Bidirectional Trolling Motor Remote Control With Real-Time Status Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless remote control systems for marine devices like trolling motors and trim tabs lack real-time status feedback, making it difficult for anglers to determine the current operational state, especially in windy conditions or at lower speeds.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a bidirectional wireless communication link between a remote control and a device controller to transmit commands and receive status updates, providing real-time operational feedback on a display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless remote control is used to control marine devices, then the angler can control the device from a distance without cables, but the angler cannot easily observe the current operational status of the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the receiver on the marine device sends status information back to the remote control unit. This allows the angler to see the current operational state (on/off status, speed settings) of the device on the remote control display, providing real-time feedback without requiring physical observation of the device.
2Measurement precision
If the angler must observe the motor to determine its operational status, then accurate status information can be obtained, but this is difficult at lower speeds and in windy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses wireless communication as an intermediary to transmit status information from the device to the remote control. Instead of directly observing the device (which is affected by wind and speed), the angler receives transmitted status data through the wireless link, eliminating the harmful effects of environmental conditions on status observation.
3Ease of operation
If wireless remote control eliminates cables, then cable interference is removed, but the system lacks bidirectional communication capability
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control unit serves multiple functions: it transmits control commands to the device and simultaneously receives and displays status information from the device. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve bidirectional communication while maintaining cable-free operation, as the same wireless interface handles both transmitting and receiving operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a trolling motor operated based upon commands generated by a wireless remote control device and a wired foot pedal is provided. The controller is interposed between the trolling motor and the wired foot pedal to add wireless controllability to the trolling motor via the wireless remote control. The controller communicates with the remote control through a bidirectional wireless communication link to receive commands and to provide status information on the operation of the motor. The remote control includes user inputs for generating commands that are sent wirelessly to the controller to control operation of the marine device. The remote control also includes a display for displaying real time status information that is received wirelessly from the controller. The controller generates control signals upon receipt of wireless communication from the remote control that simulate signals that are normally generated by the wired foot pedal.