WO2013074976A1

WO2013074976A1 - Wobble drag system

Info

Publication number: WO2013074976A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/065603
Authority: WO
Inventors: David G. Matsuura; Philip J. Simpson; Helen A. ANDERSON; Eric K. Baisch
Original assignee: Pure Fishing, Incorporated
Priority date: 2011-11-18
Filing date: 2012-11-16
Publication date: 2013-05-23

Abstract

A wobble drag system adaptable to a fishing reel, including a chamber, a shaft rotatably supported in the chamber, and a traveling member disposed in the chamber and connected with the shaft at a non-right mounting angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The wobble drag system also includes a substance including a viscous liquid or a polymeric material disposed within the chamber. Rotation of the shaft causes the traveling member to wobble and displace the substance.

Description

WOBBLE DRAG SYSTEM

Cross-Reference to Related Application

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 USC § 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/561,577, filed on November 18, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Background of the Invention

1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to torque drag mechanisms, and more particularly, to wobble drag systems adaptable to fishing reels. The present invention may also be integrated into rotary motion control mechanisms (i.e., clutches, brakes, and tension control devices).

2. Description of the Related Art

[0003] Traditional drag systems in conventional fishing reels rely on axial compression and inter-plate friction to apply anti-wind resistance to a shaft and/or line spool. The amount of friction is adjusted by changing the compression force applied to the stack of drag washers in the reel's drag system. Anglers try to adjust the applicable slip force to be less than the dynamic break strength of the fishing line in use, but sufficiently high to tire a hooked fish that is trying to unwind line from the reel and escape.

[0004] Unfortunately, the efficiency of a conventional drag stack system drops markedly when line tension overcomes the static friction forces and the drag stack washers start to exhibit relative movements subject to lower dynamic frictional forces. The angler is faced with a risk that adjustments to increase the dynamic friction forces may stop the relative drag washer movement and present a static friction setting that is higher than the break strength of the fishing line. Over time, because of the wear on such drag stack washers, the maximum drag and the available range of drag decreases. Further, the increase in drag for a given adjustment of the drag stack washers decreases.

[0005] It would be desirable to have a fishing reel drag system that did not pose the risks associated with a difference in static and dynamic friction forces as a drag setting is overcome by a fighting fish, did not have the wear characteristics associated with friction disks, and whose friction range did not vary with use.

[0006] Some magnetorheological (MR) and/or electroreheological (ER)devices (e.g. , brakes and clutches) include one or more disks rotating in an enclosed volume of MR fluid. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,815,674 to Blake, U.S. Patent No. 5,573,088 to Daniels, U.S. Patent No. 5,749,533 to Daniels, and U.S. Patent No. 5,816,372 to Carlson et al.(the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety) disclose devices in which one or more disks rotate in an enclosed volume of MR or ER fluid. In such devices, torque is transmitted from a shaft connected to one or more disks rotating through the MR fluid perpendicular to the shaft. Magnetic fields are then applied perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of the disk and through the MR fluid to vary the viscosity of the MR fluid contained within the enclosure. When exposed to a magnetic field the MR fluid changes along a continuum from a low viscosity fluid to a thick, semi-solid paste, depending on the strength of the magnetic field. Resistive torque is produced by shear stresses in the MR fluid acting upon the disk(s) as a rotational load is applied to the disk(s). The shear stress can be likened to the resultant force of brake calipers acting upon an automotive disk brake. When used as a torque coupling, relatively high torque loads can be transmitted until a predetermined torque limit has been reached. At this point, the shear resistance against rotary disk motion is exceeded and slippage occurs.

[0007] Currently, as a way of developing resistance to input torque, MR fluid rotary control devices use at least one relatively thin disk (typically of a soft magnetic material) that is connected to a rotatable shaft so that the disk set extends perpendicular to and rotates about a longitudinal axis of the shaft. This orientation presents virtually no transverse loading on the disk set. Accordingly, a thin disk set is employed, to provide the shortest longitudinal distance between the applied magnetic poles and thereby maintain the maximum magnetic flux across the MR fluid. Unfortunately, such devices require relatively large diameters for the disks sets, or a greater plurality of disks spaced sufficiently apart to allow the MR or ER fluid therebetween to provide adequate torque resistance. Regarding a ratio of the ability to generate resistance compared to size, such devices are not very efficient at creating a unit load of drag per volume. Therefore, such large diameter and spaced apart disks sets are unsuitable for the more compact fishing reel designs favored by anglers. It would be desirable to have the advantages of a resistive fluid drag system but in a size suitable for use in saltwater as well as compact reels in spinning as well as bait cast configurations.

Summary of Embodiments of the Invention

[0008] Accordingly, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide an MR drag system that permits fishing reel drag resistance to be varied based on an applied magnetic field. [0009] It is another aspect of the invention to provide a resistive drag system that does not rely on the frictional effects of a conventional compressed stack of drag washers to control the anti-rotation forces in a fishing reel.

[0010] It is a further aspect of the invention to provide a fishing reel drag system that uses the flow or deformation characteristics of a viscous liquid, non- Newtonian fluid, viscoelastic fluid, or polymeric material to adjust or control anti-winding forces in a fishing reel.

[0011] In accordance with these and additional aspects of the invention it will become apparent from the description found herein, the foregoing and/or other aspects of the present invention are achieved by providing a fishing reel wobble drag system that includes: (a) a chamber, (b) a shaft rotatably supported in the chamber and extending in an axis of rotation, and (c) a traveling member disposed in the chamber and connected with the shaft at a non- right mounting angle with respect to said longitudinal axis. An oppugnant substance comprising a viscous liquid, non- Newtonian fluid, viscoelastic fluid, or polymeric material is disposed within the chamber and in contact with the traveling member so that rotation of the shaft causes the traveling member to wobble and displace the oppugnant substance.

[0012] The foregoing and/or other aspects of the present invention are also achieved by providing a fishing reel that includes: (a) a frame that is connectable to a fishing rod, (b) a line spool around which can be wound or unwound a fishing line, (c) a handle crank that is rotatably coupled to the frame, and (d) a wobble drag system as described above.

