Patent Application
20250019052
Transducers and other sensors may be used on boats to provide operators with useful data relating to underwater structures and the location of fish. Trolling motors are self-contained marine propulsion units that are affixed to an angler's boat to provide the boat with a quiet and precise means of propulsion, that may be an alternative to other combustion engines on the boat.
Currently, transducers that are attached to trolling motors do not allow for independent control of the direction of the transducer relative to the direction of the trolling motor. Rather, the transducers are affixed to the trolling motor such that the transducer and trolling motor move together. Current devices that do allow for independent operation of a transducer and a trolling motor accomplish this via a separate shaft; mounting the transducer on a shaft that is adjacent to the shaft of the trolling motor. This configuration adds complexity, weight, additional hardware, and the inclusion of an additional pole increases the likelihood that the system will be caught or tangled in vegetation or the like.
In one exemplary embodiment, 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.
In another embodiment according to any of the previously described embodiments, the transducer mounting assembly further comprises a controller configured to control actuation of the transducer mount to orient the transducer.
In another embodiment according to any of the previously described embodiments, the controller is configured to instruct the transducer mount to counteract rotation of the shaft.
In another embodiment according to any of the previously described embodiments, the transducer mounting assembly further comprises a user interface in communication with the controller.
In another embodiment according to any of the previously described embodiments, the controller is configured to control movement of the transducer mount such that the transducer stays facing towards a target selected by a user via the user interface regardless of rotation of the shaft.
In another embodiment according to any of the previously described embodiments, the controller is configured to control movement of the transducer mount such that the transducer stays facing towards a direction selected by a user via the user interface regardless of rotation of the shaft.
In another embodiment according to any of the previously described embodiments, the transducer mount includes a motor driving actuation of the transducer mount.
In another embodiment according to any of the previously described embodiments, the transducer mount is integrated into the propulsion unit.
In another embodiment according to any of the previously described embodiments, the propulsion unit includes a propulsor motor driving a propulsor, a first compartment containing the propulsor motor, and a second compartment containing the transducer motor.
In another embodiment according to any of the previously described embodiments, the transducer mount includes at least one sleeve radially surrounding the shaft of the trolling motor.
In another exemplary embodiment, a transducer mount includes at least one sleeve configured to radially surround the shaft of a trolling motor. The transducer mount is configured to mount a transducer, and is actuatable to orient the transducer independent of rotation of the shaft.
In another embodiment according to any of the previously described embodiments, the at least one sleeve includes an inner sleeve configured to non-rotatably engage with the shaft, and a drive sleeve radially surrounding and the inner sleeve and rotatable about the inner sleeve.
In another embodiment according to any of the previously described embodiments, the transducer mount further includes a motor configured to drive the drive sleeve to rotate about the inner sleeve.
In another embodiment according to any of the previously described embodiments, the drive sleeve is a first drive sleeve, and the transducer mount further includes a second drive sleeve radially surrounding the inner sleeve. The second drive sleeve is configured to translate relative to the inner sleeve in a direction along the shaft.
In another embodiment according to any of the previously described embodiments, the transducer mount further includes an orientation arm mounted to the outside of the drive sleeve, wherein the orientation arm is configured to mount the transducer.
In another embodiment according to any of the previously described embodiments, the orientation arm is actuatable to orient a facing direction of the transducer about both a horizontal axis and a vertical axis. The horizontal axis is generally orthogonal to the shaft, and the vertical axis is orthogonal to the horizontal axis.
In another embodiment according to any of the previously described embodiments, the transducer mount further includes a controller configured to control actuation of the transducer mount to orient the transducer.
In another embodiment according to any of the previously described embodiments, the controller is configured to instruct the transducer mount to counteract rotation of the shaft.
In another embodiment according to any of the previously described embodiments, the controller is configured to control movement of the transducer mount such that the transducer stays facing towards a target or a direction selected by a user regardless of rotation of the shaft.
In another embodiment according to any of the previously described embodiments, the transducer mount is configured to removably attach to the shaft.
The transducer 26 is operable to detect and communicate information relating to the location of fish, the bottom of the body of water, and underwater structures such as fallen trees, drop offs, debris, etc. The transducer 26 generally is only able to detect such information when within a certain “field-of-view” of the transducer 26, and therefore the transducer 26 must be oriented in a desired direction to obtain information in that general direction. While reference is made to a transducer 26, it should be understood that the contents of this disclosure are equally applicable to other types of sensors, such as radar, LiDAR, cameras, or any other appropriate sensor operable to detect and communicate signals indicative of the underwater environment surrounding a water vehicle.
