Fishig Reel Drag Mechanism

by Connor Schmidt

Submitted : Spring 2013

The goal of this project was to determine the pressure P requires to achieve a desired torque τ in the clutch mechanism of a fishing reel. All fishing reels use small friction pads to reduce the torque on the fishing line to allow for reeling but to prevent the line from snapping. Using the given formulas for a specific reel design, the goal was to determine and apply the equations necessary to find how much pressure needed to be applied to the friction pad to achieve a desired torque. Two equations had to be developed, one omitting the change in wear on the friction pads and the other including it.

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