Trolling Shield Arm Assembly Breakaway Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trolling assemblies fail to efficiently protect fishing lines and baits/lures from seaweed and debris while trolling, and lack a cost-effective, volumetrically efficient, and easy-to-deploy breakaway system.
Innovation Solution
A trolling assembly with a movable arm and shield arm assembly that defines an acute angle, using springs and actuators to deploy and retract, shielding the fishing line and baits/lures from debris and releasing when a predetermined force is applied, allowing for adjustable positioning and easy mounting/remounting on a sea vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a trolling assembly uses a fixed shield structure to protect fishing lines from debris, then protection reliability is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of deployment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shield arm assembly is designed to be movable rather than fixed, capable of transitioning between deployed and retracted positions. The spring mechanism automatically positions the shield arm to protect the fishing line when debris is detected, and retracts when not needed, providing reliable protection without requiring complex manual deployment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism enables the shield arm assembly to automatically deploy and retract based on water conditions without requiring external power sources or complex control systems. The system self-regulates its protective function through the mechanical spring force, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Strength
If a breakaway system uses high-strength materials to prevent line breakage, then line strength is improved, but cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The breakaway system intentionally uses a controlled weak point in the line assembly that is designed to fail at a predetermined force. This allows the use of standard, cost-effective fishing line materials rather than requiring expensive high-strength materials throughout the entire assembly, reducing manufacturing costs while providing sufficient protection during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the strength parameter locally at the breakaway point by using a weaker connection method (friction fit or simple knot) compared to the main line strength. This creates a controlled failure point that protects the expensive fishing line from breaking while using inexpensive materials at the connection point, optimizing both cost and manufacturing ease.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a trolling assembly uses a permanent mounting system to ensure stability, then stability is improved, but ease of installation and removal decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The trolling assembly is designed as a modular system with separate components (mounting bracket, shield arm assembly, actuator) that can be independently installed and removed. The mounting bracket uses a simple clamp-on design that attaches to the boat without permanent modifications, providing stable operation during trolling while allowing easy removal and relocation as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is designed to be universally applicable to different boat types and positions without requiring custom fabrication or permanent installation. The adjustable clamp design can accommodate various hull shapes and mounting locations, providing stable operation across different applications while maintaining ease of installation and removal.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a shield arm assembly uses a rigid structure to maximize debris deflection, then protection effectiveness is improved, but adaptability to different trolling depths decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield arm assembly incorporates a spring mechanism that allows the arm to dynamically adjust its position and angle based on water conditions and trolling depth. The spring provides flexible support that maintains the shield's protective function across varying depths while allowing the assembly to adapt to different trolling configurations, combining rigidity for debris deflection with flexibility for depth adjustment.
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
Effectively shields fishing lines and baits/lures from seaweed and debris, provides reliable and durable protection, is inexpensive to manufacture and maintain, and can be easily deployed and retracted without special tools, while allowing for adjustable positioning and protection at a predetermined depth.
Implementation Method 1
a springed actuator holder (28) and a springed arm connector (100)
Implementation Method 2
When matter M, such as water-borne debris, contacts the shield arm assembly (140), the arm connector assembly (100) breaks away
Data Source
AI summary
A trolling assembly with breakaway system, that has a movable arm assembly, an adjustable assembly, a mounting assembly, which has an extension arm having a first angle, an arm connector assembly, an actuator assembly, and a shield arm assembly that defines an acute angle, while in a deployed configuration, with a water line that a sea vessel is in while in a path of travel to shield a fishing line and baits and/or lures from seaweed and debris by pushing the seaweed and debris upwardly towards the water line along a tapered end of the shield arm assembly to then be released. The shield arm assembly, in the deployed configuration, extends outwardly from the sea vessel to define a second angle, and is fixedly connected to the arm connector assembly providing the shield arm assembly a predetermined resistance to maintain the acute angle while in the deployed configuration.