The trolling motor 24 generally includes a boat mount 28, a shaft 30, a propulsion unit 32, and a controller 34. The boat mount 28 may be a clamp or any other appropriate mounting configuration that allows the trolling motor 24 to be mounted to either the bow or stern of a boat. The shaft 30 is generally cylindrical and extends from the boat mount 28 to the propulsion unit 32. The propulsion unit 32 may comprise a motor 36 and a propulsor 38, such as a propeller. In some examples, the propulsion unit 32 also includes an additional transducer device 27, with operability similar to transducer 26. The shaft 30 is configured to rotate to orient the propulsion unit 32 and determine the direction of thrust provided by the trolling motor 24.
The controller 34 of the trolling motor 24 controls the orientation of the propulsion unit 32, as well as speed. In an example, the controller 34 may comprise a wireless remote control system, wherein speed, steering, and other features of the trolling motor 24 are controlled by a user through a remote device or console. The controller 34 may also comprise hand controls, such as a tiller and a speed control knob, foot controls, such as a pedal, or any other type of control that may be built-in to the trolling motor 24 near the boat mount 28.
The transducer mount 22 is configured to mount the transducer 26 directly to, or in-line with, the shaft 30 of the trolling motor 24. The transducer mount 22 includes an inner sleeve 40, at least one drive sleeve 42a, 42b, at least one motor 44, an orientation arm 46, and a controller 48. It should be understood that although only one transducer mount 22 is illustrated in the drawings, multiple transducer mounts 22 configured as described below could be mounted on the shaft 30 of the trolling motor 24.
The inner sleeve 40 is configured to attach to the shaft 30 of the trolling motor 24 such that the inner sleeve 40 radially surrounds the shaft 30. The inner sleeve 40 is non-rotatable relative to the shaft 30. A drive sleeve 42a, in turn, radially surrounds the inner sleeve 40. The drive sleeve 42a and the inner sleeve 40 rotatably engage, such that the drive sleeve 42a may be driven to rotate by at least one motor 44 about the inner sleeve 40 and the shaft 30 of the trolling motor 24. In an example, the inner sleeve 40 and drive sleeve 42a engage via a geared configuration, however other rotational engagement mechanisms may be used within the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the transducer mount 22 allows the transducer 26 to be oriented in any radial direction about the shaft 30 of the trolling motor 24 independent of the rotation of the shaft 30 necessary for steering.
In an example, the transducer mount 22 further includes an additional outer drive sleeve 42b that is mounted radially outside of an inner drive sleeve 42a. The outer drive sleeve 42b is configured to translate vertically relative to the inner drive sleeve 42a and non-rotatably engages with the inner drive sleeve 42a. Accordingly, the inner drive sleeve 42a effectuates rotational movement about the shaft 30, and the outer drive sleeve 42b effectuates vertical translation relative to the shaft 30. The inner and outer drive sleeves 42a, 42b may engage via a worm gear, or pinion gear arrangement, however other engagements may be used within the scope of this disclosure.
The orientation arm 46 is mounted to the outside of the one or more drive sleeves 42a, 42b and is configured to mount the transducer 26. The orientation arm 46 is configured to orient the facing direction of the transducer 26 about both a vertical axis V and a horizontal axis H. It should be understood that although a single orientation arm 46 mounting a single transducer 26 is shown and described, the transducer mount 22 may include multiple similarly configured orientation arms 46 that each mount a transducer 26.
In an example, the orientation arm 46 includes a first portion 46a mounted to the outside of the one or more drive sleeves 42a, 42b, and a second portion 46b that pivotably mounts the transducer 26. The second portion 46b of the orientation arm 46 is configured to be rotated by at least one motor 44 relative to the first portion 46a about the horizontal axis H. The horizontal axis H extends along the length of the orientation arm 46 and is generally orthogonal to the shaft 30 of the trolling motor 24. The rotation of the second portion 46b of the orientation arm 46 allows the transducer 26 to be oriented at any angle about the horizontal axis H.
The transducer 26 is pivotably mounted to the second portion of the orientation arm 46a, such that the transducer 26 may be driven to rotate by at least one motor 44 about the vertical axis V. The vertical axis V is generally orthogonal to the horizontal axis H, and its orientation relative to the shaft 30 changes as the second portion 46b of the orientation arm 46 rotates. This pivotable connection of the transducer 26 allows the transducer 26 to be oriented at any angle about the vertical axis V.
Accordingly, movement of the drive sleeves 42a, 42b and orientation arm 46 may accomplish any desired facing direction of the transducer 26. The controller 48 of the transducer mount 22 controls the one or more motors 44 to selectively control movement/orientation of the transducer 26. In some examples, the controller 48 is housed within a control box 50, which is mounted to the outside of the drive sleeve 42a, 42b on a side generally opposite to the transducer 26. The control box 50 may additionally house the one or more motors 44 as well as electrical wires of the transducer mount 22.
