Twist Grip Drive Handle Outriggers for Fishing Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outrigger systems on narrow beam fishing vessels face challenges in stability and maneuverability due to the need for safe and efficient rotational movement, especially under ocean conditions, and the risk of entanglement of fishing lines during trolling.
Innovation Solution
A twist grip drive handle assembly that allows rotational movement of the outrigger pole between stowage and trolling positions, utilizing a spring-loaded mechanism for secure locking and unlocking, enabling safe operation from within the T-top structure without interference with vessel occupants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the outrigger pole is made long to extend bait spacing coverage, then the bait placement capability is improved, but the stability and maneuverability of the vessel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The outrigger system is divided into modular components including the pole, positioning line with multiple release clips at different locations, and separate control mechanisms. This segmentation allows the long pole to be managed in controlled segments through the positioning line system, maintaining stability while achieving extended bait placement capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the outrigger pole is made movable to allow rotation between stowage and trolling positions, then the operational flexibility is improved, but the risk of line entanglement and safety hazards increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning line is pre-configured with multiple release clips at specific locations along its length. Before rotation to trolling position, the system is prepared with the appropriate clip engaged, ensuring that during rotation the line remains controlled and cannot become entangled. This preliminary configuration eliminates the entanglement hazard while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning line with release clips acts as an intermediary mechanism between the outrigger pole and the fishing line. This intermediary controls the pole's movement during rotation, preventing direct contact and potential entanglement of fishing lines while enabling smooth transition between stowage and trolling positions.
3Ease of operation
If a combination control lever and locking mechanism is used for outrigger positioning, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control lever and locking mechanism are merged into a single integrated assembly. The control lever simultaneously performs both positioning and locking functions through its movement through the slot and engagement with the locking aperture, eliminating the need for separate controls and reducing overall system complexity despite maintaining ease of operation.
4Reliability
If the drive handle is designed to maintain fixed locked position for safety, then the operational safety is improved, but the ease of rotation operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The drive handle employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the locking aperture moves relative to the control lever through the slot during rotation. The handle transitions from a locked state (when the lever engages the aperture at extreme positions) to an unlocked state (when the lever passes through the aperture during rotation), enabling both safety during operation and ease of rotation when needed.
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
Enhances the safety and operational efficiency of outrigger systems by allowing controlled rotational movement, reducing the risk of line entanglement and improving bait placement, while maintaining stability under ocean conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A spring-loaded drive handle maintains the handle in a fixed locked position
Data Source
AI summary
A twist grip drive handle outrigger device 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.