Rear-Mounted Trolling Motors for Reduced Fish Disturbance

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trolling motor applications face limitations in maintaining quiet and efficient propulsion while allowing anglers to focus on fishing tasks, particularly when using forward-facing sonar, as they often disturb fish due to steering and positioning challenges.

Innovation Solution

A rear-mounted trolling motor system with automatic deployment and stowing capabilities, integrated with a foot pedal for hands-free operation, enabling precise speed and thrust control, and allowing remote control from anywhere on the boat.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If front mounted trolling motors are used for propulsion and positioning, then the motors can provide direct steering control, but they disturb fish in front of the boat and interfere with forward-facing sonar use

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional mounting position of trolling motors from the front of the boat to the rear. This reversal allows the motors to provide propulsion and positioning control without being located in the area where fish are being targeted, thereby eliminating fish disturbance and interference with forward-facing sonar while maintaining operational control through the control system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If manual control of trolling motors is used, then the operator can adjust speed and direction, but the operator cannot perform other fishing tasks hands-free

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a foot pedal control system that allows the trolling motors to be operated hands-free. The foot pedal enables the operator to control speed and direction using foot pressure, freeing both hands for other fishing tasks such as casting, reeling, and handling equipment, thereby improving overall fishing productivity while maintaining precise motor control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If expensive shallow water anchors are used for positioning, then the boat can maintain position in shallow water, but the cost is significantly higher

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical shallow water anchor system with an electrically controlled trolling motor system. The motors provide positioning control through thrust adjustment and directional control, eliminating the need for expensive shallow water anchors while maintaining reliable positioning stability in shallow water environments through precise electronic control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250276776A1WO brakes

Publication Date: 2025.09.04

AI summary

The present invention relates to a trolling motor and related system thereof. More particularly, a system designed to address the limitation of existing trolling motor applications. The trolling motor system includes a control and deployment system. The remote deployment is designed for rearward propulsion, with no reference for steering as the motors are in a fixed state. The present invention also implements automatic deploying and stowing trolling motors, and brackets for ease of deployment and stow. The control system can be positioned at the row of a boat or a remote device and designed for various commands for the ease of use for an operator.