Retractable Duck Decoy Weight with Power Spring and Lock Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current weight retraction systems for waterfowl decoys are cumbersome, require significant manual effort, and pose safety concerns due to fast or indeterminate retraction speeds, and difficulties in determining line length, especially in low-light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A weight retraction device with a housing containing a spool that winds and unwinds a line, featuring a power spring for automatic retraction and a lock release mechanism for manual control, ensuring safe and controlled line management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a hand cranked spool mechanism is used for retraction, then the device can retract the line, but it requires significant manual effort and is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The power spring mechanism automatically retracts the line without requiring manual operation. The spring stores energy when the line is extended and automatically releases it to retract the line, making the system self-serving and eliminating the need for hand cranking or manual retraction efforts
Solution Approach 2:
The power spring is pre-loaded with energy before retraction is needed. When the line is extended, the spring is tensioned and stores mechanical energy in advance, ready to automatically retract the line when the lock release mechanism is activated, without requiring real-time manual input
2Productivity
If an automatic retraction mechanism is used, then manual effort is reduced, but the retraction speed is fast or indeterminate causing safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The lock release mechanism provides operator control feedback over the retraction process. The operator initiates and controls the retraction by manually actuating the lock release, allowing real-time monitoring and control of the weight's return, thereby preventing uncontrolled fast retraction and associated safety hazards
Solution Approach 2:
The lock release mechanism acts as an intermediary between the operator and the power spring mechanism. It mediates the energy release from the spring, controlling when and how the retraction occurs, preventing direct uncontrolled action and enabling safe operation
3Extent of automation
If known automatic retraction methods are used, then retraction is automated, but it is difficult to determine the line length that has been let out or retracted
Solution Approach 1:
The audible feedback mechanism provides real-time information to the operator about the line length during retraction. As the spool rotates and the line is retrieved, the operator can hear feedback indicating the amount of line remaining or retracted, restoring information that would otherwise be lost in automated systems
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 device allows for efficient and safe retraction of weights, reducing manual effort and minimizing safety risks by controlling retraction speed and providing audible feedback for line length indication.
Implementation Method 1
A power spring is configured to urge the spool to rotate in the second rotational direction
Implementation Method 2
A lock release mechanism is configured to normally be in a locked configuration for preventing an undesired rotation of the spool in the second rotational direction
Data Source
AI summary
A weight retraction device for use with a waterfowl decoy includes a housing having a spool rotatably coupled thereto. A weight is attached to a line that is wound around the spool. Rotation of the spool in a first rotational direction causing an unwinding of the line from the spool to cause the weight to extend away from the housing while rotation of the spool in a second rotational direction causing a rewinding of the line back onto the spool to cause the weight to retract back towards the housing. A power spring is configured to urge the spool to rotate in the second rotational direction. A lock release mechanism is configured to normally be in a locked configuration for preventing an undesired rotation of the spool in the second rotational direction. A manual actuation of the lock release mechanism releases the locked configuration of the lock release mechanism.