Motorized Forward-Facing Sonar Mount for Hands-Free Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sonar transducer mounts on boats require manual operation to adjust direction, which is cumbersome for operators managing multiple systems, and integrated systems are limited to the trolling motor's direction, lacking flexibility and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A motorized shaft with a foot pedal assembly and digital inertial navigation chip allows for hands-free, wireless control of a front view sonar transducer, integrating with a trolling motor system for precise orientation adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used to adjust sonar transducer direction, then control over viewing area is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to operator burden when managing multiple systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated motorized system. A motor is integrated into the transducer mount to automatically rotate the sonar transducer to desired orientations without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining full control over viewing area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the sonar transducer automatically adjusts its orientation based on pre-programmed sequences or user-initiated commands. The motorized mount independently performs the adjustment function, freeing the operator to manage other boat systems while the transducer self-adjusts to provide optimal viewing angles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sonar transducer is fixedly mounted to trolling motor, then integration is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as transducer is limited to trolling motor direction only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the previously static fixed mounting. The motorized mount allows the sonar transducer to dynamically change its orientation independently of the trolling motor's direction, enabling the transducer to scan multiple directions and provide comprehensive underwater coverage while maintaining integration with the trolling motor system.
3Device complexity
If multiple discrete shaft systems are used for sonar and trolling motor, then functional independence is improved, but device complexity increases with multiple shafts extending from mounting bracket
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sonar transducer mounting system with the trolling motor shaft system by integrating the motorized mount directly onto the trolling motor shaft assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate shafts and components extending from the mounting bracket, thereby reducing clutter and tripping hazards while maintaining the functional independence of both systems through the motorized adjustment capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system for a front view sonar transducer. The mounting system has a mounting assembly a mounting bracket affixed to a boat and to a mounting clamp. The mounting clamp has a clamping portion configured to clamp around an outside perimeter of a support tube. The mounting system further includes a waterproof motor housing positioned above the mounting bracket, the motor housing secured to a flange on the support tube. A tubular shaft extends through the waterproof motor housing and support tube, the tubular shaft having an upper portion extending upwardly from the waterproof motor housing and a lower portion configured to receive a front view sonar transducer. The tubular shaft directionally controlled by a motor in the motor housing. A trolling motor shaft extending through the tubular shaft with a motor for directionally controlling the trolling motor in the motor housing. The mounting system further includes one or more foot pedal assemblies configured to operate one or both of the electric motors within the waterproof motor housing.