Portable Trolling Motor Power System with Integrated Rechargeable Battery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trolling motor systems are cumbersome and time-consuming to remove and require multiple tools, and batteries often need to be taken off and recharged, which is inconvenient, especially for larger vessels that use GPS-controlled motors.
Innovation Solution
A portable power system with rechargeable batteries integrated into a trolling motor and a removable mounting base that can be secured within a cover or rod holder, allowing for easy tool-free removal and onboard recharging using a 110V AC to 12V charging unit or onboard station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional battery removal and recharging is used, then the battery can be recharged, but it requires removing the battery from the vessel which is time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the battery with the trolling motor assembly, creating an integrated unit where the battery is permanently mounted within the motor housing. This eliminates the need to separate the battery from the vessel, allowing recharging to occur in-place without removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service recharging through an onboard charging station that automatically recharges the battery when docked at the charging location. The battery can be recharged without requiring manual intervention to remove or install it, reducing time loss and operational complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional trolling motor removal is used, then the motor can be removed, but it requires multiple tools and is awkward and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the trolling motor system into a removable motor assembly that can be detached as a complete unit from the mounting base. This modular segmentation allows the entire motor assembly (including battery) to be removed together through a simple release mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple tools and complex disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the motor assembly from the permanent mounting structure, creating a removable configuration where the motor can be easily taken out through a release mechanism. This extraction allows the motor to be removed without requiring multiple tools or complex operations, significantly improving ease of operation.
3Extent of automation
If larger trolling motors are employed on larger vessels, then GPS control is enabled, but the motors become more complex and harder to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the battery and motor assembly into a single integrated unit with permanent mounting structures. This consolidation simplifies the overall system architecture by eliminating separate battery mounting and connection systems, reducing device complexity even as GPS control capabilities are incorporated into the motor assembly.
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, easy, and tool-free removal of the trolling motor and power source, with readily available power without needing to remove batteries, suitable for larger vessels and improving mounting options.
Implementation Method 1
The power source can include one or more rechargeable batteries
Implementation Method 2
Recharging can be accomplished using a 110V AC to 12V charging unit or similar unit
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a portable propulsion facilitation device and system for a marine vessel provide a rechargeable power source and a removable trolling motor mounting base securable to a marine vessel. In various embodiments, the power source employs rechargeable batteries that are secured within a cover. The device can include an access door that permits a user to access the power source when removal or replacement is necessary. The power source can be maintained within a housing of a trolling motor or one or more housings secured to the mounting base. In various embodiments, the mounting base is integrated with, or attachable to, one or more tubes, wherein the tube(s) can be secured and/or placed in a traditional fishing rod holder or other opening on the vessel. A trolling motor can be secured to the mounting base.