Motorized Transducer Mount for Independent Sonar Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fish finding systems require anglers to manually adjust transducers, which can be cumbersome and unsafe, as they need to remove the device from the water or use a hand-operated switch, often distracting fish and limiting the ability to keep hands on the fishing pole.
Innovation Solution
A motorized pole mounting system that allows for hands-free control of a transducer or sonar device, using a motorized pole that can rotate independently of a troll motor shaft, with foot-operated or voice-controlled switches to adjust direction and speed, enabling the device to be oriented without removing it from the water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transducer is mounted on the troll motor shaft, then the transducer moves with the motor shaft to maintain boat position, but the transducer cannot stay on the targeted area
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the transducer mounting from the troll motor shaft, creating an independent mounting structure on the boat. The transducer is mounted on a pole that is independently positioned, allowing it to remain stationary while the troll motor shaft rotates to maintain boat position. This segmentation resolves the conflict between maintaining boat position and keeping the transducer on target.
2Ease of operation
If manual switching is used to adjust the pole and transducer, then the transducer can be repositioned, but the angler must free a hand from the fishing pole
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an electric motor that automatically rotates the pole to position the transducer. The motorized rotation eliminates the need for manual handling, allowing the angler to keep both hands on the fishing pole and maintain fishing efficiency while still achieving precise transducer positioning.
3Ease of operation
If the transducer is pulled out of the water for adjustment, then the transducer orientation can be changed, but the procedure is time consuming and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic adjustment of the transducer orientation while it remains submerged in the water. The electric motor rotates the pole in real-time, allowing the transducer to be repositioned without being pulled out. This dynamic adjustment capability eliminates the time loss and safety risks associated with removing the transducer from the water while maintaining full adjustability.
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 efficient and safe adjustment of the transducer's orientation, allowing anglers to maintain focus on fishing while scanning for fish without disturbing the water or risking accidental removal of the device.
Implementation Method 1
A motor, typically a DC motor, is attached to the upper end of the pole, and functions to spin the pole
Implementation Method 2
A transducer is a device that converts electrical signals into sound waves or acoustic energy when submerged in the water
Implementation Method 3
when these waves encounter objects it produces echoes. These echoes travel back to the transducer and are converted back into electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
A motor assembly for rotating an underwater mounted device around a troll motor shaft. The motor assembly may have a hub fix part, a top ring, a gear ring having an inner surface covered with a plurality of gear teeth, a bottom ring, a motor mounting plate, a stepper motor attached to the motor mounting plate, a stepper motor shaft rotated by the stepper motor and a spur gear pinion attached to the stepper motor shaft. The hub fix part, top ring, gear ring, bottom ring and motor mounting plate are configured, when positioned on top of each other, to form an inner chamber in the motor assembly. The stepper motor may rotate the spur gear pinion inside the chamber. The spur gear pinion may engage with the plurality of gear teeth of the gear ring to thereby rotate the motor assembly about an axis of the troll motor shaft.