Trolling Motor Mount Latch Mechanism for Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trolling motor mounts experience excessive twisting and noise due to inadequate locking mechanisms, leading to accelerated wear and a perception of instability, as the load from the propulsion unit is not adequately transferred through the upper arm, and the bar-to-slot engagement in traditional locking mechanisms can bind and deteriorate over time.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a four-pivot linkage mount with a deployed-position latch and striker pin, or a pivotable latch with a latch blocker, which securely locks the upper or lower arm to the base, ensuring that the load is transferred through the upper arm and reducing twisting and noise, while maintaining ease of actuation and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional bar-to-slot locking mechanisms are used, then the mount can be simple in structure, but the mount experiences excessive twisting and noise due to inadequate locking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple independent latch points (first latch and second latch) positioned at different locations on the arm. Each latch engages with its own striker pin, distributing the locking forces across multiple engagement points rather than relying on a single bar-to-slot connection. This segmentation prevents twisting by ensuring uniform load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed to engage with the striker pin before full deployment of the arm. The latch protrusion engages the striker pin in advance, pre-establishing the locking connection before operational loads are applied. This preliminary engagement prevents the binding and deterioration that occurs when locking mechanisms are subjected to sudden or misaligned forces.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then the mount can be easy to manufacture, but accelerated wear occurs due to inadequate load transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The load path is pre-configured through the linkage geometry and latch positioning to ensure forces are directed through the upper arm to the base. The first latch and second latch are positioned to engage strikers that guide loads through the upper arm, preventing premature wear by establishing proper load transfer before operational forces are applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting parameters are optimized by positioning the latch engagement points and striker pins to align with the upper arm's structural strength characteristics. This ensures loads are transferred through the strongest portions of the upper arm, maximizing service life while maintaining manufacturability with standard materials and processes.
3Device complexity
If the load is not transferred through the upper arm, then the mount structure can be simpler, but twisting and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage is segmented into distinct functional components (base, upper arm, lower arm, bracket) with clearly defined load paths. The first latch and second latch create separate engagement points that work together to constrain the arm, preventing twisting by distributing constraints across multiple segmented connection points rather than relying on a single complex joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch and striker pin assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates proper load transfer from the arm through the upper arm to the base. This intermediary locking system ensures forces are transmitted through the intended structural path (upper arm), eliminating harmful twisting and noise that would occur with direct or improper load paths.
4Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then stability and durability are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secure locking function is achieved through segmentation into two independent but coordinated latch-striker pairs. Each latch engages its own striker pin, creating redundant locking points that enhance stability without requiring a single complex locking mechanism. This segmented approach distributes the reliability function across multiple simple, identical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism parameters are optimized for simplicity: the latch protrusion and striker pin are positioned to engage at specific geometric relationships that provide secure locking with minimal movement. The engagement geometry is designed so that the latch naturally seats against the striker pin, providing stable locking without complex springs, actuators, or adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A mount for a trolling motor pivots the trolling motor between a deployed position and a stowed position. The mount includes a base coupled to a deck of a watercraft and upper and lower arms pivotably coupled to the base. A bracket also couples the upper arm to the lower arm. The mount includes a pivotable latch and an associated latch blocker on the upper or lower arm or the base and a corresponding striker pin configured to engage with the pivotable latch in the deployed and/or stowed position of the trolling motor to lock the upper or lower arm to the base.