Wireless trolling motor assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trolling motor systems require separate equipment and space for wireless communication with remote electronic devices, limiting their usability and space efficiency, especially on smaller watercraft.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a wireless module, such as a Wi-Fi module, within the trolling motor assembly to transmit marine data, including sonar and sensor data, to a remote electronic device, allowing for compact and easy-to-use communication without the need for additional screens or power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate equipment and power sources are used for wireless communication with remote electronic devices, then communication functionality is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a wireless communication module directly into the trolling motor assembly, combining previously separate functions (motor control and wireless communication) into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate equipment and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining full wireless communication capability with remote electronic devices
Solution Approach 2:
The trolling motor assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: propulsion, data generation through integrated sensors/sonar, and wireless communication. By making the assembly universal and multi-functional, it eliminates the need for separate dedicated communication equipment, thereby reducing device complexity while enhancing adaptability
2Loss of information
If separate screens and user interfaces are used for marine data display, then data visualization is achieved, but space requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of physical screens and user interfaces mounted on the watercraft with a wireless electronic communication system. Data is transmitted electronically to remote devices (smartphones, tablets), eliminating the need for physical display equipment on the watercraft and thereby saving space while maintaining full marine data accessibility
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional power sources are installed for communication equipment, then wireless communication is enabled, but weight and space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication module is integrated into the trolling motor assembly and shares the motor's power source. By combining these functions, the patent eliminates the need for separate power sources for communication equipment, thereby reducing weight while enabling wireless communication functionality
4Reliability
If trolling motor assembly is permanently installed on watercraft, then stable operation is achieved, but flexibility for transfer between watercraft decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a mounting system that provides dynamic adaptability: the trolling motor assembly can be securely installed for stable operation during use, yet easily removed and transferred to different watercraft when needed. This dynamic mounting approach balances operational stability with flexibility for transfer between different watercraft
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
Enables users to access and display marine data on a remote device like a smartphone, saving space on the watercraft and allowing for easy transfer and storage of the trolling motor assembly between different watercraft.
Implementation Method 1
a sonar transducer assembly for generating sonar return data corresponding to an underwater environment relative to the watercraft. The sonar transducer assembly is configured to transmit sonar signals into the underwater environment, receive sonar returns from the underwater environment, and convert the sonar returns into the sonar return data
Implementation Method 2
a wireless module for wirelessly transmitting the marine data to the remote electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
A trolling motor assembly for use with a watercraft and for wirelessly communicating marine data with a remote electronic device. The assembly includes a trolling motor housing coupled to a second end of a main shaft and having mounted therein a propulsion motor for providing propulsion power to the watercraft and a sonar transducer assembly for generating marine data about an underwater environment relative to the watercraft, and a main housing coupled to a first end of the main shaft and having mounted therein a processor for processing the marine data received from the sonar transducer assembly, and a wireless module for wirelessly transmitting the marine data to the remote electronic device.