Pontoon Trolling Motor Secondary Mount for Bow Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trolling motors mounted on pontoon or tri-toon boats face challenges due to their squared off front ends, as existing mounts require the motor to be rotated into the water from the front end, obstructing navigation lights and requiring a rigid mount that limits rotation options and interferes with boat design, especially when trailering.
Innovation Solution
A secondary mounting system with a base plate, deck plate, and rotation locking mechanism allows the trolling motor to be stored parallel to the bow, enabling rotation from the mid-section of the deck without obstructing navigation lights or extending into the boat, using a quick release lever and spring actuated mechanism for easy positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the trolling motor is mounted to rotate into the water from the front end of the deck, then the motor can be positioned for trolling, but it obstructs navigation lights and requires a rigid mount that interferes with boat design and trailering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secondary mounting system that adds a vertical dimension to the traditional horizontal mounting approach. The secondary mount allows the trolling motor to be positioned above the deck surface rather than extending horizontally from the front end, enabling the motor to clear navigation lights and trailer supports while maintaining trolling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary mounting system acts as an intermediary between the primary mount and the deck structure. It provides a rigid mounting interface that eliminates the need for the primary mount to extend horizontally, thereby preventing interference with navigation lights and trailer supports while still enabling motor rotation for trolling
2Strength
If a rigid mount is used to withstand torques when the propeller housing bounces, then the mount can handle the forces, but it limits rotation options to a single plane
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into multiple functional components: a rigid base plate for structural strength, a rotatable connection interface for multi-axis movement, and a locking mechanism for position fixation. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously provide rigidity for withstanding torques and versatility for rotation in multiple planes
3Ease of operation
If the trolling motor shaft extends into the pontoon boat when stored, then the motor can be positioned for storage, but it blocks the walkway and requires opening the front gate
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary mounting system repositions the trolling motor storage location from the horizontal plane (extending into the boat) to the vertical plane (above the deck). This dimensional change allows the motor to be stored in a compact position that clears the walkway and eliminates the need to open the front gate
Data Source
AI summary
A trolling motor secondary mount for mounting a trolling motor to the squared off bow of a boat such as a pontoon. The secondary mount allows the trolling motor to be stored in a travelling or stowed position wherein the lengthwise shaft of the trolling motor aligns parallel with the squared off end of the bow, while the primary trolling motor mount allows the trolling motor to be rotated into the water at a mid portion of the bow of the boat.