Spinning Reel Drag Mechanism Front Oscillation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinning fishing reels have long reel bodies due to the positioning of rear drag mechanisms, which increases complexity and size, and offer limited adjustability between drag settings during fishing.
Innovation Solution
A spinning fishing reel design featuring a collar engaged with the mainshaft that oscillates longitudinally, allowing for selective engagement of a brake mechanism with a brake plate to create adjustable frictional force, enabling easy adjustment of drag force in real-time through a secondary drag assembly, reducing the need for complex mechanisms and smaller reel body size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rear drag mechanism is positioned behind the oscillation system, then accessibility of drag adjustment is improved, but the reel body becomes longer and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the drag mechanism at the front of the oscillation system rather than behind it, utilizing the front dimension of the reel body. This dimensional repositioning provides accessibility for drag adjustment while avoiding the length and complexity issues associated with rear drag mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the mainshaft is constrained against longitudinal movement in the drag mechanism, then drag engagement is improved, but the reel body size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drag mechanism into separate functional components: the collar provides longitudinal constraint for reliable drag engagement, while the brake mechanism applies frictional force to the collar's outer surface. This segmentation allows effective drag engagement without requiring the entire reel body to be larger.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar acts as an intermediary element between the mainshaft and the brake mechanism. It is fixed to the mainshaft for rotational movement but allows longitudinal oscillation, while the brake mechanism applies frictional force to the collar's outer surface. This intermediary approach enables drag engagement without directly constraining the mainshaft longitudinally, reducing reel body size.
3Volume of moving object
If frictional force is applied on an axis other than the mainshaft axis, then reel body size is reduced, but the mechanism becomes more complex with more parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the collar and brake mechanism into a integrated assembly where the collar is fixed to the mainshaft and the brake mechanism applies frictional force to the collar's outer surface. This merging reduces the number of separate parts compared to alternative designs while achieving compact reel body size through off-axis frictional force application.
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
Enables precise and adjustable drag force control during fishing, reducing the reel's overall size and complexity while allowing for seamless transitions between drag settings, enhancing user experience and fishing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The brake surface makes selective contact with the collar to create a selective frictional force against rotation of the collar, and thereby against rotation of the mainshaft
Data Source
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AI summary
A drag assembly is provided for a spinning fishing reel. The drag assembly includes a collar (205) engaged with a mainshaft (120) of a reel (100). The collar is fixed to the mainshaft for rotational movement with the mainshaft, but is fixed with respect to a housing (115) against longitudinal movement with the mainshaft. The mainshaft is thereby free to oscillate longitudinally through the collar. A brake mechanism (315; 392) is also provided for selective engagement with the collar. The brake mechanism includes a brake surface (320). The brake surface makes selective contact with the collar to create a selective frictional force against rotation of the collar, and thereby against rotation of the mainshaft. An adjustment mechanism (325; 370) is also engaged with the brake mechanism. The adjustment mechanism causes more or less force to be applied to the brake mechanism, creating greater or lesser frictional force between the brake surface (320) and the collar (205).