Stern-Mounted Universal Sonar Transducer with Automatic Elevation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sonar transducer mounts on fishing boats often obstruct underwater views due to trolling motor interference and require significant operator effort to achieve clear scanning, limiting the effectiveness of 360° sonar coverage.
Innovation Solution
A mechanically secured transducer bracket system allowing 360° rotation and automatic raising/lowering of the transducer shaft, mounted on the boat's transom or side, enabling full 360° scanning with electronic, hydraulic, or pneumatic controls for unobstructed underwater imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the transducer is mounted on the trolling motor shaft, then the transducer can be positioned on the boat, but the trolling motor shaft, motor, and blade obstruct the effective usage and clear viewing of the transducer
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer is extracted from the trolling motor shaft mounting and relocated to an independent mounting bracket system on the transom. This separation removes the obstructing trolling motor components from the transducer's scanning path, allowing unobstructed 360° sonar coverage while maintaining the benefits of integrated boat-mounted sonar operation
2Measurement precision
If the transducer is manually positioned to achieve clear scanning, then the underwater view can be optimized, but significant operator effort and manipulation are required
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer mounting system incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities with electric motors that enable automatic rotation and elevation adjustment. This transforms the static, manually-adjusted mounting into a dynamic system that can automatically position the transducer for optimal scanning coverage, eliminating the need for continuous manual manipulation while maintaining clear underwater views
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer system includes self-positioning features where the transducer automatically adjusts its own orientation and position using integrated motors and sensors. The system can autonomously navigate around obstructions and maintain optimal scanning angles without operator intervention, making the operation self-sufficient while achieving precise scanning clarity
3Device complexity
If the transducer is fixed in position, then the mounting structure is simple, but the transducer cannot achieve 360° scanning or clear viewing of surrounding underwater areas
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure incorporates electric motors and gear mechanisms that enable the transducer to rotate horizontally and adjust elevation vertically. This transforms a simple fixed mounting into a dynamic positioning system that achieves full 360° horizontal rotation and variable elevation angles, providing comprehensive surrounding area coverage while maintaining a relatively compact integrated mounting structure
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
Facilitates independent and automatic operation of the sonar transducer for clear, unobstructed 360° scanning of underwater topography and fish locations, reducing operator effort and overcoming trolling motor interference.
Implementation Method 1
sonar transducer for use for scoping the underwater region
Data Source
AI summary
A stern operatively mounted universal transducer for boat includes a mounting device, having upper and lower brackets, for securement to the boat, preferably its transom, the upper and lower brackets secure a drive cylinder, which when operative, lowers a drive rod for shifting a sonic transducer upwardly above the water, or downwardly into the water to scope the surrounding underwater typography. A pair of guide rods shiftably extend through the upper and lower brackets, and at their upper ends, secure to a motor and gear housing, the guide rods at their lower ends secure to a base plate. A transducer shaft extends into the motor housing which provides for its pivoting, and at its lower end, extends downwardly through the base plate, and secures a transducer mounting plate, to which the transducer is affixed, in preparation for its usage. Electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic pressure can be used to pivot the transducer shaft, and to raise and lower the base plate that connects with the drive shaft, the latter when operative, raises or lowers the entire transducer assembly into and out of the water, during application.