Steerable Sonar Mounting System Gesture Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Anglers face challenges in efficiently orienting sonar transducers to desired directions without manually reorienting trolling motors or poles, which can be cumbersome and distracting during fishing.

Innovation Solution

A steerable sonar mounting system that includes a sonar transducer, a gesture remote with sensors and processors, and a motorized steering unit, allowing users to control the sonar transducer's direction through natural gestures or remote controls, independent of the trolling motor's direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the sonar transducer is manually positioned by an angler, then the sonar transducer can be oriented in a desired direction, but it is cumbersome and distracting during fishing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of orienting sonar transducerVSAvoidtime spent manually reorienting

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical positioning system with an automated motorized steering unit that receives signals from a gesture remote. The gesture remote detects hand gestures via sensors and automatically controls the motorized unit to orient the sonar transducer, eliminating the need for manual mechanical adjustment while fishing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the sonar transducer is mounted to a trolling motor or pole, then it can be positioned, but manual reorientation of the entire motor or pole is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependence from trolling motor directionVSAvoidcomplexity of mounting system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the mounting system into independent segments: the sonar transducer is mounted on a steerable bracket that is separate from the trolling motor. This allows the sonar transducer to be oriented independently of the motor's direction, providing adaptability without requiring complex integration of the entire motor assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a gesture remote as an intermediary control device between the angler and the sonar transducer. The gesture remote detects hand gestures and transmits signals to the motorized steering unit, providing intuitive control without direct manual manipulation of the mounting system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If manual positioning is used, then the system remains simple, but the angler must constantly adjust the transducer direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of sonar scanningVSAvoiddistraction during fishing

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service system where the motorized steering unit automatically adjusts the sonar transducer's orientation based on gestures detected by the remote. The system serves itself by converting gesture signals into automatic positioning actions, eliminating the need for constant manual adjustment and reducing distraction during fishing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250123383A1Steerable sonar mounting system

Publication Date: 2025.04.17 GARMIN INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A steerable sonar mounting system comprises a sonar transducer, a gesture remote, and a motorized steering unit. The gesture remote includes a sensor, a memory, and a processor coupled to both the memory and the sensor. The processor is configured to receive a user command for repositioning the sonar transducer based on the movement of the gesture remote, determine a corresponding gesture movement using data from the sensor, and transmit an indication of the gesture movement. The motorized steering unit is coupled to the sonar transducer and communicatively linked to the gesture remote, where the motorized steering unit is configured to move the sonar transducer in response to receiving the transmitted indication of the gesture movement.