Steerable Thruster Control via Mobile GNSS Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic control systems for steerable thrusters, such as bow mount trolling motors, lack a single handheld device that provides visual feedback and advanced navigational capabilities, with limited storage and sharing capabilities for routes and waypoints, and do not allow for easy pre-planning or post-trip analysis of navigation data.
Innovation Solution
A mobile networked capable peripheral input device running a specific mobile application, combined with an electronic control unit and sensors for detecting global position and orientation, enables remote control of the thruster's speed and heading, providing visual feedback and advanced navigational features, and allows for increased storage and sharing of data through online networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual input control systems are used with foot pedals or handheld remotes, then the operator can control the trolling motor's speed and heading, but the operator requires constant attention to keep the boat on course, dividing attention from fishing tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables autopilot functionality where the trolling motor automatically maintains heading and position using GNSS, compass, and depth contour data without requiring continuous manual input. The motor self-corrects course deviations and maintains desired trajectory, freeing the operator from constant steering attention while preserving manual override capability.
2Extent of automation
If compass-guided autopilot control systems are used, then the motor can maintain magnetic compass heading, but the system is susceptible to compass level error, magnetic interference, and drift from the intended course
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple sensing and correction mechanisms: GNSS provides absolute position reference, compass provides magnetic heading, depth contour data provides terrain-relative navigation, and manual input allows operator correction. This multi-sensor fusion approach compensates for individual sensor errors and drift, maintaining accurate heading and position despite magnetic interference or compass level errors.
3Measurement precision
If GNSS controlled systems are used, then the boat can be precisely controlled in position and speed, but the systems lack integration with networked mobile devices for visual feedback and data sharing
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates with universal mobile devices (smartphones, tablets) through standard communication protocols, allowing these devices to function as remote controls, visual displays, and data storage units. The mobile device app provides graphical visualization of boat position, route planning, and navigational data sharing capabilities, extending the GNSS control system's functionality without adding dedicated specialized hardware.
4Quantity of substance
If electronic control systems with limited storage are used, then the system can store basic navigational data, but the system lacks unlimited storage and online data sharing capabilities for routes and waypoints
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary with unlimited storage capacity, connecting the trolling motor's electronic control system to online networks. Routes, waypoints, and navigational data are stored and managed on the mobile device, which can share data online and transfer it to the motor controller as needed, providing both unlimited local storage and online connectivity without modifying the motor's internal storage limitations.
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 fishermen to create and share complex navigation routes and waypoints using a smartphone, providing unlimited storage and visual feedback, allowing for hands-free operation of the boat and enhancing fishing and boating experiences by integrating GNSS, compass, and mapping capabilities into a single device.
Implementation Method 1
sensors for detecting global position and orientation of the thruster
Implementation Method 2
sensors for detecting global position and orientation of the thruster
Implementation Method 3
mobile networked capable peripheral input device... enables remote control of the thruster's speed and heading
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a steerable thrusting device is disclosed comprising a mobile device and application which interface with an electronic controller to command the output power and directional heading of the steerable thrusting device. In at least one embodiment, the mobile device serves the functions of a mapping and input device that communicates bi-directionally with a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and direction device-equipped electronic controller, which in turn controls the power and heading of the thrusting device on a marine vessel. Data can be stored on the mobile device or procured in real-time via network access to a dedicated database and communicated to the electronic controller in order to execute specific functions of the thrusting device control system. The data created in the control system is capable of being shared amongst similar devices via the use of a cloud network.