Deployable Trolling Motor Stowage for Pontoon Deck Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recreational watercraft, such as pontoon boats, often face limitations in versatility due to accessories like fishing trolling motors that occupy valuable space, restricting other uses and posing safety hazards when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A system for stowing and deploying accessories, comprising a compartment, support structure, and actuating mechanism, allows for the secure storage of items like trolling motors beneath the deck and easy deployment into the water, using mechanisms like pivot arms and lift spring assists to minimize space usage and enhance accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an accessory like a fishing trolling motor is provided on the watercraft, then fishing capabilities are enhanced, but the usable space for recreation is reduced and other usage of the boat is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a deployable accessory system where the trolling motor can be dynamically transitioned between a deployed position (for fishing) and a stowed position (for recreation). The support structure with pivot mechanism allows the motor to be rotated from a horizontal stowed position to a vertical deployed position, enabling the same space to serve different functions at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory is segmented from the permanent boat structure and placed in a separate compartment with its own support structure. This allows the accessory to be independently deployed and stowed without affecting the permanent deck space, effectively separating the fishing function from the recreational space when not in use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an accessory is permanently installed on the watercraft, then functionality is enhanced, but safety hazards increase when the accessory is not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the accessory from permanent installation and places it in a removable, deployable configuration. The trolling motor is stored in a compartment and only deployed when needed for fishing, eliminating the safety hazards of permanently installed accessories that could trip passengers or interfere with recreational activities when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory transitions from a static permanent installation to a dynamic deployable configuration. When not in use, the motor is rotated to a horizontal position and stowed in the compartment, removing it from the potential hazard zone of the deck area. When needed, it is deployed to a vertical position for fishing operations.
3Area of stationary object
If a compartment is provided for stowing the accessory, then deck space is preserved, but the complexity of the stowing and deploying mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the accessory, enables deployment through rotation, and facilitates stowing by returning the accessory to a horizontal position. The pivot mechanism at the first end of the support structure allows both deployment and stowing operations without requiring separate mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically returns the support structure to its initial horizontal position after deployment, reducing the effort required from the user. The system uses the weight of the accessory and spring force to automatically complete the stowing motion, minimizing the complexity of control mechanisms needed.
4Ease of operation
If the accessory is deployed from a recessed location, then accessibility is improved, but the mechanism required to deploy it becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple rotational mechanism rather than complex linear or hydraulic systems. The support structure rotates about a pivot point, transforming the recessed storage position into an accessible deployed position through a single rotational motion, which is easier to implement and control than alternative mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism counteracts the weight of the accessory during deployment, reducing the force required from the user to move the accessory from the recessed position. This spring assist makes the deployment operation easier while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
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
This system enhances the versatility and safety of watercraft by preserving deck space, allowing for multiple activities without tripping hazards and enabling enhanced functionality, such as improved fishing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The actuating mechanism can include one or more springs that can assist in lifting and deploying the support structure and accessory from the compartment.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for stowing and deploying an accessory on a watercraft are provided. More particularly, systems for providing watercraft, such as pontoon boats (or other watercraft), with deployment mechanisms for deploying marine accessories are provided. Such accessories can be deployed from a recessed location, such as a compartment within or underneath a deck of the watercraft.