[0013] Additional and/or other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

[0014] The wobble drag system of the present invention relies on displacement or deformation of an oppugnant substance, e.g., a viscous, non-Newtonian fluid or polymeric material to apply anti-wind resistance. Such mechanisms do not suffer from force differences like the static-dynamic forces at work in a frictional drag system. Anti-wind resistance, i.e., drag setting, is adjusted by changing the flow or deformation characteristics of the oppugnant substance. The result is a consistent drag system that allows the angler to set the drag force with more predictable effects under a wide variety of environmental conditions. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] The above and/or other aspects and advantages of embodiments of the invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a traveling member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another traveling member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views illustrating operation of a wobble drag system employing the traveling member of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views illustrating operation of another wobble drag system employing the traveling member of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 7 A and 7B illustrate another traveling member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 8A-8C, 9A-9C, and 10A and 10B illustrate additional alternative traveling members in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 11 A- l lC illustrate operation of a mechanical feature for automatically decreasing efficiency of yet another traveling member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate operation of another mechanical feature for automatically decreasing efficiency of a traveling member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate operation of yet another mechanical feature for automatically decreasing efficiency of a traveling member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate operation of still yet another mechanical feature for automatically decreasing efficiency of a traveling member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate still another mechanical feature for automatically decreasing efficiency of a traveling member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIGS. 16A-16C are cross-sectional views of wobble drag systems with mechanical features for automatically decreasing efficiency of a traveling member in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a wobble drag system with an enclosure for affecting the flow of MR fluid therein in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of portion of the enclosure of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective cross-sectional view of another wobble drag system with an enclosure for affecting the flow of MR fluid therein in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of portion of the enclosure of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating an additional traveling member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged perspective view of the traveling member of FIG. 21

FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating another traveling member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged perspective view of the traveling member of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a side perspective view of an elastomeric wobble drag system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a side elevation view of a wobble plate assembly of the wobble drag system of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the wobble plate assembly of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a wobble plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a sectional view of the elastomeric wobble drag system of FIG. 25; FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of a reel implementing a wobble drag system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the reel of FIG. 30 taken along line 31-31 of

FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a pinion shaft and mating splined hole of the reel of

FIG. 30;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the reel of FIG. 30 and perspective views of a driven plate and a spring- loaded driver of the reel of FIG. 30; and FIGS. 34A-34C are perspective views respectively illustrating a variable magnetic field shield of FIG. 30 in full open, partially open, and closed positions.

Detailed Description

[0016] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout. The embodiments described exemplify the present invention by referring to the drawings.

[0017] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a traveling member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1 , a drive shaft 2 has a longitudinal axis about which it rotates due to a driving member (not shown). A traveling member 6 is mounted on the drive shaft 2 in a manner that allows the traveling member 6 to wobble, or tilt relative to the drive shaft 2. In this embodiment, the traveling member 6 is a disk that is centrally mounted on the drive shaft 2. In addition, in this embodiment, the traveling member 6 is fixedly mounted to the shaft 2 at a non-right mounting angle a with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 2. Accordingly, because of the mounting angle a, upon rotation of the shaft 2, the rotational force causes the traveling member 6 to rotate and also wobble, or nutate about its center. This wobbling, or nutating, is similar to the action of a swash plate.

[0018] By way of example, such a wobbling traveling member 6 may be utilized to displace an oppugnant fluid of constant or variable resistance to displacement, such as MR fluid, is contained within a chamber. Upon rotation of the drive shaft 2 and the traveling member 6, MR fluid is displaced in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the shaft 2. Additionally, the traveling member 6 may generate circumferential and radial displacement of the MR fluid. A magnetic field can be applied to the MR fluid to alter its fluidic state (i.e., from a flowable fluid to a near solid) and thereby imply a resistance force upon the traveling member 6 submerged within and in contact with the MR fluid. Magnetic fields can be induced, for example, using one or more magnets or electromagnets that can be advanced or retracted relative to the chamber to change the magnetic flux acting upon the MR fluid. The change of viscosity of the MR fluid is an effective way of applying a resistance force on the traveling member 6 and, therefore, the resistance force upon rotation of the drive shaft 2.

[0019] Though the traveling member 6 is fixedly mounted to a shaft 2 in the embodiment of FIG. 1, as will be shown in the illustrated, but not exhaustive embodiments, the traveling member 6 may be mounted in numerous ways to achieve this wobbling effect. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that other options for mounting the traveling member of the shaft may be incorporated into the present invention without departing from its scope. For example, a bronze bearing may be disposed between a traveling member and a shaft, or a traveling member may be rotatably coupled with a spline shaft.

[0020] In another aspect of the invention shown in figure 2, a ball bearing assembly 10 is concentrically mounted between a traveling member 14 and a shaft adapter bushing 18. According to one embodiment, the traveling member 14 is a disk 14. The shaft adapter bushing 18 is concentrically mounted with respect to an inner race of the ball bearing assembly 10, between a drive shaft 26 and the inner race of the ball bearing assembly 10. A mounting angle a of the disk is determined by an inclined bore 22 through the shaft adapter bushing 18. The inclined bore of the shaft adapter bushing 18 receives the drive shaft 26. According to one embodiment, the shaft adapter bushing 18 is fixedly mounted to the driveshaft 26.

[0021] The inclined bore 22 and the ball bearing assembly 10 facilitate the wobbling of the disk 14 without requiring the disk 14 to rotate relative to the housing 30. According to one embodiment, the traveling member 14 does not rotate during rotation of the drive shaft 26. According to an alternative embodiment, rotation of the traveling member 14 is permitted during rotation of the drive shaft 26.

