Integrated Trolling Motor and Sonar Control via Single Foot Pedal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional marine sonar and trolling motor systems require multiple control devices and cabling, leading to clutter and reduced safety on watercraft due to limited deck space, and there is a need for simplified operation.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates a trolling motor assembly, sonar system, and navigation control device into a single user input assembly, using a processor to generate electrical signals for steering and directional actuators to control both propulsion and sonar systems via a single user input, such as a foot pedal or fob, allowing for wireless or wired communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control devices are used for trolling motor and sonar systems, then each system can be controlled independently, but the deck space becomes cluttered and safety is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate control devices for the trolling motor and sonar system into a single integrated control device. This single device includes a handle with triggers that can control both the propulsion system and the directional sonar system, reducing the number of control devices from two to one while maintaining independent control capability for each system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both trolling motor control and sonar directional control. The handle assembly includes multiple triggers and control mechanisms that can selectively operate different systems, making a single device universal for multiple control functions that previously required separate dedicated devices.
2Ease of operation
If multiple control devices and cabling are used, then comprehensive control is achieved, but deck clutter increases and safety decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control devices and their associated cabling into a single integrated control unit. By combining the trolling motor controller and sonar directional controller into one device, the physical clutter on the deck is reduced while comprehensive control functionality is preserved through the multi-functional design of the single control device.
3Device complexity
If a single control device is used for both trolling motor and sonar, then deck clutter is reduced and safety is improved, but control functionality must be integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The control device incorporates universal multi-functional capabilities to handle both trolling motor control and sonar directional control. The handle assembly includes multiple triggers and control mechanisms that can be selectively activated to perform different control functions, ensuring that integrating multiple functions into one device does not compromise adaptability or versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
Example steering control systems for multiple devices are provided herein. A system includes a trolling motor assembly having a propulsion motor and a steering actuator and a sonar assembly comprising a transducer assembly and a directional actuator. The system further includes a user input assembly that is configured to detect user activity related to controlling operation of the trolling motor assembly and operation of the sonar assembly. The system further includes a processor that is configured to determine a direction of turn based on user activity, generate an electrical turning input signal indicating the direction of turn, and direct one of the steering actuator and the directional actuator, via the turning input signal, to rotate one of the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly, respectively, in a direction of turn based on the turning input signal.