Trolling Motor Latching System Sloped Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastening mechanisms for trolling motors on watercraft often unintentionally transition between deployed and stowed configurations due to external forces, and tend to 'jam' or stick, making intentional transitions difficult.
Innovation Solution
A mounting assembly with a pivot joint, swinging bracket assembly, and latch pin assembly that includes an elastic element and a protuberance on a stationary bracket to maintain a latched relationship, preventing unintentional transitions while allowing easy intentional changes between configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional fastening mechanism is used to secure the trolling motor, then the motor can be fixed in deployed or stowed configurations, but the mechanism is prone to unintentional transitions between configurations due to external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The latch pin is designed to slide along a sloped surface of the stationary bracket, creating a dynamic engagement mechanism. The sloped surface allows the latch pin to transition smoothly between latched and unlatched positions while maintaining stability in the latched position through the elastic element's opposing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: the elastic element provides restoring force, the latch pin provides the latching action, and the sloped surface provides the transition path. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while working together as a system.
2Reliability
If a conventional fastening mechanism is used to secure the trolling motor, then the motor can be fixed in deployed or stowed configurations, but the mechanism tends to jam or stick making intentional transitions difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sloped surface creates a dynamic transition path for the latch pin, allowing smooth movement between positions. The incline reduces friction and binding that occur in conventional right-angle latching mechanisms, making intentional transitions easier while maintaining secure latching.
Solution Approach 2:
The sloped surface acts as an intermediary element between the latch pin and the stationary bracket, facilitating smooth transition. This intermediate surface reduces direct contact friction and provides a controlled path for the latch pin to move during configuration changes.
3Reliability
If the latch pin is made secure against external forces, then unintentional transitions are prevented, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element and latch pin are combined into a single integrated assembly that works together to provide both security against external forces and simplicity of design. The elastic element's restoring force works in conjunction with the latch pin's positioning to achieve reliable latching without additional complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element provides self-service by automatically generating the opposing elastic force needed to maintain the latched position and enable transitions. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for external springs, actuators, or complex locking mechanisms to maintain security.
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
The solution reduces the likelihood of 'jamming' or 'sticking' and bouncing in both configurations, maintaining stability against environmental forces without hindering operator-controlled transitions.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic element is coupled to the latch pin, and the latch pin is mounted to be slidable in a first direction along a portion of the length of the swinging bracket to generate an opposing elastic force in the elastic element in a second direction opposite the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting assembly for improved latching of a watercraft trolling motor that includes a shaft assembly. The mounting assembly includes a pivot joint configured to be fixed relative to the watercraft. The mounting assembly further includes a swinging bracket assembly having: (a) a swinging bracket having a first end, a second end and a length, the first end being configured for attachment to the shaft assembly and the second end being rotatably attached to the pivot joint; and (b) a latch pin assembly including an elastic element and a latch pin mounted to the swinging bracket. The mounting assembly still further includes a stationary bracket configured to be fixed relative to the watercraft and having a protuberance and a sloped surface receiving the latch pin. Inadvertent removal of the latch pin from a sliding, latched relationship with the sloped surface is obstructed by the protuberance.