Automated Trolling Motor Stabilizer Using Electromagnetic Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trolling motors often bounce or move excessively when a watercraft is in motion due to external forces like waves and wind, and existing stabilizers require manual intervention to lock and unlock the stowing mechanism.
Innovation Solution
An automated securing system that includes a locking mechanism with an electromagnet to securely hold the trolling motor in the stowed position and transition between deployed and stowed positions based on predefined events or sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a manual stabilizer is used to hold the trolling motor in the stowed position, then the motor can be stabilized, but manual intervention is required to lock and unlock the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to automatically detect when the trolling motor is in the stowed position and activates the electromagnet to lock it in place without requiring manual intervention. The same system automatically unlocks the motor when deployment is needed, making the stabilizer self-operating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical locking mechanisms with an automated electromagnet-based locking system controlled by sensors and a controller, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the locking mechanism is activated to prevent movement, then the trolling motor is stabilized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms with an electromagnet-based system that is simpler in design and easier to control, reducing overall system complexity while achieving the same stabilization function.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnet serves multiple functions: it locks the motor in the stowed position, allows easy deployment when activated, and can be controlled automatically by sensors, making it a multi-functional component that reduces the need for separate mechanisms.
3Extent of automation
If an automated locking system is implemented, then manual intervention is eliminated, but the cost and complexity of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects the stowed position using sensors and activates the electromagnet to lock the motor without requiring manual intervention, achieving automation while keeping the system relatively simple through the use of straightforward sensor-controller-actuator logic.
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
The automated system effectively stabilizes the trolling motor in the stowed position, reducing movement caused by external forces, and allows for easy and secure transition between positions without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The locking mechanism may include an electromagnet configured to be activated to form a magnetic force that, when interacting with the trolling motor assembly, holds the trolling motor assembly in the stowed position
Data Source
AI summary
A system for locking a trolling motor assembly in a stowed position on a watercraft is provided herein. The system comprises a trolling motor assembly attached to the watercraft, wherein the trolling motor assembly is movable between the stowed position and a deployed position. The system further includes a locking mechanism mounted to the watercraft and configured to interact with the trolling motor assembly when the trolling motor assembly is in the stowed position. The locking mechanism defines a locked state and an unlocked state and is configured to transition between the states. The system additionally includes a controller having a memory including program code configured to, when executed, cause a processor to determine an instance in which to transition the locking mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state and, in response, cause the locking mechanism to transition from the locked state to the unlocked state.