[0022] When the rotary disk motion is eliminated during rotation of the drive shaft 26, such restricted motion also eliminates unnecessary shear force but maintains the ability of the disk 14 to wobble, so that the disk 14 interacts with an oppugnant substance within chamber 34 that resists nutational motion (with or without rotation) of the disk 14 such as, for example, MR fluid. More specifically, as will be shown in greater detail below, when the embodiment of FIG. 2 is disposed in MR fluid and the driveshaft 26 is rotated, traveling member 14 wobbles and displaces the MR fluid substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 26. As the MR fluid becomes more viscous in response to the effects of increased magnetic flux, the MR fluid applies more resistive force against the wobbling of the traveling member 14. And because the wobbling of traveling member 14 is increasingly resisted, the ball bearing assembly 10, shaft adapter bushing 18, and drive shaft 26 incur greater rotational resistance and drag effects on the associated fishing line. [0023] Figures 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views illustrating operation of a wobble drag system employing the traveling member of FIG. 2. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a housing assembly 30 defines a chamber 34 therein. The drive shaft 26 is rotatably disposed in the housing assembly 30 and the shaft adapter bushing, or inclined bearing adapter 18 is disposed on the drive shaft 26. According to one embodiment, the shaft adapter bushing 18 is fixedly disposed on the drive shaft 26. An inner race of the ball bearing assembly 10 is fixedly disposed on the shaft adapter bushing 18, and an outer race of the ball bearing assembly 10 is connected to the traveling member 14.

[0024] The chamber 34 encloses MR fluid 38. Magnet supports 42 and 46 support magnets 50 and 54 and cooperate with housing assembly 30 to move axially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft 26 and maintain orientation of the magnets 50 and 54. Movement of the magnets 50 and 54 defines adjustable air gaps 56 and 58 between the magnets 50 and 54 and the housing assembly 30, and also defines the strength of the magnetic field induced with respect to the MR fluid 38. Therefore, the resistive torque about the drive shaft 26 can be controlled by placement of the magnets 50 and 54 relative to the MR fluid 38 in the chamber 34, in which the traveling member 14 is disposed. In FIG. 3, the adjustable air gaps 56 and 58 and magnets 50 and 54 are shown in the closed, or maximum resistance position. And in FIG. 4, the adjustable air gaps 56 and 58 and magnets 50 and 54 are shownin the open, or minimal resistance position.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the magnets 50 and 54 are ring magnets. And, according to one embodiment, the magnets 50 and 54 are permanent magnets. Suitable permanent magnetic materials are generally those with a magnetic field of at least about 0.1 Tesla and preferably at least about 1 Tesla with the strength of at least 1000 Gauss.

Exemplary materials include magnets of aluminum-nickel-cobalt (Alnico), ceramic, strontium iron (known as ferrites), and rare earth materials. Preferred rare earth magnets include neodymium-iron-boron and samarium-cobalt.

[0026] Similar to FIGS. 3 and 4, FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate cross-sectional views of the operation of a wobble drag system employing the traveling member of FIG. 2. Rather than the pair of magnet supports 42 and 46 and the pair of ring magnets 50 and 54, the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 employs a single magnet support 60 and a single ring magnet 62. Additionally, magnet support 60 cooperates with housing assembly 30 to move axially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft 26 and maintain orientation of the permanent ring magnet 62. [0027] Further, magnetic flux can be redirected by placing a magnetic material (for example, a soft metal, such as soft iron) in the magnetic field. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a soft metal pole piece 61 is disposed on the magnet support 60 to increase the magnetic flux density through the MR fluid. The use of the pole piece 61 permits a reduction in the number of magnets necessary to increase the viscosity of the fluid to provide the desired drag output on the drive shaft 26.

[0028] Movement of the magnet 62 defines an adjustable air gap 64 between the magnet 62 and the housing assembly 30, and also defines the strength of the magnetic field induced with respect to the MR fluid 38. Therefore, the resistive torque about the drive shaft 26 can be controlled by placement of the magnet 62 relative to the MR fluid 38 in the chamber 34, in which the traveling member 14 is disposed. The operation of the wobble drag system shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is otherwise similar to that shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and for brevity, further description is omitted.

[0029] With respect to the embodiments shown, for example, in FIGS. 3-6, the total disk torque for varied pressure as seen by the diskl4 can be approximated as:

T_z = ^R⁴P_{nIB X} sin a where T_z is the torque about the shaft 26, R is the radius of the traveling member 14 , P_nm is the pressure seen by the traveling member 14, and a is the wobble angle of the traveling member 14.

[0030] In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 A and 7B, the traveling member includes a planetary gear set 66 to displace MR fluid. Looking at FIG. 7B, the planetary gear set 66 is movably disposed on shaft adapter bushing 68, which is fixedly connected to drive shaft 70. In accordance with one embodiment, the planetary gear set rotates and wobbles in conjunction with rotation of the drive shaft 70, and in accordance with another embodiment, the planetary gear set 66 only wobbles in conjunction with rotation of the drive shaft 70. Additionally, according to one embodiment, the planetary gear set 66 is enclosed within a disk. And according to another embodiment, the planetary gear set 66 is not enclosed, but rather, is exposed to and in physical contact with the MR fluid. In such an exposed embodiment, each of the gears of the planetary gear set 66 encounters the viscosity changes of the MR fluid, thereby enhancing the effect of the change in viscosity. [0031] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, multiple traveling members may be disposed on a single drive shaft without departing from the scope of the present invention. Additionally, circumferential timing of the angles of inclination may be arranged to enhance displacement by the plural traveling members by placing them in or out of phase with one another.

[0032] One exemplary application for embodiments of the present invention is a fishing reel. Embodiments of the present invention can improve the performance of fishing reels by approaching constant line tension regardless of the speed at which line is wound or unwound from the associated spool. Constant line tension is desirable to prevent the fishing line from breaking, which can occur when line tension suddenly increases and the effects of momentum and initial frictional forces of a system at rest combine to provide a substantially higher effective drag setting than is experienced in an active drag system. In use, the actions of reeling in fishing line or having line pulled from a reel by a fish results in the rotation of a spool about its center axis (e.g., the drive shaft 26). The drive shaft 26 of the present invention has at least one traveling member (e.g., 14) mounted thereon and submerged in the MR fluid 38. The position of magnets 50 and 54 can be changed to increase (move closer) or decrease (move away) the magnetic field strength acting on the MR fluid 38. As line is retrieved by the angler by turning shaft 26, magnets 50 and 54 are retracted to reduce the viscosity of the MR fluid 38. This reduced viscosity facilitates ease of use and retrieval speed. When line tension is sufficiently high to cause rotation of the line spool without rotation of shaft 26, magnets 50 and 54 are advanced toward chamber 38 to expose MR fluid 38 to greater magnetic flux, and thereby increase the viscosity of MR fluid 38. Therefore, the highly sensitive and rapid change of state of the MR fluid 38 can be used as an effective way to respond to changes in line tension to approach generally constant line tension.

