Reel Knob Composite Grip for Fishing Rod Vibration Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fishing reel grips are uncomfortable to hold for long periods due to stiffness and lack of ergonomic design, leading to strain on fishers, especially during intense fishing activities.

Innovation Solution

A reel knob design featuring a base with a recessed area and a gripping member made of resilient material, such as polyurethane-coated fabric, that fits into the recessed area to provide a comfortable and secure grip, reducing strain and enhancing control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If cork is used for the grip, then the grip is light and durable, but it is hard and uncomfortable to hold for long periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrip weightVSAvoidgrip comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines cork with a softer material layer to create a composite grip structure. The cork base provides lightness and durability, while the additional softer layer (such as rubber or foam) is applied to the outer surface to provide comfort during prolonged holding, thus resolving the contradiction between weight and comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If EVA or PVC foam is used for the grip, then comfort is improved, but the grip becomes stiff and uncomfortable for long periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrip comfortVSAvoidgrip duration comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the physical parameters of the grip material by using a multi-layer construction where the outer layer has specific softness and elasticity parameters optimized for comfort. The material composition and density are adjusted to provide sustained comfort over long periods, addressing the limitation of standard EVA or PVC foams that become stiff during extended use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a recessed area with lip is designed, then the gripping member is protected and alignment is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrip protection and alignmentVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The recessed area with lip is pre-formed in the grip body during the molding process. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that when the gripping member is inserted, it automatically achieves proper alignment and protection without requiring additional complex assembly steps. The lip structure acts as a built-in guide and protective feature that simplifies the overall assembly process despite the added geometric complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 design offers improved comfort and control while maintaining the transmission of rod vibrations, providing a lightweight, water-resistant grip that reduces fatigue during extended fishing sessions.

Implementation Method 1

The gripping member can be made from a resilient material such as rubber, foam, or a polyurethane coating. The resilient material provides cushioning and comfort while still allowing transmission of rod vibrations.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS10653124B2Reel component and method of manufacturing same
Publication Date: 2020.05.19 WINN INC
  • US10653124B2 patent drawing
  • US10653124B2 patent drawing
  • US10653124B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Reel components, such as reel knobs, and methods of assembling the reel components are disclosed herein. The reel knob can include a base and a gripping member. The base can include a recessed area. The gripping member can comprise a resilient material. The gripping member can be sized and shaped to correspond to the recessed area. The gripping member can be adhered to the recessed area. The base can be pressed down onto the gripping member to join the base to the gripping member.