Motorized Forward Sonar Mount for Hands-Free Direction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sonar transducer mounts on boats require manual operation for direction adjustment, which is cumbersome when operating multiple systems, and integrated solutions limit the transducer's viewing area to the trolling motor's direction.
Innovation Solution
A motorized shaft system with a foot pedal assembly for hands-free control of a front view sonar transducer, integrated with a trolling motor, allowing independent or synchronized rotation of the sonar transducer and motor shaft, featuring a digital inertial navigation chip for precise orientation control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used to alter the direction of the sonar transducer, then control over the viewing area is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates when controlling multiple systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single integrated system. The trolling motor and sonar transducer are merged into one unit, allowing both to be controlled by a single foot pedal assembly. This integration eliminates the need for separate manual controls for each system, thereby improving ease of operation while managing device complexity through unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot pedal assembly provides self-service control for both the trolling motor and sonar transducer. The operator can control both systems independently or simultaneously through one pedal, reducing the need for complex manual operations and multiple control mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sonar transducer is fixedly mounted to the trolling motor, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates as the transducer is limited to only the direction the motor faces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the sonar transducer relative to the trolling motor. The transducer can be independently rotated and positioned using the foot pedal assembly, allowing it to adapt to different viewing directions while remaining physically integrated with the motor. This dynamic adjustment capability provides versatility without requiring separate mounting systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated mounting system serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for both the motor and transducer, enables independent rotation of each component, and allows various scanning modes (360-degree rotation, sector scanning, tracking). This multi-functionality achieves adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple unified structure.
3Area of stationary object
If continuous 360-degree sweeping is implemented, then viewing area coverage is improved, but loss of time increases due to continuous motion
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic scanning modes where the transducer rotates through a specified sector or 360 degrees and then returns to its starting position. This periodic action allows complete area coverage while providing intermittent stationary periods where the transducer can focus on specific areas of interest, thereby reducing overall time loss compared to continuous sweeping.
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer can dynamically switch between different scanning modes (360-degree rotation, sector scanning, tracking mode) based on operational needs. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize between comprehensive area coverage and time efficiency by selecting appropriate scanning patterns for different fishing conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system for a front view sonar transducer. A mounting system has a mounting assembly secured to a boat and a waterproof motor housing affixed to the mounting assembly. A tubular shaft extends through the motor housing and is configured to receive the front view sonar transducer at a lower portion. An electric motor is disposed within the motor housing. An input device communicates with the electric motor. The input device is configured to transmit a sequence of actuation inputs to a controller. The controller is configured to operate the electric motor to rotate the tubular shaft according to the detected sequence of actuation inputs.