Magnetic release mechanism

A magnetic release mechanism for use with underwater fishing equipment comprising a buoyant element, the magnetic release mechanism comprising:

• a base plate having a slot for receiving a buckle, and a recess for receiving a release plate, the recess having a first portion and a second portion spaced apart from the first portion;
• a permanent magnet positioned proximate the recess, the permanent magnet generating a first magnetic field for magnetically coupling the release plate to the base plate;
• an electromagnetic coil positioned proximate the permanent magnet and configured to selectively generate a second magnetic field when energized;
• a magnetic field sensor positioned proximate the recess and between the first portion and the permanent magnet;
• and
• a controller operatively coupled to the magnetic field sensor;
• wherein the controller is configured to:
• monitor the magnetic field sensor to detect the presence of a third magnetic field;
• and
• in response to detecting the presence of a third magnetic field, output a signal indicating that the release plate is magnetically secured within the recess.

A magnetic release mechanism for use with underwater fishing equipment comprising a buoyant element, the magnetic release mechanism comprising:

• a buckle;
• a magnetically attractable release plate having a locked position in which the release plate restrains movement of the buckle and an unlocked position in which movement of the buckle is unrestrained by the release plate;
• a permanent magnet positioned to generating a first magnetic field;
• an electromagnetic coil positioned proximate the permanent magnet and configured to selectively generate a second magnetic field when energized;
• and
• a magnetic sensor positioned to detect the presence of a third magnetic field in proximity to the release plate;
• wherein, in a locked configuration, the electromagnetic coil is de-energized, movement of the release plate from the locked position toward the unlocked position is resisted by a first magnetic force resulting from the first magnetic field, and the first magnetic field induces the third magnetic field in the release plate, and
• wherein, in an unlocked configuration, the electromagnetic coil is energized, movement of the release plate from the locked position toward the unlocked position is inhibited by a second magnetic force resulting from a combination of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field, the second magnetic force being less than the first magnetic force, and the third magnetic field ceases to be induced in the release plate.