[0033] The rotational resistance (also known as drag torque) of the wobble drag system may be statically or dynamically modulated by increasing or decreasing the strength of the magnetic field acting upon the MR fluid. The field strength may be varied in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to: repositioning permanent magnets, modulating

electromagnetic influences, and diverting magnetic flux through alternate shots or pathways. Thickness and material of the traveling members may also be varied to best accommodate the strength and effectiveness of the magnetic field. As an example, the traveling member may be a disk and have a thickness of approximately 1 to 3 mm. As a further example the traveling member may be made of materials including, but not limited to: plastics, elastomers, aluminum, stainless steel, and brass.

[0034] The drag torque of the wobble drag system may also be varied by altering at least one of the fluid displacement elements. By way of example, the mounting angle of the traveling member could be varied, thus varying the volume of MR fluid displaced with every rotation of the drive shaft. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the mounting angle of the traveling member may be varied to better achieve the most desirable drag without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0035] As additional options for varying the volume of MR fluid displaced with every rotation of the drive shaft, embodiments of the present invention include fluid displacement enhancing elements, including: fins, propeller blades, vanes, and slots. The fluid

displacement elements listed herein are not exhaustive, and other fluid displacement enhancing elements may be incorporated into embodiments of the present invention without departing from the scope. By way of example, FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate an example of a traveling member 72, including a disk 74 with one or more fins or vanes 76 disposed on at least one face of the disk to further enhance radial displacement of the MR fluid as the disk wobbles. According to one embodiment, the vane 76 is pitched along its radial axis. And, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, if the traveling member 72 is employed in an embodiment in which the traveling member 72 rotates in addition to wobbling, such rotation of the vane(s) 76 would further increase radial displacement of the MR fluid. The embodiment of FIG. 8B shows vanes 76B on only one face of the disk 74B and the embodiment of FIG. 8C shows vanes 76C on both faces of the disk 74C.

[0036] Figures. 9A-9C illustrate a traveling member 78, including a disk 82 with a plurality of radial fins 86 to enhance displacement of the MR fluid as the traveling member 78 wobbles. According to one embodiment (shown in FIG. 9B), fins 86B are angled with respect to face of the disk 82B. According to another embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9C, each fin 86C has a pitch about its radial axis. As with the embodiments of FIGS. 8A-8C, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, if the traveling member 78 is employed in an embodiment in which the traveling member 78 rotates in addition to wobbling, such rotation of the fins 86 would further increase radial displacement of the MR fluid.

[0037] In a further example, FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate an example of a propeller-like wobbling traveling member 90, wherein each propeller blade 94 is pitched about its own radial axis, further enhancing the displacement of the MR fluid as the traveling member 90 wobbles. And, similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 8A-8C and 9A-9C, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, if the traveling member 90 is employed in an embodiment in which the traveling member 90 rotates in addition to wobbling, such rotation of the blades 94 would further increase radial displacement of the MR fluid.

[0038] To approach constant line tension, it can be desirable to make an inefficient fluid displacement mechanism. In other words, the volume of MR fluid displaced per shaft revolution should decrease with increasing shaft speed. This would cause the mechanism to be torque limiting in that it would be more efficient at slow speeds, and less efficient at faster speeds. In a typical fluid displacement system such as a pump, great care is taken to maximize pump efficiency by maintaining a constant volume of fluid displaced per shaft revolution. But due to most fluid's inherent resistance to being displaced, the pump shaft loads generally increase with increased shaft speed, as more fluid is being displaced at higher speeds. If such a system was employed as a fishing reel drag, as the spool speed increased the resistive torque would also increase, thus increasing the resultant line tension. This is undesirable.

[0039] In addition to varying the volume of MR fluid displaced with every rotation of the drive shaft as described above, the following embodiments include mechanical features that automatically reduce the efficiency of the wobble drag system. In other words, in these reduced-efficiency embodiments, the volume of fluid displaced per shaft revolution is decreased with increased shaft speed or increased traveling member loading. This reduction of the volume of fluid displaced per shaft revolution approaches a nearly constant resistive torque, which approaches a generally constant line tension. This inversely proportional speed- volume relationship results in more or less fluid displacement (depending on the state of the MR fluid) depending on the shaft speed, which results in automatic, or self compensating, rotational control of the drive shaft.

[0040] The effect of the rotational speed of the drive shaft on drag resistance can be reduced by allowing at least a portion of the disk to flex, or become altered in some way. Figures 11A-11C illustrate an embodiment in which one or more portions of the traveling member are allowed to flex under transverse loading. For example, FIGS. 11A and 11C illustrate a cross-section and perspective view, respectively, of a traveling member 96 at rest, or at low shaft speeds. The outermost edge of the traveling member 96 is unsupported. Figure 11B illustrates the traveling member 96 at a speed greater than a predetermined speed (or, e.g., a predetermined traveling member loading) at which the outermost edge flexes inwardly, effectively reducing the mounting angle of the traveling member. This effective reduction of the mounting angle reduces the volume of MR fluid displaced with every rotation of the drive shaft, thus approaching generally constant drag torque. Such a flexing traveling member could be employed both in an embodiment in which the traveling member 96 rotates and wobbles, and in an embodiment in which the traveling member 96 only wobbles.

[0041] Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12C. In this embodiment the disk-to-ball bearing assembly interface is fabricated out of a compliant material that allows the mounting angle (the angle between the disk and the drive shaft) to effectively decrease with increased rotational drive shaft speeds. More specifically, in FIGS. 12A-12C, similar to the embodiment of FIG. 2, a shaft adapter bushing 100 having an inclined bore therethrough is connected to drive shaft 104. Additionally, an inner race of a ball bearing assembly 108 is connected to the shaft adapter bushing 100. But in this embodiment, the compliant material 112 is disposed between an outer race of the ball bearing assembly 108 and the traveling member 116.

