Dual-Shaft Sonar Assembly for Independent Underwater Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sonar devices mounted on trolling motors interfere with navigation or position keeping, and managing multiple sonar devices together is difficult, leading to operational challenges.

Innovation Solution

A system with an outer and inner shaft configuration allows independent operation of multiple sonar devices, including a 360-degree and live sonar imaging device, with the inner shaft rotatable via a motor for directional control, enabling separate functioning from the trolling motor and allowing compact, easy handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the sonar device is mounted on the trolling motor shaft, then the sonar device can be positioned in the water for imaging, but the sonar device turns with the trolling motor and cannot focus on a specific location or target

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesonar device positioningVSAvoidindependent directional control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested shaft configuration where an inner shaft is disposed within an outer shaft. The outer shaft connects to the trolling motor while the inner shaft connects to the sonar device, allowing the sonar device to be nested within the trolling motor assembly structure. This enables the sonar device to be positioned in the water through the outer shaft while the inner shaft provides independent rotational control for directional imaging, resolving the contradiction between easy positioning and independent directional control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Device complexity

If the sonar device rotates to follow the trolling motor direction, then the setup is simple, but it is difficult to manage when navigation and sonar monitoring are needed simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting structureVSAvoidsimultaneous navigation and monitoring

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the mounting structure into functionally independent components: the outer shaft assembly for trolling motor navigation functions separately from the inner shaft assembly for sonar device directional control. This segmentation allows the trolling motor to be operated for navigation while the sonar device independently rotates to monitor specific locations or targets, eliminating the management difficulty of simultaneous navigation and monitoring while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sonar devices are mounted together, then comprehensive underwater imaging is achieved, but managing and operating them together becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple sonar device functionalityVSAvoidoperation management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent accommodates multiple sonar devices by nesting them on the inner and outer shafts, with the inner shaft disposed within the outer shaft. This nested configuration allows multiple sonar devices to be physically integrated in a compact arrangement while maintaining independent rotational control through separate drive mechanisms. The nested structure simplifies operation management by providing unified mounting and control interfaces while achieving comprehensive underwater imaging through multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Enables independent operation of sonar devices without interference, allowing navigation and position keeping, and facilitates simultaneous use of different sonar types without requiring synchronization, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a motor coupled to the inner shaft and configured to operate to cause rotation of the inner shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an outer shaft, with the outer shaft being attached to a first sonar device... an inner shaft that is disposed within the outer shaft and that is rotatable with respect to the outer shaft. The inner shaft is attached to a second sonar device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSonar: Sonar

Data Source

PatentUS20260023177A1Systems and assemblies for imaging an underwater environment

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 NAVICO GROUP AMERICAS LLC

AI summary

An example system for a watercraft includes an outer shaft, an inner shaft, and a motor. The outer shaft is attached to a first sonar device. The inner shaft is disposed within the outer shaft and is rotatable with respect to the outer shaft. The inner shaft is attached to a second sonar device so as to enable directional control of a facing direction of the second sonar device relative to the outer shaft. The motor is coupled to the inner shaft and configured to operate to cause rotation of the inner shaft to cause rotation of the facing direction of the second sonar device. The first sonar device may be a 360-degree sonar imaging device, and the second sonar device may be a live sonar imaging device. The system may be mounted to a trolling motor or to the watercraft without mounting to the trolling motor.