Trolling Motor Assembly with Integrated Display for Marine Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trolling motor systems require separate screens and user interfaces for marine data features like sonar and navigation, which occupy additional space and power, and are often positioned away from the main control center, limiting accessibility for users.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a screen and user interface within the trolling motor assembly's main housing or foot pedal housing, equipped with processors and memory to display marine data, receive user input, and control the trolling motor, allowing for compact and accessible operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate screens and user interfaces are used for marine data features, then marine data functionality is provided, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the screen and user interface directly into the trolling motor assembly, merging previously separate navigation and sonar display equipment with the motor control system. This integration reduces the number of separate components while maintaining full marine data functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between versatility and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated screen and user interface serve multiple functions: displaying sonar data, showing navigation charts, providing motor control, and accepting user input for various marine activities. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated equipment, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate screens and user interfaces are used for marine data features, then marine data functionality is provided, but space requirements within the watercraft increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the screen and user interface into the existing trolling motor housing, the patent eliminates the need for separate display equipment that would occupy additional space in the watercraft. The integrated design uses the motor assembly's existing space, thereby providing full marine data functionality without increasing overall space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The screen and user interface components are nested within the existing trolling motor assembly structure, utilizing the available space in the motor housing rather than requiring separate dedicated space in the watercraft. This nesting approach allows multiple functions to coexist in a compact configuration
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate screens and user interfaces are used for marine data features, then marine data functionality is provided, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the screen and user interface with the trolling motor assembly allows for shared power management and potential use of the motor's existing power source. This consolidation reduces redundant power systems and lowers overall power consumption compared to separate dedicated display equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system provides multiple marine data functions through a single power-consuming unit rather than multiple separate devices. The screen and user interface share the power load with other motor functions, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing total power consumption
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
Provides users with easy access to essential marine data and control features at their fingertips, saving space and reducing the need for external devices, while enabling efficient operation of the trolling motor.
Implementation Method 1
a sonar transducer assembly configured to gather sonar data from an underwater environment relative to the watercraft
Data Source
AI summary
Trolling motor assemblies with an integrated screen and/or user interface are provided herein. For example, the screen is integrated in the main housing or a foot pedal housing of the trolling motor assembly and accessible/visible by a user while the trolling motor is deployed. Such an assembly provides an easy-to-use and compact assembly that provides useful marine features for the user right at the trolling motor, thereby saving space and allowing the user to receive all pertinent information at their current position on the watercraft.