Trolling Motor Shock Absorption With Compliant Actuator Mounts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor assemblies on watercraft experience significant shock loading due to variable forces from waves and wind, leading to damage and fatigue, especially when transitioning between deployed and stowed positions, with limited dampening capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of compliant members, such as elastic materials, grommets, spring assemblies, or modified connection rods, to absorb or transfer shock loading, reducing the impact on actuators and other components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compliant members are added to dampen shock loading, then reliability of motor assembly components is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs compliant members including flexible elements such as elastomeric materials, grommets, and spring assemblies that deform under shock loading to absorb and dissipate energy, thereby protecting rigid motor assembly components from damage while maintaining system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant members are pre-installed in the motor assembly to provide shock absorption capabilities before shock events occur. These elements are positioned to immediately engage and dampen shock loading during transitions between deployed and stowed positions, preventing damage before it occurs
2Strength
If compliant members are used to absorb shock loading during motor transitions, then damage and fatigue in components is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes compliant members made from various materials with different mechanical properties (elastomeric materials, rubber, springs) that change their stiffness and damping characteristics based on operating conditions. This allows the same component structure to handle varying shock intensities during motor transitions without requiring complex active control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant members act as intermediary elements between the motor assembly components and the shock forces generated during transitions. These members absorb and dissipate shock energy through their own deformation, protecting the primary motor components from direct shock exposure while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes
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 compliant members effectively dampen or transfer shock loading, enhancing the durability and longevity of motor assembly components by minimizing damage and fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
a compliant member that is configured to connect to the actuator. When the trolling motor is in a first position, the first member is configured to dampen shock loading at the actuator or to transfer shock loading to a first shock absorber
Implementation Method 2
the compliant member(s) may be provided as one or more spring assemblies positioned at various locations on the motor assembly
Implementation Method 3
transfer the shock loading to another shock absorber
Data Source
AI summary
A trolling motor assembly having improved shock absorption is provided. The trolling motor assembly includes a trolling motor, a first member, a second member, an actuator that is configured to be activated to cause the trolling motor to move between a first position and a second position, and a compliant member connected to the actuator. When the trolling motor is in a first position, the first member dampens shock loading at the actuator or transfers shock loading to a first shock absorber to dampen shock loading. When the trolling motor is in a second position, the second member dampens shock loading at the actuator or transfers shock loading to at least one of the first shock absorber or a second shock absorber to dampen shock loading. The compliant member dampens shock loading to protect the actuator from shock loading as the trolling motor moves between the first and second position.