Trolling Motor Automated Trim and Stow Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and size of modern trolling motor systems have made manual stow/deploy and trim adjustment mechanisms impractical, leading to a need for mechanically assisted or automated solutions with reduced part counts to maintain functionality and lower costs.
Innovation Solution
A compact trolling motor design featuring a base assembly with a rotatable motor mount, a steering module, and a trim module, along with a linear actuation arrangement and internal drive mechanisms, including a slip ring assembly for power transmission, to facilitate automated stow/deploy and trim adjustments with reduced parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manually manipulated stow/deploy and trim adjustment mechanisms are used, then the trolling motor can be controlled, but the design becomes difficult or infeasible due to increased weight and size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated system using a linear actuator and a rack and pinion mechanism. The linear actuator converts electrical signals to linear motion, which drives the pinion gear to rotate, thereby automatically adjusting the motor shaft assembly's position and angle without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The trolling motor system performs self-adjustment through automated control. The linear actuator and rack and pinion mechanism enable the motor shaft assembly to automatically transition between stowed and deployed positions, and to adjust trim settings, eliminating the need for user intervention and reducing operational complexity.
2Ease of operation
If mechanically assisted or automated stow/deploy and trim adjustment mechanisms are provided, then manual manipulation difficulty is reduced, but the design complexity and part count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The linear actuator serves both as a drive mechanism for stow/deploy and as part of the trim adjustment system. The rack and pinion mechanism simultaneously provides rotational motion for angle adjustment and linear motion for position control, reducing the need for separate mechanisms and lowering overall part count.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear actuator and rack and pinion assembly perform multiple functions: they enable both stow/deploy transitions and trim adjustments, and they control both positional and angular settings. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each function, thereby reducing design complexity.
3Extent of automation
If automated systems with high part count are used, then stow/deploy and trim adjustment functionality is achieved, but cost of purchase, operation, and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the stow/deploy actuation and trim adjustment functions into a single integrated linear actuator and rack and pinion system, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and maintained. This integration lowers manufacturing complexity and associated costs while preserving full automated functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A trolling motor is provided. The trolling motor includes a base assembly with a steering module mounted to the base assembly. The steering module includes an internal drive arrangement for providing an output torque. The steering module also includes a trim module rotatably mounted to an upper portion of the steering module. A motor shaft assembly including a motor shaft, a head unit attached to an upper end of the motor shaft, and a motor power unit attached to a lower end of the motor shaft is also provided. The motor shaft extends through the base assembly, steering module, and trim module. A torque transfer arrangement is mounted between the trim module and the motor shaft of the motor shaft assembly for transferring the output torque provided by the steering module to the motor shaft to rotate the motor shaft assembly about a rotational steering axis.