Shape Memory Alloy Fishing Rod Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fishing rods lack the optimal balance of light weight, durability, responsiveness, and casting performance desired by skilled anglers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating shape memory materials, such as shape memory metals, alloys, or polymers, into the rod bodies to enhance flexibility, responsiveness, and durability while reducing weight and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional fiber glass or carbon fiber materials are used for rod bodies, then durability and structural robustness are achieved, but weight and size increase reducing responsiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines shape memory alloy wires (providing strength and memory function) with resin material (providing structural matrix and protection) to create a composite rod body that achieves both high strength and low weight. The composite structure allows the shape memory material to contribute to both structural integrity and functional performance without excessive weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by introducing shape memory alloys with specific transformation temperatures and mechanical properties. By selecting shape memory alloys with appropriate strength-to-density ratios and controlling their transformation characteristics, the rod achieves enhanced responsiveness and strength while maintaining lightweight construction.
2Ease of operation
If shape memory material is used to reduce rod weight and size, then responsiveness and casting performance improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rod body into multiple sections, each containing shape memory alloy wires embedded in resin. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing where each section can be independently formed and assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining the performance benefits of shape memory materials throughout the rod.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses resin material as an intermediary matrix that bonds the shape memory alloy wires together and to the rod structure. This intermediary material simplifies manufacturing by providing a easy-to-form matrix that encapsulates the shape memory components, allowing for simpler integration processes compared to direct metal-to-metal joining.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional rod materials are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but casting accuracy and retrieval ability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the self-service principle by utilizing the inherent shape memory effect of the alloy wires, which automatically return the rod to its original shape after deformation without external intervention. This self-returning mechanism enhances casting accuracy by ensuring consistent rod positioning and reduces retrieval effort by providing automatic recoil force, all while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes.
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 use of shape memory materials in fishing rods results in improved casting performance, increased accuracy, and reduced fatigue for users, allowing for longer fishing sessions and enhanced ability to retrieve caught fish.
Implementation Method 1
the shape memory material provides or exhibits the same performance properties as a conventional (e.g., fiber glass) fishing rod, but with a lighter and/or smaller construction
Implementation Method 2
as energy is applied to the rod body during a back cast motion, the shape memory material will inherently self-return to or toward the natural or normal shape, thus multiplying the force applied onto the fishing rod line with the forward casting motion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3B
Figure 4A~5B
AI summary
Fishing rods including a rod body comprising a shape memory material.