Spinning Reel Light Indicator for Low-Light Fishing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fish bite indicators are ineffective in low light conditions, particularly on the surf where wave movements can falsely indicate a fish bite, and are difficult to discern in noisy environments.
Innovation Solution
A light source attachment feature on a fishing reel that spins visibly when a fish bites the line, utilizing a waterproof glow-stick or LED light, with various attachment options such as clips, magnets, and flexible extensions to secure the indicator to the reel, and optionally featuring reflective surfaces or Fresnel lenses for enhanced visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light is clipped to the fishing pole tip to indicate when the tip moves, then visibility of the indicator is improved, but false indications occur due to wave movements causing the pole tip to bend and move
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light indicator from the fishing pole tip and relocates it to the reel body. This separation removes the indicator from the moving pole tip (which is affected by waves) while maintaining its function on the stationary reel, thereby eliminating false indications caused by wave movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic coupling mechanism as an intermediary between the reel and the light indicator. The magnet embedded in the reel interacts with a ferromagnetic material in the indicator housing, creating a reliable connection that allows the indicator to remain stationary on the reel rather than moving with the pole tip.
2Ease of operation
If a bell is attached to the tip of the fishing rod to indicate bites, then auditory indication is provided, but it becomes difficult to hear in noisy environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the acoustic bell mechanism with an optical light-based indicator system. This substitution transitions from mechanical/acoustic indication (bell ringing) to optical indication (light emission), providing a visual signal that is not affected by environmental noise and is more detectable in noisy surf conditions.
3Reliability
If a light source is attached to the reel to indicate line pulling, then reliable visual indication is achieved, but device complexity increases due to multiple attachment features and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the light indicator with multiple attachment mechanisms (magnetic coupling, snap-fit features, and mounting brackets) that can be used independently or in combination. This multi-functional approach allows the same device to be reliably attached to different reel types and configurations, reducing the need for multiple specialized attachment devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates pre-configured attachment features directly into the indicator housing during manufacturing, such as pre-attached magnets, pre-formed snap-fit elements, and pre-installed mounting brackets. This preliminary preparation simplifies the field installation process and reduces the complexity of assembly for the end user.
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
Provides clear and reliable visual indication of a fish bite in low light conditions, reducing false alerts from wave movements and environmental noise, ensuring anglers can effectively detect line pulls.
Implementation Method 1
a chemical glow-stick
Implementation Method 2
a light, such as an incandescent or LED light
Implementation Method 3
a magnet is used to secure the fish bite indicator to a reel
Data Source
AI summary
A fish bite indicator that provides an indication of the fishing line being pulled from the reel during night-time or low light conditions is described. The fish bite indicator has a light source attachment feature that is configured on the spinning portion of the reel, such as the reel top. When a fish bites the lines and pulls the fishing line from the reel, the reel spins and the spinning light is clearly visible to a nearby angler. The fish bite indicator is detachably attachable to a reel in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the fish bite indicator has a body forming an enclosure around the light source with one or more openings in the body. The light projected from the openings creates a repetitive flash when the reel spins. A glow-stick type or LED light may be used with the fish bite indicator described.