Boat Transducer Bracket for 360-Degree Scanning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current transducer mounts for fishing boats obstruct the view of underwater regions due to the boat's bottom and trolling motor, limiting the ability to scan 360 degrees, especially when wind or auto-pilot systems alter the boat's direction.
Innovation Solution
A bracket system that allows the transducer to pivot 0-360 degrees, either mounted on the side of the boat or directly to the trolling motor, using a gear box and reversible motor for independent operation, with a mechanism to indicate the scanning direction, enabling clear and unobstructed scanning of underwater terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the transducer is mounted on the trolling motor shaft, then the transducer can be positioned for forward scanning, but the view is obstructed by the trolling motor and boat bottom when scanning 360 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the transducer from the trolling motor shaft (one-dimensional forward scanning position) to the side gunwale of the boat, creating a side-mounted configuration that enables three-dimensional 360-degree scanning capability around the boat, eliminating obstruction from the motor and boat bottom
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bracket assembly as an intermediary mounting structure between the boat and transducer, providing a dedicated mounting platform on the side gunwale that positions the transducer optimally for unobstructed scanning while maintaining secure attachment to the boat structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If the trolling motor changes direction due to wind or auto-pilot, then the boat can be maneuvered, but the transducer scanning direction becomes misaligned with the desired target area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an independently motorized transducer mount with 360-degree rotational capability that can dynamically adjust the transducer's scanning direction separately from the boat's orientation, allowing the transducer to track and target specific areas regardless of boat movement or direction changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the control of transducer scanning direction from the trolling motor's propulsion function, creating independent operational systems where the transducer can be remotely controlled to scan any direction while the boat is maneuvered by wind or auto-pilot without coordination
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the transducer is mounted on the side of the boat, then clear 360-degree scanning is achieved, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal bracket assembly that serves multiple functions: providing structural mounting support for the transducer, enabling 360-degree rotational movement, allowing remote motorized control, and securing the transducer to the side gunwale, thereby achieving complex functionality through an integrated multi-purpose structure
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket for holding a universal transducer for use with a fishing or other boat, including a transducer assembly, having a transducer shaft, which brackets a transducer at its bottom end, while its upper end is connected either to the side of the boat, or onto the upper portions, such as the gear box, of the associated trolling motor, to provide the means for scoping the underwater typography through usage of a universal transducer, as available in the art. The upper end of the transducer shaft connects to a bracket, applied onto the bracket is a geared motor, such as a reversing motor, that can pivot the transducer in an approximate 360-degree direction. The identified bracket mount can secure directly to the side of the boat, in which case the mount separates, for removal of the transducer assembly, or its application therein, in preparation for usage, or the bracket mount may secure to the underside of the trolling motor gear box or housing, and be simultaneously operative in conjunction with the maneuvering of the trolling motor, during its usage, or when positioned into a nonusage location upon the surface of the associated boat.