Trolling Motor Steering Gear Assembly for Precise Thrust Direction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trolling motor systems lack a comprehensive solution to efficiently control the rotation and direction of thrust, particularly in small electric outboard motors used for fishing boats, without the limitations found in prior art designs.
Innovation Solution
A direct current reversible steering motor coupled to a multi-stage planetary gear assembly, comprising a first and second stage of gears with a stationary ring gear, drives a rotatable carriage sleeve to control the propulsion support shaft, enhancing the control over the direction of thrust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-stage planetary gear assembly is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and control precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The planetary gear assembly is divided into multiple stages (first stage, second stage, third stage) with each stage containing sun gears, planet gears, and carriers. This segmentation allows each stage to contribute to the overall gear reduction ratio, achieving high precision control through cumulative effect of multiple simpler stages rather than one complex stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nested planetary gear stages where the output of one stage becomes the input of the next stage. The first carrier drives the second sun gear, the second carrier drives the third sun gear, creating a nested configuration that multiplies the gear reduction effect while maintaining compact structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If a multi-stage planetary gear assembly is used, then the manufacturing precision and control precision are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple planetary gear stages are merged into a single integrated assembly sharing common components such as the stationary ring gear and housing. The first, second, and third planet gear assemblies are combined within the same structural framework, reducing the number of separate assemblies needed while achieving high precision through multi-stage reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary ring gear serves multiple functions: it engages with all three planet gear assemblies, provides a fixed reference for gear meshing, and contributes to the overall gear reduction ratio. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components while maintaining high precision control.
3Ease of operation
If a complex steering mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical steering linkages with an electric motor-driven planetary gear system. The electric motor provides direct rotational control that is transmitted through the planetary gear assembly to control the propulsion shaft orientation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical cables, linkages, and manual steering mechanisms.
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 multi-stage planetary gear assembly provides precise and efficient control over the rotation and direction of thrust, improving maneuverability and positioning of fishing boats.
Implementation Method 1
a direct current reversible steering motor coupled to a rotatable carriage sleeve to receive a portion of the propulsion support shaft therethrough to selectively drive a multi-stage planetary gear assembly
Implementation Method 2
The multi-stage planetary gear assembly comprises a first or lower stage of gears and a second or upper stage of gears together with a stationary ring gear
Data Source
AI summary
A trolling motor steering unit to control rotation of a propulsion support shaft and direction of thrust of a lower propulsion unit including a steering motor, a shaft sleeve to receive the propulsion support shaft therethrough and a multi-stage planetary gear assembly driven by the steering motor to engage and rotate the shaft sleeve to rotate the propulsion support shaft and lower propulsion unit.