The transducer 26 communicates with a display 52 which is configured to visually display information captured by the transducer 26 for a user. In some examples, the transducer 26 communicates with the controller 48, which, in turn, communicates with the display 52. The controller 48 also communicates with a user interface 54 which allows a user to select a mode of operation of the transducer mount 22. In some examples, the display 52 and user interface 54 are integrated into a single unit, and may comprise a touch screen, an application of a smart phone, or a smart wearable device, such as smart glasses. In some examples, the user interface 54 of the transducer mount 22 is also integral with the controller 34 of the trolling motor 24, such that a user may control operation of the trolling motor 24 and the transducer mount 22 with the same device. The user interface 54 may also comprise hand controls or foot controls. In an example, the controller 48 communicates with the user interface 54 wirelessly, such as via Bluetooth or other appropriate wireless connection. In other examples, the controller 48 communicates with the user interface 54 through a direct wired connection.
In an example, the transducer mount 22 is configured to integrate with a network of other electronic devices on a boat that mounts the trolling motor 24, i.e., a remote controller 34 of the trolling motor 24, an integrated transducer 27 of the trolling motor 24, engine sensors, GPS, etc. For example, the transducer mount 22 may be NMEA compatible. The display 52 and user interface 54 may be part of such an integrated network, such that information from the transducer 26 and/or controller 48 may be shown alongside other useful information obtained by other electronic devices on a NMEA display 52, and the operation of the transducer mount 22 may be controlled alongside other electronic devices with an NMEA user interface 54. Further, the transducer 26 and/or controller 48 may communicate information to any other system and device in the network.
The controller 48 is configured to operate the transducer mount 22 in several preprogrammed modes of operation based on a selection by a user via the user interface 54. In a first mode of operation, the controller 48 locks the drive sleeve 42a in place with the inner sleeve 40 such that movement of the transducer 26 is synchronized with movement of the shaft 30 of the trolling motor 24.
In a second mode of operation, the controller 48 controls the drive sleeves 42a, 42b and orientation arm 46 to lock-on to a specific target, such as a detected fish, structure, ledge, etc. The user selects the specific target using the user interface 54. In this mode of operation, the drive sleeves 42a, 42b and orientation arm 46 are instructed by the controller 48 to move such that the transducer 26 stays faced towards and locked-on to the selected target regardless of rotation of the shaft 30 of the trolling motor 24, movement of the boat mounting the trolling motor 24, or movement of the target.
In a third mode of operation, the user manually controls the facing direction of the transducer 26 with the user interface 54. The controller 48 instructs the drive sleeves 42a, 42b and orientation arm 46 to move/orient the transducer 26 about the shaft, the horizontal axis H, and vertical axis V based on inputs of the user. In an example where the display 52 and user interface 54 comprise a smart wearable device capable of tracking head and eye movement of a wearer, in this mode of operation the controller 48 may instruct the actuators of the transducer mount 22 to move the transducer 26 according to head and eye movement of the wearer. Thus, the transducer 26 faces the same direction as the user's vision. In this example, the display 52 may comprise an overlay of the user's vision including virtual representations of fish and other underwater structures such that, to the user, it appears that they can see these submerged objects through the water's surface.
In a fourth mode of operation, the user sets a specific direction/orientation for the transducer 26 to lock-on to via the user interface 54. For example, the user may select that the transducer 26 face forward, aft, port or starboard, or in any intermediate direction, relative to the boat mounting the trolling motor 24. The user may also select any navigational direction or heading. Additionally, the user may select any vertical/horizontal angle, such as downward, forward, or any in-between, perspective view. The controller 48 instructs the drive sleeve 42a to rotate to orient the transducer 26 to face the selected direction. The controller 48 then instructs the drive sleeve 42a to rotate to counteract any rotation of the shaft 30 of the trolling motor 24 to keep the transducer 26 faced in the selected direction.
In a fifth mode of operation, the controller 48 instructs the drive sleeve 42a to rotate to pan the transducer 26 from left to right, back and forth, independent from rotation of the shaft 30 of the trolling motor 24. The arc that the transducer 26 pans and the rate of speed of the movement may be set by the user via the user interface 54.
In an example, the transducer 26 and transducer mount 22 may be manufactured as an integrated unit. In other examples, the transducer mount 22 is configured to removably mount any transducer 26 that is sold separately.
In an example, the transducer mount 22 is configured be removably attach to the shaft 30 of any trolling motor 24 that is sold separately. In an example, to attach the transducer mount 22 to a trolling motor 24, a user first removes the propulsion unit 32 from the shaft 30 of the trolling motor 24. The user then slides the transducer mount 22 onto the shaft from the end of the shaft 30 configured to mount the propulsion unit 32. The user locates the transducer mount 22 at an appropriate location (about midway along the length of the shaft 30) and then immovably fastens the inner sleeve 40 of the transducer mount 22 to the shaft. The inner sleeve 40 may fasten to the shaft 30 via a clamping mechanism of the transducer mount 22, or via fasteners, or any other appropriate method. Finally, the user reattaches the propulsion unit 32 to the shaft 30 of the trolling motor 24. In another example, the transducer mount 22 may be manufactured as an integrated unit with the trolling motor 24.
