Trolling Motor Controller with GPS Integration for Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trolling motor control systems have limited memory for storing waypoints and tracks, and insufficient display capabilities, making it difficult to optimally show maps and recorded locations, which restricts their functionality in navigation and fishing applications.
Innovation Solution
A trolling motor control system that includes a main controller with a two-way data connection to a GPS-equipped mapping device, allowing it to access and execute functions using data stored on the mapping device, and a wireless remote control with a display screen for controlling the trolling motor's power and direction, enabling enhanced navigation and mapping capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional trolling motor control systems are used, then the system structure remains simple, but the memory capacity for storing waypoints and tracks is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the trolling motor control system with a GPS-equipped mapping device into an integrated system. The control unit communicates bidirectionally with the GPS device, allowing the system to utilize the GPS device's memory for storing waypoints and tracks, thereby expanding storage capacity without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the trolling motor's operation and simultaneously interfaces with the GPS-equipped mapping device to access and utilize its memory for storing navigation data. This multi-functionality allows the system to expand storage capabilities while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional trolling motor control systems are used, then the device complexity remains low, but the display capabilities are insufficient for optimally showing maps and recorded locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control unit with the GPS-equipped mapping device, enabling the system to leverage the GPS device's display capabilities for showing maps, waypoints, and tracks. This integration enhances display versatility without requiring a completely separate complex display subsystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the trolling motor and the GPS-equipped mapping device. It facilitates communication and data exchange, allowing the motor control functions to be enhanced by the GPS device's mapping and display capabilities while maintaining clear system architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a two-way data connection to GPS device is added, then navigation functionality is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a motor controller and as a communication interface with the GPS device. This allows the system to enhance navigation functionality through a single versatile component rather than adding separate dedicated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is pre-configured with the capability to communicate bidirectionally with GPS-equipped mapping devices. This preliminary design decision enables enhanced navigation functionality from the outset, avoiding the need for additional complex components to be added later.
Data Source
AI summary
A trolling motor control system that includes a main controller configured interface with a trolling motor is provided. The main controller is configured to control the output power and directional heading of the trolling motor. In at least one embodiment, the main controller has an electronic interface configured to establish a two-way day data connection between the main controller and an electronic GPS-equipped mapping device. This two-way connection allows the main controller to use data stored on the GPS-equipped mapping device to execute functions of the trolling motor control system. It also allows functions of the trolling motor control system to be executed via controls on the GPS-equipped mapping device.