[0042] The traveling member 116 is shown in FIGS. 12A and 12C at rest, or at low shaft speeds, and is shown in FIG. 12B at a speed higher than a predetermined speed (or, e.g., above a predetermined traveling member loading). Thus, above a predetermined shaft speed, the complaint material 112 flexes, permitting the traveling member 116 to remain essentially rigid, yet moved inwardly, thereby reducing the effective mounting angle. Again, this results in less MR fluid displaced with every rotation of the drive shaft as the rotational speed of the drive shaft increased, thus approaching generally constant drag torque. Examples of such a compliant material include, but are not limited to, crystalline or amorphous polymers that may, or may not, include reinforcing particulate, whiskers, fibers, or filaments. Suitable polymers include nylon, silicone, polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polystyrene, and poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Such a compliant material 112 could be employed both in an embodiment in which the traveling member 116 rotates and wobbles, and in an embodiment in which the traveling member 116 only wobbles.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 13 A and 13B, a traveling member 120 includes a disk 124 with one or more apertures 128. The aperture 128 is covered by a spring-loaded shutter 132. The spring-loaded shutter 132 travels away from the center of rotation of the disk 124 (due to centrifugal force) as the disk rotates. The mass of the shutter 132 and the spring rate controlling the positioning of the shutter 132 are determined based on the desired opening and closing of the shutters in response to a generally specified range of centrifugal force. By way of example, as the rotational speed of the drive shaft increases, the inertia of the shutter 132 increases, thus allowing the spring-loaded shutter 132 to travel outward from the center of rotation above a predetermined drive shaft speed. This reveals disk aperture 128, which decreases the volume of MR fluid displaced by the rotating and/or wobbling disk, thus regulating drag torque at shaft speed increases. Such an aperture- shutter system could be employed both in an embodiment in which the traveling member 120 rotates and wobbles, and in an embodiment in which the traveling member 120 only wobbles.

[0044] Additionally, rather than traveling radially (as in the embodiment of FIGS. 13A and 13B), in the embodiment shown FIGS. 14A and 14B, a spring-loaded shutter 130 rotates to reveal one or more apertures 132 in response to increased inertia of the shutter 130 (due to centrifugal force and/or shear force with respect to the fluid) as the disk rotates and/or wobbles. In this embodiment, a spring 134 biases the shutter 130 in a direction to cover the aperture 132. Such a rotational aperture- shutter system could be employed both in an embodiment in which the traveling member 136 rotates and wobbles, and in an embodiment in which the traveling member 136 only wobbles.

[0045] Similarly, in an embodiment of a traveling member 138 shown FIGS. 15 A and 15B, a spring-loaded shutter 140 rotates to reveal an aperture 142 in response to increased inertia of the shutter 140 (due to centrifugal force) as the disk rotates. In this embodiment, a spring 144 may be may be disposed, for example, on a rotational shaft 148 of the shutter 140, biasing the shutter 140 in a direction to cover the aperture 142. In addition, or as an alternative to the spring 144 disposed on the rotational shaft 148, as shown in FIG. 15B, a spring 150 may be disposed at a distal end of the shutter 140 to bias the shutter 140 in the direction to cover the aperture 142. Such a rotational aperture-shutter system could be employed both in an embodiment in which the traveling member 138 rotates and wobbles, and in an embodiment in which the traveling member 138 only wobbles.

[0046] Another alternative for automatically regulating drag torque is to fabricate one or more portions of the enclosure from a semi-rigid material or an elastomeric material to allow at least some portion of the enclosure to deflect under loads. According to an embodiment shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, a housing assembly 156 includes an enclosure 160 that surrounds at least a portion of a drive shaft 164 and a traveling member 168 mounted to the drive shaft 164. The traveling member 168 is generally submerged in MR fluid 172. FIG. 16A illustrates the wobble drag system at rest, or at low shaft rotational speeds, and FIG. 16B illustrates at a shaft rotational speed higher than a predetermined speed (or, e.g., above a predetermined traveling member loading).

[0047] As shown in FIG. 16B, above the predetermined speed (or, e.g., the predetermined traveling member loading), portions 176 and 180 of the enclosure 160 deflect, or deform, thereby automatically reducing the efficiency of the displacement of the MR fluid. Materials for the deformable portion(s) of the enclosure may or may not be the same as those used for compliant member 112 and can also include, but are not limited to: silicone rubber, urethane, and spring steel.

[0048] As an alternative, as shown in FIG. 16C, the enclosure 160 may include translation elements 184, such as flexible bellows elements, spring-loaded plungers, and/or other options for translating at least a portion of the enclosure 160 for fluid displacement regulation. For example, above the predetermined speed (or, e.g., the predetermined traveling member loading), a portion of the enclosure translates outwardly, thereby automatically reducing the efficiency of the displacement of the MR fluid.

[0049] According to another embodiment, the enclosure may be formed to direct flow of the MR fluid in beneficial ways. Respectively, FIGS. 17 and 19 are cross-sectional and perspective cross-sectional views of wobble drag systems 260 and 280 with enclosures that affect the flow of MR fluid therein. FIGS. 18 and 20 are perspective views of portions of the enclosures of FIGS. 17 and 19, respectively. More specifically, FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate an enclosure 264 with means for restricting the flow of MR fluid within the enclosure 264. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the means for restricting the flow of the MR fluid is a plurality of curved fins 268 disposed on axial walls of the enclosure 264. The curved fins 268 increase the torque output of the shaft 272 as the viscosity of the MR fluid increases by limiting the flow of the MR fluid. Although the fins are depicted as being curved, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the fins 268 may be straight, radial, spiral-shaped, have a plurality curves, or have some other shape without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that each fin 268 may a have a shape that is different than an adjacent fin 268 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0050] FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate an enclosure 284 with an increased surface area feature 288 disposed on axial walls of the enclosure 284. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the feature 288 is a plurality of concentric circles. The feature 288 guides the MR fluid within the enclosure 284 to decrease the efficiency of the system by increasing the turbulence of the MR fluid. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand, however, that the increased surface area feature 288 may be a single spiral, a plurality of spirals, a plurality of intersecting shapes, or some other shape without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0051] FIGS. 21-24 are perspective views illustrating additional traveling members in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 21 illustrates a housing assembly 184 in which a rectangular (for example, a square) traveling member 186 is movably disposed within a cavity that may or may not be a similarly shaped rectangle. While traveling member 186 is disposed on drive shaft 188, rectangular traveling member 186 does not rotate along with drive shaft 188. Instead, in operation, rotation of the drive shaft 188 causes rectangular traveling member 186 to only wobble with respect to the housing assembly 184. Similarly, FIG. 23 illustrates a housing assembly 190 in which a hexagonal traveling member 192 is movably disposed. As with the embodiment of FIGS. 21 and 22, rotation of the drive shaft 194 causes rectangular traveling member 192 to only wobble with respect to the housing assembly 190. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the traveling member may exhibit virtually any geometric shape, e.g., triangular, rhomboidal, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, star-shaped, etc., without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0052] The above-described embodiments of the present invention are directed at providing an adjustable resistor drag torque by displacement of MR fluid. These

