Retractable Spool Reel for Adjustable Waterfowl Decoy Line Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Waterfowl decoys face challenges in maintaining position due to wind and currents, requiring multiple lengths of weighted lines, which is cumbersome and expensive for hunters.
Innovation Solution
A retractable spool reel system integrated into or attached to the decoy allows for adjustable line length, locked in place by a spring-mounted assembly, enabling convenient extension and retraction to prevent tangling and accommodate varying water depths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hunters use fixed-length weighted lines to hold decoys in place, then decoys can be anchored in specific water depths, but hunters must carry multiple sets of lines in different lengths to accommodate varying water depths, which is burdensome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the line length adjustable rather than fixed. The retractable spool mechanism allows the line length to be dynamically changed according to water depth requirements. The spring-mounted lock assembly enables the line to be locked at any desired length, providing adaptability to different water depths while eliminating the need to carry multiple fixed-length line sets.
2Length of moving object
If hunters use longer lines to reach deeper water, then decoys can be anchored in deeper areas, but the lines may become entangled with other decoys and move about excessively on the water
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable spool with spring-mounted lock assembly allows the line length to be precisely adjusted and locked at the optimal length for each specific water depth. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures the line is long enough to reach the bottom in deep water but not excessively long to cause tangling or excessive movement, thereby maintaining decoy position stability while adapting to varying depth requirements.
3Reliability
If hunters use shorter lines to prevent tangling, then lines remain more controlled, but decoys may float away in deeper water or when wind and currents are strong
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable spool mechanism with spring-mounted lock assembly enables the line length to be dynamically extended to the appropriate length for each water depth condition. This ensures the line is sufficiently long to prevent decoys from floating away in deep water or strong winds, while the ability to lock at precise lengths prevents excessive length that would cause tangling, thus maintaining both line control and adequate length.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sets of weighted lines in different lengths are carried to accommodate all possible water depths, then complete coverage of all hunting scenarios is achieved, but the burden and cost to hunters increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable spool with spring-mounted lock assembly makes a single line set universal for all water depth scenarios. The mechanism allows one line to perform the function of multiple fixed-length lines by enabling continuous adjustment and locking at any desired length. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to carry multiple separate line sets, reducing the quantity of equipment while maintaining complete adaptability to all water depth conditions.
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 efficient use of waterfowl decoys in any depth of water without the need for multiple line lengths, reducing complexity and cost for hunters while maintaining decoy effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the line being locked in place by a spring-mounted lock assembly
Implementation Method 2
the retractable spool reel allows the user to pull out the correct amount of line... and is capable of retracting the line back into the decoy
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable spool reel integrated inside of or attached to a waterfowl decoy comprises a spool and a locking assembly housed inside an internal compartment such that a weighted line wound around the spool may be locked in place at a desired length. The weighted line may be pulled until the locking assembly is set in the locked position. The pulling of the weighted line unwinds the spool and coils a flat spring integrated into the spool. The uncoiling of the flat spring once the line is released allows the line to retract back into the spool once the locking assembly is removed from the locked position.