Pivot Pole Linkage for Two-Axis Fish Finder Transducer Aiming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fish finder transducer systems require cumbersome manual adjustments to change the direction of the submerged transducer, limiting the ability to view underwater environments effectively.
Innovation Solution
A pivot pole mechanism with a handle that rotates about a single axis, transmitting force to a lower-end linkage assembly to pivot the transducer along two axes, allowing for simple adjustment of the transducer's direction using internal cables, pulleys, springs, and other components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transducer is mounted to a pole below the water for stable operation, then the transducer can operate submerged, but the fisherman cannot easily adjust the transducer position without removing the pole from water
Solution Approach 1:
The pole is divided into an upper assembly (above water) and a lower assembly (submerged), connected by a telescopic pole section. The upper assembly contains the handle, knob, and cable mechanism, while the lower assembly holds the transducer. This segmentation allows the fisherman to adjust the transducer position by operating the handle and knob above water, which transmits force through the telescopic section to the submerged transducer, eliminating the need to remove the entire pole from water for adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
A cable system with pulleys acts as an intermediary between the handle/knob mechanism above water and the transducer below water. When the fisherman moves the handle or rotates the knob, the cable transmits this motion and force through the pole's internal pathway to the transducer, enabling remote adjustment of the submerged transducer's position and orientation without direct manual intervention at the transducer itself.
2Device complexity
If a generic pole shaft with simple mount is used, then the device structure is simple, but the transducer can only rotate along one axis and cannot be positioned in multiple directions
Solution Approach 1:
The pole incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms including a telescopic pole section that extends or retracts, and a lower assembly that rotates relative to the upper assembly. The handle can be moved forward and backward along the pole, and the knob can be rotated, creating multiple degrees of freedom. These dynamic elements enable the transducer to be positioned in various directions (forward, backward, left, right, up, down) while maintaining a relatively simple overall pole structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds dimensional freedom to the transducer positioning by allowing the lower assembly to rotate around the pole axis and the telescopic section to extend/retract. This transforms a simple one-axis rotation capability into a multi-axis positioning system, enabling the transducer face to point in any direction without requiring a completely complex mechanical structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fisherman manually adjusts the transducer by removing and reassembling mounting brackets, then the transducer can be repositioned, but the process is laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cable system is pre-configured within the pole structure, with pulleys and attachment points built into the pole assemblies. The handle and knob mechanisms are pre-positioned in the upper assembly. When adjustment is needed, the fisherman simply operates these pre-positioned controls, and the cable system immediately transmits the adjustment force to the transducer. This eliminates the need for time-consuming disassembly and reassembly of mounting brackets, reducing adjustment time from minutes to seconds.
4Reliability
If the transducer is fixed in position during operation, then the transducer remains stable in choppy water, but the fisherman cannot adjust the viewing direction from the comfort of his chair
Solution Approach 1:
The cable system serves as a mechanical intermediary that transmits force from the handle/knob above water to the transducer below water. When the fisherman moves the handle forward/backward or rotates the knob while seated, the cable transmits this motion through the pole's internal pathway, adjusting the transducer's position and orientation without requiring the fisherman to leave his chair or physically touch the submerged transducer.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the control mechanism (handle and knob) from the transducer itself and placing them in different assemblies above and below water, the system allows the fisherman to operate controls comfortably above water while the transducer remains stably submerged. The telescopic pole section connects these separated assemblies, maintaining structural integrity while enabling independent operation of the control mechanisms from the seated position.
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 instant directional adjustment of the transducer from the comfort of the fisherman's chair, providing 360° viewing capability with fixed positions for stable operation in various water conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a handle whose lever rotates about a single axis that transmits force to a lower-end pole linkage assembly that pivots the submerged transducer along two axes
Implementation Method 2
The above adjustability is achieved via the pivot pole's two internal cables configured into a series of pulleys connected within the pole's linkage assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Pivot pole has upper handle, lever rotates about a single axis that transmits force to a lower-end pole linkage assembly that pivots the submerged transducer along two axes. By moving and twisting the invention's handle-knob at the upper end of the tiller arm in a forward backward direction, the transducer then moves from Perspective mode—angled 11 degrees downward from the water plane—to Forward mode—angled upward about 22 degrees from the water plane—to Down mode—parallel to the water plane, targeting the region immediately beneath the boat. Once positioned in one of these three modes, the handle knob is rotated to tighten its position, therein stabilizing the submerged transducer even in chop. The two-axis movement is achieved via the pivot pole's two internal cables configured into a series of pulleys connected within the pole's linkage assembly, further comprising an array of springs, pins, magnets, shims, bolts, rollers, bushings, plates and shafts. The pivot pole's internal configuration allows a simple back and forth movement of the handle lever to transmit force to the lower linkage assembly creating a piston-like action between the upper and lower assemblies, producing two-axes directional movement in the transducer below.