Spool Braking Device Radial Magnetic Adjustment

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spool braking devices for fishing reels are hindered by weight and size constraints due to the need for a certain amount of weight to generate centrifugal force and require space for movement, inhibiting their reduction in weight and size.

Innovation Solution

A spool braking device comprising a conductor, a magnetic unit with alternately arranged N-pole and S-pole magnets, a support portion, and a biasing unit that allows the magnetic unit to pivot between a separated and proximal position, varying the flux change rate without needing to move the conductor or magnet along the rotational axis, thereby reducing the device's weight and size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the conductor or magnet is moved in the rotational axis direction to adjust braking force, then the braking force can be adjusted, but the weight and size of the device increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from axial movement (rotational axis direction) to radial movement (rotational surface direction) of the magnetic unit. This dimensional change allows braking force adjustment without requiring heavy axial movement mechanisms, thereby reducing device weight while maintaining adaptability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic unit is made movable in the radial direction along with the conductor rotation, creating a dynamic system where the braking force is automatically adjusted based on the rotation state. This eliminates the need for separate heavy adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the conductor or magnet is moved in the rotational axis direction to adjust braking force, then the braking force can be adjusted, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reorients the movement from the rotational axis direction to the radial direction (along the rotational surface). This dimensional reorientation allows the magnetic unit to be positioned closer to the conductor without increasing the overall axial length, thereby reducing device volume while maintaining adjustment capability.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If centrifugal force is used to move the conductor or magnet, then the braking force can be adjusted, but a certain amount of weight is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the centrifugal force-based mechanical system with a magnetic field-based system. The magnetic unit interacts with the conductor through electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for heavy centrifugal force-generating mass while achieving the same braking force adjustment function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This configuration allows for a stable and adjustable braking force without fluctuation, achieving a reduction in the weight and size of the spool braking device while maintaining high reproducibility of the braking force.

Implementation Method 1

The magnet applies braking force the rotation of the spool by the magnetic force on the conductor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a biasing unit that biases the magnetic unit from the proximal position to the separated position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS9635843B2Spool braking device and fishing reel
Publication Date: 2017.05.02
  • US9635843B2 patent drawing
  • US9635843B2 patent drawing
  • US9635843B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A spool braking device includes a conductor, a magnetic unit, and a support portion. The conductor has a rotational surface, and is configured to rotate in conjunction with a spool rotatably supported by a reel body. The magnetic unit has at least two magnets arranged on a surface facing the rotational surface of the conductor. The support portion movably supports the magnetic unit between a separated position that is separated from the rotational surface of the conductor and a proximal position that is proximate to the rotational surface of the conductor. The biasing member is configured to bias the magnetic unit from the proximal position to the separated position.