Split Bushing Stabilizer for Sonar Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for securing sonar apparatus with trolling motors in fishing boats are inadequate in terms of durability and vibratory protection, often requiring repeated attachment and detachment, and fail to support the sonar transducer effectively during transportation and high-speed operations.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizer device using split ring connections and a split bushing to encircle the trolling motor shaft, allowing rotation and longitudinal movement while maintaining the sonar apparatus' position, without the need to disassemble either the trolling motor or sonar assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DIY solutions such as binding the sonar apparatus to the trolling motor apparatus with Styrofoam block spacers and bungee cords are used, then the sonar apparatus can be attached to the trolling motor, but the solution is neither convenient nor durable and provides inadequate vibratory protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stabilizer bar as an intermediary component that connects the sonar apparatus to the trolling motor assembly. This stabilizer bar serves as a proper mechanical connector, replacing inadequate DIY solutions like Styrofoam blocks and bungee cords. The stabilizer bar is้ ๅ with split ring connections and split bushings to create a durable attachment system that is both reliable and relatively easy to install.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sonar head is mounted to the trolling motor assembly, then both the sonar and trolling motor can be deployed into the water and retracted from the water at the same time, but the sonar head is unsupported when in a horizontal withdrawn position and more likely to suffer vibratory damage
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer bar is installed beforehand to provide structural support to the sonar head. When the trolling motor assembly is in the horizontal withdrawn position, the stabilizer bar maintains the sonar head in a supported vertical position, preventing vibratory damage before it can occur during transportation or high-speed operations.
3Reliability
If a joining mechanism that required disassembling the trolling motor to slide over the shaft is used, then the connection might be more secure, but it would be a complication that would hinder the adoption of the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses split ring connections and split bushings that can be opened and closed like a clamp. This segmentation allows the stabilizer to be installed without disassembling the trolling motor, as the split design enables the components to be opened, placed around the shaft, and then closed to secure the connection.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the stabilizer allows the trolling motor shaft to rotate and slide, then the shaft can move according to propeller orientation and depth adjustment preferences, but the connection must maintain relative position to the sonar apparatus shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow the trolling motor shaft to rotate and slide longitudinally while maintaining a stable connection to the sonar apparatus. The split bushing within the split ring connection accommodates rotational movement, while the overall structure maintains relative position stability for proper sonar operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Stabilizer is provided for joining parallel shafts in a marine environment and including a split bushing to permit one shaft to move rotationally and longitudinally relative to the stabilizer.