Spiral Fish Release Device for Deep Water Descent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fish release devices are either complex and expensive or simple and ineffective, often failing to securely return fish to deep water depths without malfunction, particularly in areas where the ocean bottom is not a viable release point due to extreme depth.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a central member with a spiral member and swivels, allowing the spiral member to spin on an axis, which can be threaded through a fish's jaw or gills, and a weight to overcome buoyancy, enabling secure and controlled release at desired depths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex fish release devices are used, then reliability of deep water release is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a central member for structural support, a spiral member for fish attachment and rotation, and a weight for depth control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while keeping the overall device simple and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex mechanical locking mechanisms to secure the fish, the invention uses the fish's own buoyancy and the spiral member's geometry to hold the fish. The fish is attached to the spiral member which naturally constrains it through its helical shape, eliminating the need for additional complex securing mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If simple fish release devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to securely return fish to deep water without malfunction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A weight is attached to the central member to counteract the buoyancy of the fish and the device itself. This weight provides the necessary downward force to ensure the fish is returned to deep water depths without requiring complex mechanical systems to control descent.
Solution Approach 2:
The spiral member is designed to rotate freely around the central member, allowing the device to adapt dynamically to the fish's movement and water currents. This rotational freedom ensures the fish remains securely attached while the device maintains stability during descent and release.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing release devices are used, then manufacturing cost may be reduced, but adaptability to different fish sizes and depths deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with universal components that can accommodate various fish sizes and depths. The spiral member's helical structure can secure different sized fish, while the weight can be adjusted to match different depth requirements. This multi-functionality is achieved through simple, standardized components that maintain ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows for parameter adjustments such as weight selection and spiral member configuration to adapt to different fishing conditions and fish sizes. These parameter changes can be made without fundamentally altering the device structure, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enhancing versatility.
4Device complexity
If release devices are designed for bottom impact, then release mechanism is simplified, but applicability to deep water areas without accessible bottom deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses the fish's own buoyancy and the spiral member's rotational capability to achieve release without requiring bottom impact. As the fish approaches the surface, its buoyancy causes the spiral member to rotate and naturally release the fish, eliminating the need for complex bottom-impact-dependent mechanisms and enabling use in deep water areas where the bottom is inaccessible.
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 securely holds and releases multiple fish at various depths, including deep water, with minimal chance of malfunction, accommodating different sinker weights and fish sizes, and is durable and affordable, making it suitable for both recreational and commercial fishing.
Implementation Method 1
a weight to overcome buoyancy, enabling secure and controlled release at desired depths
Implementation Method 2
allowing the spiral member to spin on an axis
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for releasing a fish into deep water, comprising a central member having an upper end portion and a lower end portion, a spiral member attached to the central member, the spiral member being spaced away from the central member and having a free end, a plurality of swivels, wherein one of the swivels can be connected the upper end portion of the central member and another of said swivels can be connected to the lower end portion of the central member, and a weight connected to the lower swivel. The device can further provide a weight on the central member that overcomes buoyancy of the fish.