embodiments rely, at least partially, on the MR fluid's resistance to being fluidically displaced, pumped, or otherwise urged from one position to another, as opposed to solely relying on shear resistance acting upon the sides of the rotating disk to generate the resistive force. The embodiments utilize one or more mechanical elements to stir, circulate, agitate, urge, or otherwise fluidically displace an MR fluid that is under the influence of a magnetic field. Driveshaft resistance is created by the MR fluid's resistance to being displaced within an enclosure.

[0053] FIGS. 25-29 illustrate an embodiment of an elastomeric wobble drag system 200. The elastomeric wobble drag system 200 includes an outer housing 204, an inner housing 208, bearings 212, a traveling member or wobble plate 216, elastomeric material 220, a drive shaft 224, and a shaft adapter bushing or tilted adapter 228. Briefly, as a rotational force (torque) is applied to the shaft 224, the elastomeric wobble drag system 200 may be used to adjust the speed of shaft rotation by applying a resistive torque, thus acting as a braking mechanism. Essentially, the elastomeric wobble drag system 200 converts rotational force (torque) applied to the shaft into translational force exerted by the wobble plate via wobbling (or nutating). Adjusting the compressive force exerted by the elastomeric material 220 onto the sides of the wobble plate 216 varies the amount of force required to wobble the wobble plate 216 and, consequently, the amount of torque required to rotate the shaft 224. Therefore, the wobble drag system 200 can directly control the speed at which the shaft 224 rotates.

[0054] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 25, the drive shaft 224 is rotatably disposed within the inner and outer housings 208 and 204. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, a generally cylindrical shaft adapter bushing or tilted adapter 228 is securely coupled to the shaft 224. The shaft adapter bushing 228 is secured to the shaft 224 such that they are rotationally and translationally fixed relative to each other. The shaft adapter bushing 228 has an inclined bore 230 therethrough that is at least slightly angled (β) from the longitudinal axis of the shaft adapter bushing 228. The inclined bore 230 has an inner diameter that is large enough to accommodate the shaft 224. Therefore, when shaft adapter bushing 228 is mated to the shaft 224, an outer cylindrical wall of the shaft adapter bushing 228 is non-concentric with an outer cylindrical wall of the shaft 224 (best shown in FIG. 27). The tilt of the outer cylindrical wall of the shaft adapter bushing 228 ultimately causes the circumferentially mated wobble plate 216 to wobble (or nutate) as the shaft 224 and shaft adapter bushing 228 rotate about the longitudinal axis of the shaft 224.

[0055] FIG. 28 illustrates an embodiment of the wobble plate 216 in accordance with the present invention. The wobble plate 216 has a central through hole that allows the wobble plate 216 to slide over the shaft 224 and shaft adapter bushing 228 and circumferentially mate with the outer wall of the shaft adapter bushing 228. Furthermore, the through hole of the wobble plate 216 has a diameter that is sized to have a sliding fit over the outer wall of the shaft adapter bushing 228. This enables the wobble plate 216 to respond sensitively to the tilted outer wall of the rotating shaft adapter bushing 228 without rotating along with the shaft adapter bushing 228. During rotation of the shaft and the shaft adapter bushing 228, this arrangement permits the wobble plate 216 to wobble back and forth (due to the tilted outer wall of the tilted adapter) without requiring the wobble plate 216 to rotate.

[0056] Bearings 212 (or washers) positioned on both sides of the wobble plate 216 (and best shown in FIG. 29) assist in maintaining the position of the wobble plate 216 relative to theshaft adapter bushing 228, while continuing to allow the wobble plate 216 to remain free from rotation as the shaft 224 and shaft adapter bushing 228 rotate. In an embodiment in which the wobble does not rotate during rotation of the shaft 224 and the shaft adapter bushing 228, less energy is lost due to shear forces between wobble plate 216 and the elastomeric material 220 in comparison to an embodiment in which the wobble plate 216 does rotate during rotation of the drive shaft and the shaft adapter bushing 228.

[0057] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 29, the inner and outer housings 208 and 204 define a chamber 230 therebetween in which the shaft adapter bushing 228, wobble plate 216, and the elastomeric material 220 are disposed. By varying the positions of the inner and outer housings 208 and 204 relative to each other, the amount of compression applied to the elastomeric material contained within the chamber is varied. As shown in FIG. 29, the outer housing 204 has a threaded inner bore that engages a threaded outer wall of the inner housing 208. The further the inner housing 208 becomes engaged within the upper housing 204, the greater the compressive force applied to the elastomeric material 220 contained within the chamber 230. As the compressive force applied to the elastomeric material 220 increases, greater translational forces are required to wobble the wobble plate 216, and therefore, the resistive torque applied to the shaft 224 increases. Thus, by varying the relative positions of the inner and outer housings 208 and 204, a variety of resistive torques can be applied to the shaft 224. It will be understood by one skilled in the art, however, that other mechanisms for altering the compressive force on the elastomeric material 220 within the chamber 230 may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0058] One exemplary application for embodiments of the present invention is a fishing reel. For example, the shaft 224 may be associated with a fishing reel assembly. As noted above, the compressive force applied on the elastomeric material 220 in the chamber 230 may be varied, so that the desired amount of resistive torque may be immediately applied to the shaft 224. Thus, an embodiment of the present invention may be employed as an improved mechanism for controlling the applied resistive torque to the shaft of a fishing reel assembly. Embodiments of the present invention provides several benefits over current mechanisms for controlling resistive torque, such as near uniformity of line tension and insensitivity to spool speeds, which can improve any number of mechanisms that may implement embodiments of the present invention.

