Trolling Motor Control System With Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trolling motor systems lack a comprehensive solution for providing tactile feedback and precise control, especially in electronic steer configurations, which can lead to a less intuitive and less controlled steering experience compared to mechanical cable steer systems.
Innovation Solution
A trolling motor control system that incorporates a power steering module with a foot-operable control assembly, including a rotatable plate connected to the trolling motor, a control circuit that generates signals based on foot input, and a combination of mechanical and wireless electronic means for steering and speed control, providing haptic feedback and precise alignment between the foot pedal and propulsion support shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic steer configuration is used, then control precision is improved, but tactile feedback is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors detect the position of the trolling motor assembly and send signals back to the control system. This closed-loop feedback enables precise electronic control while providing the operator with tactile feedback through the pedal assembly, resolving the contradiction between control precision and tactile feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary power steering module that acts as a mediator between the mechanical pedal assembly and the electronic control system. This intermediary converts mechanical pedal movements into electronic control signals while maintaining tactile feedback through the mechanical linkage, thus resolving the contradiction.
2Ease of manufacture
If mechanical cable steer system is used, then tactile feedback is provided, but control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both mechanical and electronic systems by combining the tactile feedback mechanism of mechanical cable steer systems with the precision control of electronic systems. The hybrid design integrates mechanical linkages for tactile feedback with electronic sensors and actuators for precise control, resolving the contradiction between tactile feedback and control precision.
3Ease of operation
If power steering module is added, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power steering module incorporates self-adjusting mechanisms that automatically compensate for variations in water resistance, motor position, and operational conditions. This self-service capability reduces the need for manual adjustments and complex control systems, thereby improving ease of operation while limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A trolling motor control system to control the operation of a trolling motor including a rotatable propulsion support shaft to couple a propulsion unit to a boat including a plurality of modules and one or more control devices including a foot pedal control having a foot pedal pivotally mounted to the deck of the boat wherein the plurality of modules includes logic and circuitry to send and receive signals between the modules and to send and receive signals to and from the foot pedal control to synchronize or align the corresponding angular position of rotatable propulsion support shaft in the horizontal plane relative to the longitudinal axis of the boat with the angular position of the foot pedal control in the vertical plane relative to the deck of the boat and to generate tactile feedback to the pivotal foot pedal.