Twist Grip Drive Handle Outrigger Positioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current outrigger systems on narrow beam fishing vessels face challenges in stability and operational limitations, particularly when subjected to large sea swells and high speeds, as they require a locking mechanism that can withstand cantilever forces and allow for safe rotational movement without interference with vessel occupants.
Innovation Solution
A twist grip drive handle assembly that compresses a spring to disengage the locking mechanism, enabling rotational movement of the outrigger pole between stowage and trolling positions, with a locking bar assembly to prevent accidental twisting and a common handle assembly for clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation, allowing safe operation from within the T-top.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to secure the outrigger pole, then stability and safety are improved, but operational complexity and difficulty of adjustment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking systems with a twist grip drive handle that utilizes rotational motion to engage and disengage locking features. The drive handle incorporates a cam mechanism that converts rotational input into linear motion to push the locking bar into or out of engagement with the positioning slot, simplifying the operator's interaction while maintaining secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-latching through the cam action of the drive handle. When the drive handle is rotated to the locked position, the cam automatically pushes the locking bar into engagement with the positioning slot, and spring pressure maintains this engagement without requiring additional locking steps or complex mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the outrigger pole is made rotatable between stowage and trolling positions, then versatility and fishing efficiency are improved, but risk of accidental movement and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The outrigger system incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism where the drive handle can be rotated to either engage or disengage the locking bar from the positioning slot. This allows the system to transition between a fixed locked state (when stability is needed) and an unlocked rotatable state (when position adjustment is needed), with the locking bar providing positive mechanical engagement to prevent accidental movement during operation.
3Ease of operation
If a spring-loaded drive handle is used to control locking, then ease of operation is improved, but force requirements and mechanical stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded drive handle utilizes elastic potential energy storage and release to provide mechanical advantage. When the operator rotates the drive handle, the spring compresses or expands, storing energy that assists in overcoming the friction and mechanical resistance of the locking bar engagement, reducing the peak force the operator must apply while maintaining controlled operation.
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 solution provides a positive control outrigger system that enhances safety and maneuverability by allowing rotational movement of the outrigger pole while maintaining stability, preventing entanglement of fishing lines and improving bait placement, thus increasing fishing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a spring loaded drive handle that maintains the handle in a fixed locked position. Upon the twisting of the drive handle, in a similar manner as a motorcycle throttle, the drive handle compresses a spring and causes the locking portion of the handle to disengage
Data Source
AI summary
A twist grip drive handle outrigger device having a locking mechanism for use on a fishing vessel having a first tubular member for holding of an outrigger pole, which is rotatably journaled to a second tubular member that is mounted to a fixed structure. The second tubular member houses a twist grip drive handle assembly that allows manual rotation of the outrigger pole. The driver assembly constructed and arranged to provide an unlocked condition by the twisting of the handle thereby allowing adjustment of the outrigger pole upon rotation of the first tubular member. The rotation of the first tubular member allows for movement of the outrigger pole from a stowage position to a trolling position and vice versa.