Foldable Transducer Mount for Easy Boat Deployment and Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for deploying underwater marine detection equipment from watercraft, such as gluing hydrophones to the hull, are problematic as they are difficult to remove and prone to damage, and do not allow for efficient deployment and storage of equipment like fish finders.
Innovation Solution
A mounting apparatus comprising a base member with a spacer arm and a pivotably deployable transducer arm that can be folded for compact storage, allowing the transducer to reach the water surface when deployed, enabling easy installation and removal from watercraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the hydrophone is glued to the underside of the hull, then the equipment is securely attached, but it becomes difficult to remove and prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate modular components: a base member that attaches to the vessel, a spacer arm that positions the transducer arm, and a transducer arm that holds the hydrophone. This segmentation allows each component to be independently attached, adjusted, and removed without damaging the vessel or the equipment, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and ease of removal.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the transducer is permanently mounted on the vessel, then the equipment is stable, but it cannot be easily stored or deployed
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer arm is designed with a pivotable connection to the spacer arm, allowing it to dynamically change position between a deployed state (extending over the side to reach water) and a stored state (folded against the vessel). This dynamic capability provides both mounting stability when deployed and deployment flexibility when needed, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
3Length of moving object
If the equipment mount is extended to reach water from the vessel, then the transducer can function properly, but the storage space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer arm is designed to nest within or fold against the spacer arm when not in use. The pivotable connection allows the transducer arm to be positioned alongside the spacer arm during storage, effectively reducing the overall volume required for storage while maintaining the full extended length capability when deployment is required, resolving the contradiction between length and storage volume.
4Ease of manufacture
If a fixed mounting system is used, then the installation is simple, but the equipment cannot be adjusted or repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable connection between the spacer arm and transducer arm provides adjustable positioning capability while maintaining relatively simple construction. The pivot point allows the transducer arm to be positioned at various angles and heights, enabling adaptation to different vessel types and deployment requirements without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between installation simplicity and position adjustability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for mounting equipment on a waterborne vessel includes a base member configured to support an instrument. An elongate spacer arm is connected to the base member. A selectively deployable elongate transducer arm is pivotably coupled to the spacer arm. The transducer arm is configured to pivot between a deployed position and a stored position. The length of the transducer arm is at least sufficient for the transducer end to reach the water surface when the transducer arm is in the deployed position. The spacer arm is substantially parallel to or collinear with the transducer arm when the transducer arm is in the stored position, allowing the apparatus to be folded for compact storage.