[0059] Without departing from the scope of the present invention, the elastomeric material disclosed herein may be any number of materials that have deformation and flow properties sufficient to permit and resist the translational movement of the wobble plate 216 as the shaft 224 rotates. Examples of the elastomeric material 220 include, but are not limited to silicone rubber and other synthetic rubber materials, such as isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, isobutylene-isoprene rubber; copolymers and terpolymers such as ethylene-propylene copolymer, ethylene-propylene-dieneterpolymer; silicones;

flouroelastomers; acrylic elastomers; ethylene- acrylic elastomers;

chlorosulfonatedpolyethylenes; flourinated elastomers; and the like. In addition, according to one embodiment, the substance disposed within the chamber 230 is a non-Newtonian fluid.

[0060] Furthermore, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, the size, shape, and design of the traveling member may be altered to modify the performance of the traveling member with the elastomeric wobble drag system 200 without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, embodiments of the traveling members discussed with respect to the MR fluid wobble drag systems may be employed with the elastomeric wobble drag system.

[0061] Embodiments of the elastomeric wobble drag system are directed at providing an adjustable resistive drag torque by varying the compression force of an elastomeric material by a traveling member (or wobble plate). These embodiments at least partially rely on compression forces acting upon the traveling member as the traveling member is forced to wobble back and forth (or nutate) due to the rotation of the tilted adapter and the drive shaft. Shear resistance acting upon the wobble plate from the adjacent elastomeric material is substantially negligible in the present invention, particularly because the wobble plate is free from rotating as the shaft and tilted adapter rotate. Therefore, as the shaft and tilted adapter rotate about the center axis of the shaft, the traveling member generally does not rotate, and instead, simply wobbles back and forth against the adjacent elastomeric material. The wobble action generally urges a wave of elastomeric material about the center axis of the shaft.

[0062] The traveling member wobbles back and forth generally due to its interaction with the tilted adapter as the tilted adapter and the shaft rotate. As the traveling member wobbles back and forth, the sides of the wobble plate apply the force upon the adjacent elastomeric material. Furthermore, the amount of compressive force the inner and outer housings apply to the elastomeric material ultimately determines the amount of resistive torque applied to the shaft. This is because the rotational speed of shaft generally depends upon the amount of torque required to force the traveling member back and forth (wobble or nutate) against the elastomeric material. Therefore, if a separate rotational force (torque) is applied to the shaft, the elastomeric wobble drag system may be used to adjust the speed of rotation (by applying a resistive torque) or the line tension, thus acting as a braking mechanism.

[0063] Embodiments of the present invention include mechanisms to allow substantially immediate variance in applied compressive forces upon the elastomeric material (such as from the housing) so that variance in resistive torque may be immediately applied to the shaft. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention may be used as an improved mechanism for controlling the applied resistive torque to the shaft of a fishing reel assembly. Additionally, in comparison to traditional drag stack washer systems, embodiments of the present invention have improved wear characteristics and performance. Further, embodiments of the present invention provide several benefits over current mechanisms for controlling resistive torque, such as low variance torque and insensitivity to shaft speed, which can improve any number of devices that implement embodiments of the present invention.

[0064] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of a reel 250 implementing a wobble drag system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 31 is a cross- section view of the reel 250 taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 30. More specifically, the wobble drag system illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31 is an MR fluid drag system. As shown in FIG. 31, a set of dogs 254 attached to a left side plate 258 mate with a ratchet 262 milled into an outside surface of an MR fluid housing 266 to allow the housing 266 to rotate only in a "line in" direction. FIG. 32 illustrates a pinion shaft 270 that is splined where it mates with a splined hole 274 in the MR fluid housing 266, thereby allowing only relative axial movement of the pinion shaft with respect to the MR fluid housing 266. Although the MR fluid housing 266 is illustrated schematically as a box, one skilled in the art will understand that the housing 266 can house any of the previously-described MR fluid wobble drag systems.

Additionally, one skilled in the art will understand that previously-described non-MR fluid wobble drag systems may be similarly implemented in a reel.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 33, a clutch 278, including a driven plate 282 and a spring- loaded driver 286, creates a disengageable coupling between a spool 290 and the MR fluid housing 266. The axial position of the spool 290 determines whether the clutch 278 is coupled or de-coupled. A variable magnetic field shield 294 determines the strength of the magnetic field from a magnet 298 that reaches the MR fluid housing 266, and ultimately, the amount of drag on the spool 290. FIGS. 34A-34C are perspective views respectively illustrating the variable magnetic field shield 294 in full open, partially open, and closed positions. [0066] As noted previously, magnetic fields can be induced, for example, using one or more magnets or electromagnets that can be advanced or retracted relative to the MR fluid chamber to change the magnetic flux acting upon the MR fluid. The strength of the magnetic field acting upon the MR fluid may be varied by modulating an electromagnet. The change of viscosity of the MR fluid is an effective way of applying a resistance force on a traveling member and, therefore, the resistance force upon rotation of a drive shaft.

[0067] According to one embodiment, an automatic feedback system is disposed on a reel to provide a substantially constant drag force, for example, as the line comes off the spool. More specifically, a strain sensor and a small microprocessor are included in the reel to create a feedback loop. This feedback loop can be used to modulate the flux density reaching the MR fluid. For example, the feedback loop can be used to modulate the output of an electromagnet. In an alternative embodiment, the feedback system moves a magnet system, such as one or more permanent magnets, toward and away from the MR fluid to modulate the flux density based on the feedback.

