Torsion Spring Fish Hook with Latch and Release Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fishing hooks often fail to effectively catch smaller fish species and can cause high mortality in catch-and-release practices due to the fish engulfing the hook, leading to predation of scavengers when the hook is left in the fish.
Innovation Solution
A self-setting hook apparatus with torsion spring-assisted shafts that expand from a compact, smaller profile to a larger hook gap, featuring a latch system and release sleeve for adjustable sensitivity and non-symmetrical configuration, allowing for improved hook penetration and reduced fish mortality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fishing hooks use a fixed gap size proportional to fish species, then larger fish can be caught, but smaller fish species cannot be effectively targeted and hook penetration is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The hook assembly transitions from a static fixed-gap design to a dynamic variable-gap design. The two shafts can be positioned at different distances from each other along the longitudinal axis, allowing the hook gap to be adjusted between a first distance and a second distance. This enables the same hook assembly to adapt to different fish species sizes while maintaining precise hook penetration capability.
2Reliability
If traditional hooks are left in fish during catch-and-release, then the hook remains secured, but fish mortality increases and scavengers are harmed
Solution Approach 1:
The hook assembly incorporates a self-release mechanism that automatically releases the hook from the fish's mouth after penetration. The bi-directional thread on the shaft allows the assembly to self-adjust and self-release, eliminating the need for the angler to manually remove the hook. This reduces handling time and stress on the fish, thereby reducing mortality while maintaining reliable initial hook retention.
3Volume of moving object
If the hook assembly uses a compact configuration, then the profile is smaller, but the hook gap is insufficient for effective penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The hook assembly is divided into two separate shafts that can independently position along the longitudinal axis. This segmentation allows the shafts to be close together in a compact configuration for storage and casting, then separated to create a larger hook gap for effective fish mouth penetration. The bi-directional thread mechanism enables smooth transitions between these segmented positions.
4Area of stationary object
If the shafts are positioned close together, then the assembly has a smaller profile, but the hook gap is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shafts are arranged to move along the longitudinal axis (one dimension) to adjust the hook gap distance, while maintaining a compact cross-sectional area. This dimensional approach allows the hook gap to be varied without significantly increasing the overall assembly footprint, enabling effective penetration while maintaining a small profile for storage and casting.
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 apparatus significantly increases the chances of successful catch-and-release fishing by ensuring effective hook penetration and reducing fish mortality, as it allows for direct contact with the fishing line and adjustable resistance, operating reliably in various orientations and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The invention consists of a self-setting hook apparatus used to catch fish. The assembly applies the basic premise of a hook while being enhanced with a torsion spring and two shafts that when engaged expands the hooking gap and increases efficiency.
Implementation Method 2
The torsion spring holds the shafts apart in the open position. The assembly is placed in the closed position by compressing the shafts together.
Data Source
AI summary
A fishing hook assembly that is either self-setting or initiated upon the fisherman setting the hook. A torsion spring placed at the head of the assembly which is interconnected by two shafts that are terminated by hooks. The hooks used on the first shaft termination can consist of a single hook, treble hook, or jig hook. The first shaft also consists of a latch placed at the end of the selected hook before the hook bend. The shafts are bent outward at 15 to 30 degrees at the torsion spring to allow closer proximity when compressed.The second shaft terminates with a single hook element and is the shaft where the release element is slide onto the shaft adjacent to the latch. The release element has a connection point where the fishing line is directly connected to the release element. The torsion spring is compressed bringing the first and second shafts together with the release element on the second shaft slide onto the latch located at the hook bend on the first shaft. The fishing assembly is engaged by the fish striking the assembly or by the fisherman setting the hook which slides the release element forward off the latch which expands the assembly.