Watercraft Hull Transducer Mount With Gravity-Stable Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transducer mounting assemblies for watercraft hulls require different configurations based on the hull's deadrise angle, necessitating multiple assemblies for varying angles, and fail to maintain a downward orientation under external forces.
Innovation Solution
A device with a housing and mount assembly that includes a buoy and pivot axle or gimbal, allowing the transducer to automatically adjust its orientation to face downwards relative to the water surface, independent of the hull's deadrise angle, using gravity and acoustic fluid for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If different mounting assemblies are used for different hull deadrises, then the transducer can maintain a zero angle with respect to the horizontal, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single mounting assembly that can accommodate multiple hull deadrise angles (0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°) through interchangeable positioning elements. Instead of requiring different assemblies for each deadrise angle, the universal assembly uses adjustable components to adapt to various hull configurations, thereby reducing inventory complexity while maintaining precise transducer orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the mounting assembly adjustable rather than fixed. The assembly includes movable positioning elements that can be reconfigured for different deadrise angles, allowing the same physical assembly to dynamically adapt to various hull geometries. This dynamic adjustability eliminates the need for multiple static assemblies while preserving orientation precision.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed mounting assembly is used, then the installation process is simplified, but the transducer cannot maintain downward orientation when the watercraft is subject to external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the anti-weight principle by using a buoyant element that counteracts the effect of gravity and external forces on the transducer. The buoyancy force acts in opposition to gravitational pull, automatically adjusting the transducer's orientation to maintain a downward-facing position regardless of hull deadrise angle or external forces acting on the watercraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly implements self-service through automatic orientation adjustment. The buoyant element autonomously positions the transducer in the correct downward orientation without requiring active control systems or manual adjustment. The assembly self-regulates its configuration based on buoyancy forces, maintaining reliable orientation while simplifying installation and operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple mounting assemblies are maintained for different deadrises, then the correct orientation can be achieved, but the loss of time and resources for selection and installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for selecting among multiple assemblies by providing a universal mounting assembly that works across all deadrise angles. The installer simply uses the same assembly for any hull configuration, eliminating time-consuming selection processes while maintaining precise orientation through the assembly's adjustable positioning elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly performs self-configuration automatically through its buoyant orientation mechanism. Once installed, the assembly autonomously adjusts the transducer to the correct downward orientation based on buoyancy forces, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment or deadrise measurement. This self-service capability dramatically reduces installation time while ensuring accurate orientation.
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 a single transducer mounting solution that maintains a downward orientation regardless of hull angle and external forces, eliminating the need for multiple assemblies and ensuring consistent imaging performance.
Implementation Method 1
The mount assembly may include a buoy positioned on a first side of the mount assembly and a transducer positioned on a second side of the mount assembly
Implementation Method 2
an orientation of the mount assembly may be subject to a force of gravity, and the housing and the mount assembly may be configured such that an emitting face of the transducer points in a direction that is parallel to the force of gravity when the housing is tilted
Implementation Method 3
The mount assembly may include a pivot axle defining a pivot axis about which the mount assembly (and therefore the buoy and the transducer) may be pivotable
Implementation Method 4
Alternatively, the mount assembly may include a gimbal defining a pivot point about which the mount assembly (and therefore the buoy and the transducer) may be pivotable
Implementation Method 5
The housing may define an interior volume in which an acoustic fluid may be disposed
Data Source
AI summary
Example devices and systems are provided herein for mounting a transducer within a hull of a watercraft. Such devices and systems include a housing with a base and at least one wall defining an interior volume, along with a mount assembly within the interior volume. The mount assembly includes a buoy, a transducer, and a pivot axle or a gimbal. The mount assembly is freely pivotable about a pivot axis of the pivot axle or about a pivot point of the gimbal such that an orientation of the mount assembly is subject to a force of gravity. The housing and the mount assembly is configured such that an emitting face of the transducer points in a direction that is parallel to the force of gravity when the housing is tilted, such as toward a floor of the water.