[0068] According to another embodiment, the feedback system is employed with a primary magnet system and a supplemental magnet system. In such an embodiment, the primary magnet is fixed relative to the MR fluid and the feedback system controls movement/output of the supplemental magnet system to either increase or decrease a portion of the magnetic flux acting on the MR fluid in accordance with the feedback. Permanent magnets, electromagnets, or a combination can be used as the primary and supplemental magnet systems. Preferred permanent magnets have high remanence and coercivity, such as the rare earth magnets like those based on neodymium, samarium-cobalt, and alloys thereof. If an electromagnet is used as the supplemental magnet system, the supplemental magnetic flux can be modulated very quickly.

[0069] As an example, as line comes off the spool, the diameter of the spool decreases, thereby creating a shorter torque arm. In a standard reel, if line tension is plotted as a function of spool diameter, the line tension curve increases as the torque arm diminishes. But an automatic feedback system, such as described previously, compensates for the decreasing diameter of the spool by modulating the flux density acting on the MR fluid, thereby providing the reel with a self-compensating drag system that substantially delivers a constant drag, and essentially flattens the line tension curve. [0070] Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments. Instead, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:

1. A wobble drag system adaptable to a fishing reel, the wobble drag system comprising:

a chamber within the fishing reel;

a shaft rotatably supported in the chamber;

a traveling member disposed in the chamber and connected with the shaft at a non- right mounting angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the shaft; and

a substance comprising a viscous liquid or a polymeric material disposed within the chamber;

wherein rotation of the shaft causes the traveling member to wobble and displace the substance.

2. The wobble drag system according to claim 1 , further comprising a shaft adapter bushing disposed on the shaft and having an inclined bore therethrough, wherein the traveling member is concentrically mounted with respect to the shaft adapter bushing, and the inclination of the inclined bore defines the mounting angle.

3. The wobble drag system according to claim 2, wherein the shaft adapter bushing is securely coupled to the shaft and the traveling member is movably mounted with respect to the bushing.

4. The wobble drag system according to claim 3, wherein the traveling member has a central bore therethrough sized to have a sliding fit over an outer wall of the shaft adapter bushing, allowing the traveling member to respond to the rotation of the shaft adapter bushing without rotating along with the shaft adapter bushing.

5. The wobble drag system according to claim 2, further comprising a ball bearing assembly concentrically mounted with respect to the shaft adapter bushing between the shaft adapter bushing and the traveling member, allowing the traveling member to respond to the rotation of the shaft adapter bushing without rotating along with the shaft adapter bushing.

6. The wobble drag system according to claim 1 , further comprising a mechanical feature automatically decreasing the efficiency of the substance displacement with increasing rotational speed of the shaft or increasing viscosity of the substance.

7. The wobble drag system according to claim 6, wherein the mechanical feature comprises at least one portion of the traveling member that flexes under transverse loading.

8. The wobble drag system according to claim 6, wherein the mechanical feature comprises a spring loaded shutter selectively covering at least one aperture in the traveling member, wherein as inertia of the shutter increases beyond a predetermined amount, the shutter at least partially uncovers the aperture.

9. The wobble drag system according to claim 6, wherein the mechanical feature comprises at least one deflectable portion of the chamber, wherein above a predetermined pressure of the substance on the deflectable portion, the deflectable portion elastically deforms and/or translates.

10. The wobble drag system according to claim 2, further comprising:

a ball bearing assembly concentrically mounted with respect to the shaft adapter bushing between the shaft adapter bushing and the traveling member; and

a flexible interface between the traveling member and the ball bearing assembly allowing an inclination angle of the traveling member with respect to the shaft to increase above the mounting angle beyond a predetermined shaft rotational speed or predetermined substance viscosity, and thereby automatically decrease efficiency of substance displacement with increasing rotational speed of the shaft or increasing viscosity of the substance.

11. The wobble drag system according to claim 1 , wherein said chamber comprises an inner chamber portion and an outer chamber portion engageable to the inner chamber portion to selectively vary an internal volume of the chamber.

12. The wobble drag system according to claim 11, wherein the substance comprises an elastomeric material.

13. The wobble drag system according to claim 1, wherein the substance comprises a non-Newtonian fluid.

14. The wobble drag system according to claim 1, wherein the substance comprises a magnetorheological (MR) fluid, wherein as a viscosity of the MR fluid increases, the resistance to wobbling of the traveling member increases, and resistance to rotation of the shaft increases.

15. The wobble drag system according to claim 14, further comprising a magnet disposed to selectively move substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, to selectively vary the viscosity of the MR fluid.

16. The wobble drag system according to claim 15, wherein the magnet comprises a pair of magnets disposed to maintain an orientation of the magnets.

17. The wobble drag system according to claim 15, wherein the magnet comprises a pair of permanent ring magnets disposed on opposing external sides of the chamber and the movement of the permanent ring magnets defines an adjustable air gap between the permanent ring magnets and the chamber.

18. The wobble drag system according to claim 14, wherein the traveling member comprises disk having a planetary gear set.

19. The wobble drag system according to claim 14, wherein the traveling member comprises at least one vane disposed on at least one face of the traveling member to enhance radial displacement of the MR fluid as the traveling member wobbles.

20. The wobble drag system according to claim 19, wherein the vane is pitched along its radial axis.

21. The wobble drag system according to claim 14, wherein the traveling member comprises at least one radial fin disposed on an outer edge of the traveling member to enhance displacement of the MR fluid as the traveling member wobbles.

22. The wobble drag system according to claim 14, wherein the traveling member comprises at least one propeller blade pitched about its radial axis to enhance displacement of the MR fluid as the traveling member wobbles.

23. The wobble drag system according to claim 1, wherein the traveling member displaces the substance substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

24. A fishing reel, comprising:

a frame connectable to a fishing rod;

a line spool for receiving a fishing line;

a handle crank rotatably coupled to the frame; and

a wobble drag system, the wobble drag system comprising:

a chamber disposed within the fishing reel;

a shaft rotatably supported in the chamber;

a traveling member disposed in the chamber and connected with the shaft at a non-right mounting angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the shaft; and

wherein rotation of the handle crank causes rotation of the shaft, which causes the traveling member to wobble and displace the substance substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.