Kayak Mount Bracket for 360-Degree Transducer Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a reliable and versatile mounting system for fish detection systems with transducer assemblies that allows for 360° rotational visibility and easy operation on a kayak, ensuring the transducer assembly is within reach of the operator while enabling hands-free operation and easy mounting/dismounting.

Innovation Solution

A mounting bracket with a U-shaped hook and L-shaped support configuration that secures to the kayak's periphery, allowing for 360° rotation and easy attachment/detachment of the transducer assembly, featuring a base that attaches via fasteners and a body extending perpendicular to the base for optimal positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the transducer assembly is mounted centrally on the kayak, then it provides stable mounting, but it cannot achieve 360° rotational visibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational visibilityVSAvoidmounting stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a base module that attaches to the kayak and a body module that holds the transducer assembly. This segmentation allows the body to rotate independently relative to the base, enabling 360° visibility while the base remains stably mounted to the kayak structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the transducer assembly is mounted far from the operator, then it provides better sonar coverage, but it becomes difficult for manual operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesonar coverageVSAvoidmanual operation accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket incorporates rotational capability that allows the transducer assembly to dynamically adjust its position and orientation. The operator can rotate the assembly to achieve optimal sonar coverage while maintaining the ability to manually access and operate controls within reach, creating a dynamic balance between coverage and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the mounting bracket is designed for secure attachment, then it ensures reliable mounting, but it becomes difficult to mount and dismount

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting reliabilityVSAvoidmounting and dismounting ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket is segmented into a base with attachment features and a body that can be independently secured. This segmentation allows for modular assembly where each component can be attached or detached separately, making the overall mounting and dismounting process easier while maintaining secure attachment through multiple contact points and fastening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20240158056A1Kayak mount for a fish detection system

Publication Date: 2024.05.16 ROLLER MICHAEL L

AI summary

A mounting bracket for mounting a fish detection system to a kayak. The mounting bracket includes a base configured to be secured to the kayak and a body that extends substantially perpendicular to the base. The body includes a wall that forms a substantially U-shaped hook and a sidewall that forms a substantially L-shaped support along a center line of the wall, wherein the sidewall extends substantially perpendicular to the wall.