Pivotable Transducer Mount for Small Watercraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fish finder and transducer mounts are not easily adaptable for use on small personal watercraft like inflatable boats and kayaks, as they require accurate angle positioning and are prone to damage, and often come with cumbersome cables that are difficult to manage in limited spaces.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system with a support that houses a battery and includes adjustable straps for securing the fish finder on float tubes and paired magnets for boats, allowing the transducer to be pivotally and rotatably mounted for precise positioning and easy adjustment, while keeping the system compact and portable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fish finder mounts are used on small personal watercraft, then the fish finder can be mounted, but the transducer is vulnerable to damage and difficult to adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer mount includes a pivotable arm that allows the transducer to be rotated and positioned at different angles. The arm can pivot between a lowered position during watercraft operation and an elevated position during transportation, dynamically adapting to different operational states to protect the transducer while maintaining accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a base mounted to the watercraft, a pivotable arm, and the transducer itself. This segmentation allows the transducer to be independently positioned and adjusted on the pivotable arm while the base remains fixed, enabling easy adjustment without moving the entire mounting system.
2Measurement precision
If the transducer is mounted on the exterior of the hull, then accurate sonar readings can be obtained, but the transducer is vulnerable to damage during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable arm enables the transducer to be dynamically repositioned between a lowered operational position for accurate sonar readings and an elevated protected position during transportation, eliminating the need to choose between accuracy and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system preliminarily prepares for potential damage by providing an elevated protective position for the transducer during transportation, preventing damage before it can occur rather than responding to damage after it happens.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a long extension arm is used to mount the transducer remotely, then the transducer can be positioned, but it becomes inaccessible and vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable arm provides mounting position flexibility similar to a long extension arm, but adds the dynamic capability to pivot the transducer into an accessible elevated position when needed, combining the benefits of remote positioning with easy accessibility.
4Ease of operation
If traditional mounting systems are used on inflatable watercraft, then the fish finder can be mounted, but accurate angle positioning is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable arm allows for dynamic angle adjustment of the transducer, enabling precise positioning at various angles. The pivot mechanism provides controlled movement that is easier to position accurately than fixed mounting systems, especially on flexible inflatable watercraft surfaces.
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 secure, adjustable, and damage-resistant mounting of fish finders on small watercraft, reducing the risk of damage during use and transportation, and keeping the system compact and efficient with minimal space usage.
Implementation Method 1
adjustable straps for securing the fish finder on float tubes
Implementation Method 2
adjustable straps for securing the fish finder on float tubes
Implementation Method 3
paired magnets for boats
Implementation Method 4
a transducer that transmits and receives sound waves. The sonic waves are directed downward, and when they strike an object they are reflected back and are detected by the transducer
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a mounting system for a fish finding device to a watercraft which has a support for supporting a fish finding device on a watercraft. The support has a top, a bottom and a peripheral side wall which form a receptacle housing for a battery. Mounting means are positioned at the top of the support to receive a fish finder. Securing means are provided on the bottom of the support for mounting the support to a surface on a watercraft. Mounting means are provided for detachably securing a transducer to a watercraft.