Trolling Motor Adaptor Eliminates Propeller Gap

Solution Overview

Problem

Trolling motors experience heat buildup, increased power drain, and reduced motor life due to the migration of weeds, fishing line, and other foreign materials between the propeller and motor housing, which is difficult to remove without specialized tools.

Innovation Solution

An adaptor comprising two shells that engage around the propeller, with a sleeve fitting over the motor housing and a fastener securing the drive shaft, preventing foreign matter from entering the gap and allowing full propeller rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a traditional trolling motor design is used, then the motor structure is simple, but foreign materials wind on the drive shaft between the propeller and motor housing causing heat buildup and increased power drain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower drainVSAvoidmotor structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adaptor assembly is nested between the propeller and motor housing, with the first adaptor shell attached to the propeller hub and the second adaptor shell attached to the motor housing, creating a nested protective structure that prevents foreign materials from entering the gap without requiring fundamental changes to the motor design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The adaptor assembly acts as an intermediary component between the propeller and motor housing, providing a protective barrier that prevents foreign materials from winding on the drive shaft while maintaining the simplicity of the original motor structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a traditional trolling motor design is used, then the motor design is straightforward, but foreign materials cause increased pressure on bearings and housing resulting in reduced motor life

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor lifeVSAvoidmotor design

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adaptor assembly is nested between the propeller and motor housing, with the first adaptor shell attached to the propeller hub and the second adaptor shell attached to the motor housing, creating a nested protective structure that prevents foreign materials from entering the gap without requiring fundamental changes to the motor design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The adaptor is divided into two separate shells that can be independently attached to the propeller and motor housing, allowing for easier installation and removal while providing comprehensive protection to prevent foreign materials from causing damage to bearings and housing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a traditional trolling motor design is used, then the motor structure is simple, but removing buildup between the propeller and motor housing is time consuming and requires special tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance easeVSAvoidmotor structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adaptor is divided into two separate shells that can be independently attached to the propeller and motor housing, allowing for easier installation and removal while providing comprehensive protection to prevent foreign materials from causing damage to bearings and housing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adaptor assembly acts as an intermediary component between the propeller and motor housing, providing a protective barrier that prevents foreign materials from winding on the drive shaft while maintaining the simplicity of the original motor structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10513320B2Trolling motor adaptor and methods of making and using the same

Publication Date: 2019.12.24 MOORE HLDG GRP

AI summary

The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to an adaptor that can be used to eliminate the gap present between the motor housing and the propeller in conventional trolling motors. Particularly, the disclosed adaptor comprises a first shell and a second shell that attach together and surround the base of the trolling motor propeller therebetween. As shown, the propeller blades extend from one or more apertures in the adaptor. The adaptor attaches to the trailing end of the motor housing and is maintained on the drive shaft through the use of one or more fasteners.