Retractable Decoy Anchor Assembly for Tangle-Free Line Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decoy strings are cumbersome and prone to tangling, complicating the repositioning and collection of decoys due to varying water depths and lengths.
Innovation Solution
A retractable anchor assembly with a spool mechanism, featuring a spring-loaded spool and a button mechanism to control line extension and retraction, allowing for easy deployment and collection of decoys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If decoy strings are made long enough to reach varying water depths, then the decoys can be positioned at appropriate depths, but the strings become cumbersome and prone to tangling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static, fixed-length strings with a dynamic retractable line system. The spool mechanism allows the line length to change dynamically - extending when needed to reach various water depths and retracting when not in use. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the tangling problem inherent in long fixed strings while maintaining the ability to reach varying depths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the excess line length from the operational system. Instead of carrying and managing long strings that must be manually cut and tied, the retractable spool system stores the excess line in a compact form. The line is taken out only when needed for deployment and automatically retracted afterward, eliminating the handling burden of long strings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple decoy strings are used to accommodate varying water depths, then the decoys can be properly positioned, but the numerous lines complicate repositioning and collection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single retractable anchor assembly that can serve multiple decoys. The spool mechanism with its extendable line can be attached to different decoys as needed, eliminating the need for separate strings for each decoy. This multi-functional design maintains adaptability to varying water depths while reducing the overall number of line components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate string functions into a single integrated retractable line system. Instead of having individual strings for each decoy that must be managed separately, the system combines them into one spool-mounted line that can be deployed to multiple decoys sequentially, simplifying repositioning and collection operations.
3Length of moving object
If fixed-length strings are cut and tied at the longest working depth, then the decoys can reach maximum depth, but the strings are too long for shallow water and create tangling issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the line length dynamic rather than fixed. The retractable spool mechanism allows the line to be extended to the full length needed for maximum depth while automatically retracting to a compact, tangle-free state when not in use. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the tangle-free reliability issues that occur with excessively long fixed strings in shallow water.
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
Facilitates rapid and tangle-free deployment, repositioning, and collection of decoys, enhancing hunting efficiency by reducing the complexity of handling decoy strings.
Implementation Method 1
a clock spring mounted to the spool base and the spool to rotationally bias the spool around the axis to automatically retract the line
Implementation Method 2
a spring along the axis to bias the button into engagement with the spool
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable anchor assembly according to one disclosed non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure includes a spool base; a spool mounted for rotation around an axis and at least partially within the spool base; a line attached to the spool; a clock spring mounted to the spool base and the spool to rotationally bias the spool around the axis to automatically retract the line; a button that interfaces with the spool to selectively prevent rotation of the spool; and a spring along the axis to bias the button into engagement with the spool.