Spool Sealing for Fishing Reel Drag Consistency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fishing reel spools face issues with water intrusion into the drag mechanism, leading to variability in drag force due to wet frictional surfaces, especially when the spool is detached and reattached, requiring drying of the drag washer before reuse.
Innovation Solution
A spool design incorporating multiple sealing members to prevent water entry, including a support member, spool body, drag mechanism, first and second sealing members, and additional sealing members to ensure the drag washer remains dry regardless of attachment or detachment from the spool shaft, enhancing durability and smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single sealing member is used between the drag regulation member and the spool, then the structure is simple, but water can still enter through gaps between drag regulation member components when the spool is detached
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is divided into multiple segments: a first sealing member between the drag regulation member and spool, and a second sealing member between the two drag regulation member components. This segmentation ensures comprehensive water prevention while maintaining clarity in each sealing location.
Solution Approach 2:
The second sealing member acts as an intermediary sealing element that fills the gap between the two drag regulation member components (rotatable and non-rotatable members), preventing water from entering through the gap when the spool is detached.
2Ease of operation
If the spool is detached for cleaning, then maintenance is possible, but the drag washer becomes exposed to water and requires drying before reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The second sealing member serves as a protective intermediary that remains in place even when the spool is detached, creating a sealed barrier that prevents water from reaching the drag washer during cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing members are pre-installed to create water protection before the spool is detached for cleaning, ensuring that the drag mechanism remains protected throughout the entire cleaning process and eliminates the need for drying before reuse.
3Strength
If multiple drag washers are used to increase drag force, then the drag mechanism is more robust, but the complexity of sealing against water increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing functions are merged into a coordinated system where the first sealing member protects the interface between the drag regulation member and spool, while the second sealing member protects the interface between drag regulation member components, collectively protecting all drag washers with a unified sealing approach.
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
Prevents water intrusion into the drag washer, maintaining consistent drag force and durability by keeping the drag mechanism dry during use and cleaning, ensuring reliable performance.
Implementation Method 1
The first sealing member seals a gap generated between the inner peripheral surface of the press washer and the outer peripheral surface of the support member
Implementation Method 2
The second sealing member seals a gap generated between the outer peripheral surface of the press washer and the first housing recess
Implementation Method 3
The drag mechanism includes a plurality of drag washers that are disposed between the drag regulation member and the spool and are non-rotatably provided on the spool shaft or the spool. The drag regulation member is allowed to contact the drag washer.
Data Source
AI summary
A spool of a spinning reel includes a support member, a spool body, a drag mechanism, a first sealing member, and a second sealing member. The support member is detachably connected to a spool shaft. The spool body includes a housing recess that is frontally open and rotatably attached to the support member. The drag mechanism decelerates the spool body and includes a front friction portion that has a press washer with an inner peripheral surface opposed to an outer peripheral surface of a front portion of the support member. The press washer contacts a drag regulation member. The housing recess accommodates the friction portion. The first sealing member seals a gap created between the inner peripheral surface of the press washer and the outer peripheral surface of the support member. The second sealing member seals the gap created between the outer peripheral surface of the press washer and the housing recess.