Motorized Transducer Mount for Precise Sonar Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sonar transducer mounting systems require manual adjustment to change direction, which can result in the transducer being turned towards undesirable locations when the motor turns, limiting accuracy and convenience in underwater object detection.
Innovation Solution
A motorized rotating transducer mount with a housing, motor, elongated rod, controller, boat mount bracket, and transducer mount bracket, allowing the transducer to be automatically rotated in two directions, enabling precise directional control of the sonar beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the transducer is manually moved to change direction, then the transducer can be positioned in desired directions, but the operation is inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by replacing the static manual adjustment mechanism with a dynamic motorized rotation system. The motor coupled to the elongated rod enables the transducer to rotate automatically in response to motor direction changes, transforming a static mounting system into a dynamically adjustable one that adapts to changing operational requirements without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the Mechanics substitution principle by replacing the purely mechanical manual adjustment system with an electromechanical system. The motor and controller electronics substitute for manual mechanical manipulation, enabling automated directional control of the transducer through electrical signals rather than physical hand movements.
2Device complexity
If the transducer is mounted directly to a trolling motor, then the mounting is simplified, but the transducer direction is uncontrollably affected by motor turns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Segmentation principle by separating the trolling motor function from the transducer mounting function. The transducer is mounted on a separate rotatable assembly (elongated rod with rotation mechanism) that is coupled to but independent from the trolling motor. This segmentation allows the motor to provide propulsion while the separate rotation mechanism independently controls transducer orientation, preventing unwanted directional changes during motor turns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the Intermediary principle by introducing a intermediary rotation mechanism between the trolling motor and the transducer. The elongated rod and its rotation assembly serve as an intermediary that decouples the motor's rotational motion from the transducer's orientation, allowing the transducer to maintain precise directional control regardless of motor position changes.
3Measurement precision
If a motorized rotation system is added to control transducer direction, then directional control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Universality principle by designing the elongated rod assembly to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the mounting support for the transducer and the rotation mechanism for directional control. The motor coupled to the rod provides both the driving force for rotation and the control capability, consolidating multiple functions into a single integrated component rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
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 automatic and precise directional adjustment of the sonar transducer, improving accuracy and convenience in underwater object detection by allowing the transducer to be easily aligned with the desired orientation.
Implementation Method 1
a motor coupled to and disposed within the housing; an elongated rod extending from the housing and operably coupled to the motor, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the elongated rod about a longitudinal axis of the elongated rod
Data Source
AI summary
A transducer mount assembly includes a housing and a motor coupled to and disposed within the housing. An elongated rod extends from the housing and is operably coupled to the motor. The motor is configured to rotate the elongated rod about a longitudinal axis of the elongated rod in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. A controller is in communication with the motor and is configured to selectively direct the motor to rotate the elongated rod in the first direction and the second direction. A boat mount bracket is configured to couple the transducer mount assembly to portion of a boat. A transducer mount bracket is configured to couple a transducer to the elongated rod.