The propulsion unit 132 in this example includes a housing 56 containing and/or mounting a propulsor 138, a propulsor motor 136 for driving the propulsor 138, and the transducer mount 122 mounting a transducer 126. In some examples, the propulsion unit 132 includes an additional fixed transducer device 127.
In an example, the housing 56 includes a propulsion compartment 58 and a transducer compartment 60. The propulsion compartment 58 includes the propulsion motor 136, as well as various related gears, electrical wiring, and controls. The transducer compartment 60 includes a transducer controller 148 controlling at least one transducer motor 144 to selectively control movement/orientation of the transducer mount 122, as well as related gears and electrical wiring. Separating components related to propulsion from components related to the transducers 126, 127 in separate compartments 58, 60 within the housing 56 provides benefits to ease of maintenance, thermal management, and increases reliability.
The transducer mount 122 in this example also allows for orientation of the transducer 126 in any direction independent of rotation of a shaft 130 of the trolling motor 124 and associated movement of the propulsion unit 132. In an example, the transducer mount 122 comprises a spherical component 62 mounting the transducer 126. In an example, the spherical component 62 engages with gears driven by the one or more transducer motors 144 such that orientation of the transducer may be pivoted in any direction about a horizontal axis H, a vertical axis V, and a yaw axis Y. In an example, the actuation structure of the transducer mount 122 is similar to that of a pan-tilt security camera. However, it should be understood that any appropriate mechanism to achieve independent orientation of the transducer 126 may be used within the scope of this disclosure.
The controller 148 is configured to control orientation of the transducer in several preprogrammed modes of operation (similar to those discussed above) based on selection by a user via a user interface 154. The transducer mount 122 may actuate according to instructions from the controller 148 to orient the transducer 126 according to the selected mode, and also may counteract rotation of the shaft 130 and propulsion unit 132 when needed. For example, as the propulsion unit 132 pivots, the controller 148 may instruct the transducer mount to rotate the spherical component 162 about the yaw axis Y to counteract/account for the movement.
In a first mode, the controller 148 instructs the transducer mount 122 to lock the spherical component 62 in place such that movement of the transducer 126 is synchronized with movement of the shaft 130 and propulsion unit 132. In a second mode of operation, the controller 148 controls the transducer mount 122 to keep the transducer 126 locked-on to a specific target selected by a user via the user interface 154 regardless of movement of the shaft 30 or the propulsion unit 132. In a third mode of operation, the user manually controls the facing direction of the transducer 126 with the user interface 154, and the controller 148 controls the transducer mount 122 accordingly to orient the transducer 126. In a fourth mode of operation, the user sets a specific direction/orientation (such as facing forward, down, or a perspective view) via the user interface 154, and the controller 148 instructs the transducer mount 122 to move the transducer 126 to the desired orientation and keep the transducer 126 at the desired orientation regardless of movement of the shaft 30 or propulsion unit 132. In a fifth mode of operation, the controller 148 instructs the transducer mount 122 to pan the transducer 126 back and forth, while counteracting any movement of the shaft 130 and propulsion unit 132.
While the inclusion of one independently operated transducer mount 122 and transducer 126 are illustrated and described, it should be understood that multiple independently operated transducer mounts 122 and transducers 126 may be included on a propulsion unit 132 within the scope of this disclosure.
The transducer mounting assemblies 20, 120 of the present invention allows a transducer 26, 126 to be oriented in any desired direction while being mounted in-line, or integrally with a trolling motor 24, 124 and without requiring a user to remove the trolling motor 24, 124 shaft 30, 130 from the water. Accordingly, an angler may receive the beneficial information of one or more independently operated transducer(s) 26, 126 while only deploying a single shaft 30, 130 mounting both the transducer(s) 26, 126 and the propulsion unit 32, 132 of the trolling motor 24, 124 into the water. The disclosed configuration is therefore easier to deploy, reduces complexity, and has a smaller footprint relative to prior designs.
Although a combination of features is shown in the illustrated examples, not all of them need to be combined to realize the benefits of this disclosure. In other words, a system designed according to an embodiment of this disclosure will not necessarily include all of the features shown in any one of the Figures or all of the portions schematically shown in the figures. Moreover, selected features of one example embodiment may be combined with select features of other example embodiments.
The proceeding description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not necessarily depart from this disclosure. The scope of legal protection given to this disclosure can only be determined by studying the following claims.
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/525,983 filed on Jul. 11, 2023.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63525983 | Jul 2023 | US |
