Pivot Trolling Plate for Outboard Motor Speed Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trolling plate systems require engineering modifications to outboard motors and special tools for installation, limiting their retrofitting and precise speed control during fishing operations.
Innovation Solution
A trolling plate system pivotally supported at the trailing edge of the anti-ventilation plate, actuated by a lever arm connected to a universal variability actuator, allowing incremental positioning between fully deployed and retracted positions without the need for motor modifications or special tools, with override provisions to prevent overloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a trolling plate system is designed to enable precise speed control during trolling, then boat speed control precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for actuation mechanisms and positioning systems
Solution Approach 1:
The trolling plate is made dynamically adjustable through a pivot mechanism that allows it to rotate between a deployed position (blocking water flow for speed control) and a retracted position (allowing free water flow for normal propulsion). This dynamic positioning capability enables precise speed control during trolling while maintaining simplicity through a single degree of freedom rotation rather than complex multi-axis positioning systems
Solution Approach 2:
The trolling plate serves multiple functions: it acts as a speed control device during trolling operations, functions as a structural component attached to the anti-ventilation plate, and can be easily deployed or retracted as needed. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by combining several potential components into a single versatile element
2Measurement precision
If existing trolling plate systems are installed on outboard motors, then speed control capability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to required engineering modifications and special tools
Solution Approach 1:
The trolling plate system is segmented into separate, modular components: the trolling plate itself, the pivot mounting mechanism, and the attachment brackets. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard fabrication processes and assembled on-site without requiring special tools or extensive modifications to the outboard motor
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary pivot mechanism mounted on the anti-ventilation plate that serves as a universal mounting interface. This intermediary component facilitates easy installation by providing a standard attachment point that doesn't require direct modification of the outboard motor engine itself, thereby improving ease of manufacture and installation
3Speed
If the trolling plate is deployed to block water flow from the propeller, then boat speed is reduced for trolling, but propulsive effort increases due to water resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The trolling plate dynamically adjusts water flow resistance by rotating to different angles. When deployed, it blocks a portion of water flow to reduce boat speed to the optimal trolling range (0.35 to 1.5 meters per second). The plate can be adjusted incrementally to find the optimal balance between speed reduction and minimizing excessive propulsive effort, rather than completely blocking water flow
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of water flow blockage from a binary state (fully blocked or fully open) to a continuous variable by allowing incremental angular adjustment of the trolling plate. This parameter change enables optimization of the balance between reducing boat speed for trolling and minimizing the increase in propulsive effort required
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 precise control of boat speed during trolling, reducing propulsive effort and engine power usage, while being easily retrofitted to existing outboard motors without requiring special tools or modifications, thus enhancing fishing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
By substantially blocking the water efflux from the propeller, the trolling plate reduces the propulsive effort generated
Data Source
AI summary
A trolling plate which, together with a supporting and deployment mechanism, is fixed to and strutted from an outboard motor without the need for engineering modifications or the use special tools; said trolling plate being pivotably deployable into the water in the zone immediately downstream of the propeller of the outboard motor to substantially block the efflux from said propeller and thereby reduce its propulsive effort; said deployment being effected in a universally variable way by means of a suitable actuator; control means of said actuator and/or said deployment mechanism incorporating means to permit the immediate retraction of said trolling plate should it impact an obstruction or should the power of said outboard motor suddenly be increased.