assembly, and rod sleeve assembly. The handle assembly is not permanently attached but can be interchangeably connected via the rod sleeve assembly, allowing users to swap handles based on different fishing conditions while maintaining manufacturing precision for each individual component.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod sleeve assembly serves as a universal interface that can accommodate multiple different handle assemblies. The standardized cylindrical surface and connection mechanism enable a single rod blank to work with various handle types (spinning, baitcasting, fly fishing, etc.), providing multi-functionality without compromising the structural integrity of permanent attachments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If anglers purchase multiple specialized fishing rods for different fishing conditions, then adaptability to various fishing needs is improved, but device complexity and space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a universal rod blank design with a standardized rod sleeve assembly interface, a single rod blank can be paired with multiple handle assemblies suited for different fishing conditions (spinning, baitcasting, fly fishing, ice fishing). This eliminates the need to own multiple complete rod systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining broad adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the common components (rod blank, rod sleeve assembly) that remain consistent across different fishing applications with interchangeable handle assemblies. This combination approach allows anglers to consolidate their fishing rod collection into fewer base units with multiple handle options, reducing the total number of components needed.
3Strength
If handle components are glued to the rod blank, then structural integrity and manufacturing simplicity are improved, but ease of repair and customization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is designed as a separate, removable segment connected via the rod sleeve assembly rather than being permanently glued. This segmentation maintains structural integrity through the designed connection interface while enabling easy removal and replacement of handles for repair or customization purposes without damaging the rod blank.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between handle assembly and rod blank transitions from a static permanent bond (glue) to a dynamic removable connection. The rod sleeve assembly provides a mechanical interface that maintains strong attachment during use but allows controlled disassembly for repairs or upgrades, combining strength with ease of maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular component fishing rod system that allows the end user to easily and securely change one or more of the handle portion and rod blank. The system includes a rod blank, rod sleeve assembly and a slide-on handle assembly. The rod sleeve assembly performs at least three functions including: 1) truing up the taper of the fishing rod blank to allow components of the handle assembly to be slid onto the rod blank from the butt end; 2) providing an indexing or key feature which registers with the handle assembly to maintain proper alignment between the handle assembly and rod blank; and 3) providing a method to attach the handle assembly to the rod sleeve. The handle assembly includes a corresponding female sleeve that mates with and preferably slides over the rod sleeve assembly and performs at least three functions including: 1) attaching a handle tube which includes a handle grip and reel seat to a the rod sleeve assembly; 2) matching indexing features; and 3) fixing the handle assembly to the rod sleeve assembly through one of a number of possible fastener assemblies.