Spool Brake Device Axial Magnet Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spool brake devices for dual-bearing reels have limited range for regulating braking force, leading to increased size and susceptibility to high-speed rotation-induced braking force spikes, which can result in reduced casting distance.

Innovation Solution

A spool brake device with a conductor and magnets that adjust braking force by varying the magnetic flux through axial movement of the magnets relative to the conductor, using a braking force adjusting unit to regulate the braking force in response to spool rotation, allowing for a wide range of braking force application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the moving stroke of the magnet support frame is increased to expand the regulation range, then the braking force regulation range is improved, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking force regulation rangeVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from one-dimensional axial movement regulation to two-dimensional regulation by incorporating both radial positioning (through cam groove curvature) and axial positioning (through magnet support frame movement). This allows expanded braking force regulation range without proportionally increasing the device's axial stroke length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the cam groove from a simple linear guide to a curved cam groove with varying radius of curvature. This allows the radial position of the magnet support frame to change dynamically during axial movement, effectively expanding the regulation range without increasing the overall device size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the magnet support frame structure is used to regulate braking force, then the braking force can be adjusted, but the frame is easily moved during high-speed rotation causing braking force spikes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking force adjustmentVSAvoidbraking force stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the braking force regulation function into two independent components: radial positioning (controlling magnetic flux density through cam groove curvature) and axial positioning (controlling the facing range through magnet support frame movement). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing the likelihood of unintended movement and braking force spikes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cam groove acts as an intermediary mechanism between the magnet support frame and the spool brake device. The curved cam groove provides a controlled, predictable movement path that mediates the relationship between axial displacement and radial positioning, preventing erratic movements during high-speed rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a minute interval between facing elements is adjusted, then the braking force can be regulated, but the regulation range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking force regulationVSAvoidregulation range
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention adds a radial dimension to the traditional axial adjustment mechanism. By incorporating radial movement through the curved cam groove, the system transforms single-axis adjustment into two-axis adjustment, dramatically expanding the regulation range while maintaining precise control over the interval between facing elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces dynamic adjustment capabilities where the radial position of the magnet support frame changes continuously during axial movement, rather than maintaining a fixed radial position. This dynamic positioning through the curved cam groove allows for continuous variation of the magnetic flux density, expanding the effective regulation range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 smooth regulation of braking force over a wide range, preventing excessive braking force spikes during high-speed rotation, thus improving casting distance and control.

Implementation Method 1

a braking force adjusting unit configured to adjust the braking force which is applied to the spool by a magnetic force acting on the conductor when the conductor is rotated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The magnet is configured to move along an axial direction of a spool shaft of the spool with respect to the reel unit and face the conductor in a radial direction relative to the axis of the spool shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic braking: Eddy Current Damping

Data Source

PatentUS8967517B2Spool brake device for dual-bearing reel and a dual-bearing reel
Publication Date: 2015.03.03 SHIMANO INC
  • US8967517B2 patent drawing
  • US8967517B2 patent drawing
  • US8967517B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A spool brake device for a dual-bearing reel is provided. The spool brake device is configured to apply a braking force to a spool. The brake device includes a conductor, a magnet, and a braking force adjusting unit. The magnet is configured to move along an axial direction of a spool shaft of the spool with respect to the reel unit and face the conductor in a radial direction relative to the axis of the spool shaft. The braking force adjusting unit is configured to adjust the braking force which is applied to the spool by a magnetic force acting on the conductor when the conductor is rotated, in such a way to change magnetic fluxes acting on the conductor by changing an axially facing range between the conductor and the magnet according to the movement of the magnet along the axial direction relative to the reel unit.