Quick-Release Trolling Motor Mounting Assembly With Interlocking Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trolling motor mounting systems for watercraft are labor-intensive and inconvenient due to the need for tools and loose components, making quick removal or replacement difficult.
Innovation Solution
A mounting assembly with a base and top plate featuring interlocking features and a latch mechanism that allows for tool-free, secure attachment and detachment of the trolling motor, using interlocking projections and channels to prevent uncoupling in multiple directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If trolling motors are permanently fixed to the deck using screws or bolts, then the motor mounting is secure and reliable, but maintenance and replacement become labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a base assembly fixed to the deck and a motor assembly that can be independently attached and detached. This segmentation allows the motor to be quickly removed and replaced without disturbing the base, significantly reducing maintenance time while maintaining secure mounting through the interlocking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a static permanent fixation to a dynamic adjustable system. The quick-release mechanism enables the motor mounting state to change between secured and detached positions easily, allowing users to adapt the mounting status based on maintenance needs or operational requirements without time-consuming operations.
2Ease of operation
If mounting systems use multiple loose components such as pins, screws, and clips, then attachment and detachment can be facilitated, but components are easily lost when the motor is disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate fastening components (pins, screws, clips) are merged into an integrated quick-release mechanism where all fastening elements are contained within a single assembly. This eliminates loose components that could be lost, while maintaining ease of operation through a unified attachment and detachment process.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary locking mechanism serves as a mediator between the base and motor assemblies, holding all necessary fastening components in place during operation and automatically securing them during detachment. This intermediary structure prevents component loss while facilitating easy mounting and removal operations.
3Loss of time
If a quick-release mounting system is used, then motor removal and replacement is fast and convenient, but the mounting security and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The base assembly is preliminarily prepared with alignment features and receiving structures that guide the motor assembly into precise positioning during attachment. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the motor is quickly attached, it automatically achieves proper alignment and secure engagement without requiring time-consuming adjustment, thus maintaining both speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-release mechanism employs asymmetric geometry in its interlocking features, where the attachment path is designed to be simple and quick, but the detachment path requires specific directional force or activation. This asymmetric design ensures rapid mounting while maintaining secure holding, as the asymmetric features prevent accidental detachment while allowing intentional quick release.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting assembly for selectively mounting a trolling motor to a watercraft and the watercraft. The mounting assembly includes a base to fixedly connect to a deck of the watercraft. The base having a base interlocking feature and defining a first plane. The mounting assembly includes a top plate to connect to the trolling motor and selectively coupled to the base. The top plate having a top plate interlocking feature. In response to moving the top plate in a first direction, the top plate and base interlocking features engage, coupling the top plate to the base to prevent uncoupling along a second plane. The mounting assembly includes a latch moveable between a locked position, preventing movement of the top plate in a second direction and an unlocked position, in which, with the top plate coupled to the base, the top plate can move in the second direction.