Trolling Motor Transducer Mount Independent Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current transducers attached to trolling motors lack independent control over their direction relative to the motor, leading to increased complexity, weight, and a higher likelihood of entanglement in vegetation, as they are typically affixed to move together with the motor.

Innovation Solution

A transducer mounting assembly that includes a trolling motor shaft with a propulsion unit and a transducer mount oriented by rotation of the shaft, where the transducer mount is actuatable to orient independently of the shaft rotation, controlled by a controller to maintain a selected direction regardless of motor movement, using a combination of sleeves and motors for precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the transducer is affixed to the trolling motor shaft to move together with the motor, then the device complexity is reduced, but the transducer cannot independently control its direction relative to the motor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent direction controlVSAvoidmounting mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transducer mount is nested within the trolling motor shaft structure, with the mount able to rotate independently inside the shaft. This nested configuration allows the transducer to be positioned and oriented independently while utilizing the existing shaft structure, thereby achieving independent direction control without substantially increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into two independent rotational components: the trolling motor shaft rotation for propulsion direction control, and the transducer mount rotation for sensor direction control. This segmentation allows each component to be controlled independently, enabling the transducer to orient itself separately from the motor direction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate shaft is used to mount the transducer adjacent to the trolling motor shaft, then independent operation of transducer and motor is achieved, but the system complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent operation capabilityVSAvoidadditional shaft and hardware

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transducer mount is merged with the existing trolling motor shaft structure rather than using a separate adjacent shaft. The mount integrates into the shaft's hollow interior or external structure, combining the functions of both the propulsion shaft and the sensor mounting structure into a single integrated assembly, thereby reducing overall system complexity and hardware requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a separate shaft is used to mount the transducer, then independent transducer orientation is possible, but the likelihood of being caught or tangled in vegetation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent orientation capabilityVSAvoidentanglement in vegetation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transducer is extracted from the main propulsion shaft line and positioned on a separate rotating mount that can independently orient the transducer. This extraction allows the transducer to be positioned in an optimal location that minimizes exposure to vegetation while maintaining independent orientation capability through the separate mount rotation mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables independent orientation of the transducer, reducing complexity and weight, while maintaining a focused field of view on a target, enhancing underwater data collection without the need for additional hardware, and simplifying deployment.

Implementation Method 1

a drive sleeve radially surrounding the inner sleeve and rotatable about the inner sleeve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical rotation:

Implementation Method 2

the controller is configured to instruct the transducer mount to counteract rotation of the shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCounter-rotation mechanism:

Data Source

PatentUS20250019052A1Transducer mount for trolling motor

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 RONAN

AI summary

A transducer mounting assembly includes a trolling motor including a shaft mounting a propulsion unit, and a transducer mount mounting a transducer on the trolling motor. The propulsion unit is oriented by rotation of the shaft, and the transducer mount is actuatable to orient the transducer independent of rotation of the shaft.