NZ620500B2 - System for interchangeable mounting options for a sonar transducer - Google Patents
System for interchangeable mounting options for a sonar transducer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ620500B2 NZ620500B2 NZ620500A NZ62050012A NZ620500B2 NZ 620500 B2 NZ620500 B2 NZ 620500B2 NZ 620500 A NZ620500 A NZ 620500A NZ 62050012 A NZ62050012 A NZ 62050012A NZ 620500 B2 NZ620500 B2 NZ 620500B2
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- transducer
- mounting
- mount adapter
- mount
- transducer housing
- Prior art date
Links
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- JRPBQTZRNDNNOP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Barium titanate Chemical compound [Ba+2].[Ba+2].[O-][Ti]([O-])([O-])[O-] JRPBQTZRNDNNOP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000906 Bronze Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000037250 Clearance Effects 0.000 description 1
- HFGPZNIAWCZYJU-UHFFFAOYSA-N Lead zirconate titanate Chemical compound [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Ti+4].[Zr+4].[Pb+2] HFGPZNIAWCZYJU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
- G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G10K11/00—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general; Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
- G10K11/004—Mounting transducers, e.g. provided with mechanical moving or orienting device
- G10K11/006—Transducer mounting in underwater equipment, e.g. sonobuoys
Abstract
Systems and apparatuses for interchangeable mounting options for a transducer housing are disclosed. Such a system may provide for easy change of mounting to a watercraft, such as between transom mounting, portable mounting, trolling motor mounting, and thru-hull mounting. A system for interchangeable mounting options of a sonar transducer to a watercraft may comprise at least one transducer, a transducer housing (50) configured to house the at least one transducer, and a mount adapter (40). The transducer housing may comprise at least one upper engagement surface configured to adjacently engage the mount adapter to facilitate mounting. The at least one upper engagement surface may be configured to releasably engage the mount adapter to allow the mount adapter to be detached and removed without damaging or altering the transducer housing. le mounting options of a sonar transducer to a watercraft may comprise at least one transducer, a transducer housing (50) configured to house the at least one transducer, and a mount adapter (40). The transducer housing may comprise at least one upper engagement surface configured to adjacently engage the mount adapter to facilitate mounting. The at least one upper engagement surface may be configured to releasably engage the mount adapter to allow the mount adapter to be detached and removed without damaging or altering the transducer housing.
Description
/422115
SYSTEM FOR INTERCHANGEABLE MOUNTING OPTIONS
FOR A SONAR TRANSDUCER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to ng sonar
transducers, and more particularly, to systems and apparatuses for interchangeable
ng options for a sonar transducer.
BACKGROUND OF THE ION
Sonar (SOund Navigation And Ranging) has long been used to detect waterborne
or undenivater objects. For example, sonar devices may be used to determine depth and
bottom topography, detect fish, locate wreckage, etc. In this regard, due to the extreme
limits to visibility underwater, sonar is typically the most accurate way to locate objects
underwater. Sonar transducer elements, or simply transducers, convert electrical energy
into sound or vibrations at a particular frequency. A sonar sound beam is transmitted into
and through the water and is reflected from objects it encounters. The transducer
receives the reflected sound (the “sonar returns”) and converts the sound energy into
electrical . Based on the known speed of sound, it is possible to determine the
distance to and/or location of the waterborne or ater objects. The sonar return
signals can also be processed to be displayed in graphical form on a display device,
giving the user a re” of the undenNater environment. The signal sor and
y may be part of a unit known as a “sonar head” that is connected by a wire to the
transducer mounted remotely from the sonar head. Alternatively, the sonar transducer
may be an accessory for an integrated marine electronics system offering other features
such as GPS, radar, etc.
Mounting of transducers may vary depending on a number of factors, ing
the design of the watercraft (e.g., boat or motor) to which it may be mounted. For
example, a transducer may be mounted with a transom mounting, a portable mounting, a
ull mounting, a trolling motor mounting, an over-the-side mounting, or other hull or
structure mounting options. Different mountings, however, require different features and
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often optimizing features for one type of mounting may create difficulties or be
undesirable for another type of mounting.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Since different users need different kinds of mounting options for the sonar
transducer, the cturer of sonar systems has to either sell the sonar head and the
transducer separately, or cause the marine electronics dealer to inventory a number of
versions of the same sonar system, the versions differing only in terms of the
1O configuration of the transducer unit. These differences may be mechanical or electrical,
or relate to the transducer’s capabilities. However, selling the sonar head and transducer
unit tely may be confusing for the consumer. One solution has been to sell the
sonar system with the most popular type of transducer unit (e.g., configured for a transom
mount) and allow the customer to exchange the transducer unit for another type if
needed. This, however, requires extra effort for the customer and the .
To avoid such problems and create ease for the customer, embodiments of the
present invention provide systems and apparatuses for interchangeable ng options
for a transducer housing. Such a system may provide for hangeable mounting
options for raft, such as hull (e.g., transom) mounting, portable mounting, trolling
motor mounting, and thru-hull mounting. in one example ment, a system for
interchangeable mounting options of a sonar transducer to a watercraft is provided. The
system may se at least one transducer, a transducer housing configured to house
the at least one transducer, and a mount adapter. The transducer housing
may comprise
at least one upper engagement surface configured to ntly engage the mount
r to facilitate mounting. The at least one upper engagement e may be
configured to releasably engage the mount adapter to allow the mount adapter to be
detached and d without damaging or altering the transducer housing.
In another embodiment, a transducer housing configured for interchangeable
mounting options for a boat is provided. The transducer housing is configured to house
at least one transducer and comprises at least one upper engagement surface configured
to adjacently engage a first mount adapter to tate a first type of ng. The
transducer housing further comprises at least one lower engagement e configured
to adjacently engage a second mount adapter to facilitate a second type of mounting as
an alternative to the first type of mounting.
In yet another embodiment, a system for hangeable mounting options of a
sonar transducer to a boat is provided. The system comprises at least one transducer, a
transducer housing configured to house the at least one transducer, and a trolling motor
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mount adapter. The transducer housing comprises at least one lower engagement
e configured to adjacently engage the trolling motor mount adapter to tate
mounting on a trolling motor.
In another embodiment, a trolling motor mount adapter for a transducer housing
configured for hangeable mounting options for a boat is provided. The trolling motor
mount adapter is configured to removably receive the transducer housing. The trolling
motor mount r comprises a hole with a perimeter configured to engage the
transducer housing such that the transducer housing fits at least partially in the hole.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
Having thus described the invention in general terms, nce will now be made
to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
is a diagram illustrating an example of a sonar transducer producing an
array of sound waves from a boat;
illustrates a system for mounting of a ucer housing on a boat hull
(e.g., at the m), in accordance with e embodiments described herein;
shows a detail view of the system for transom mounting shown in
in accordance with example embodiments described herein;
shows a perspective view of the system for transom mounting shown in
in accordance with example ments described herein;
shows a perspective view of the transducer housing and transom mount
adapter shown in in accordance with example embodiments described herein;
shows a cross-sectional view of the transducer housing and transom
mount adapter along line 4A in in ance with example embodiments
described herein;
shows a perspective view of the transducer housing and transom mount
r shown in wherein the transom mount adapter is partially disengaged from
the transducer g, in accordance with example embodiments described herein;
shows a sectional view of the transducer housing and transom
mount adapter along line 5A in in accordance with example embodiments
described herein;
shows a perspective bottom view of the transducer housing and transom
mount adapter shown in in accordance with example embodiments described
shows a perspective view of the transducer housing shown in in
accordance with example embodiments described herein;
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shows a sectional view of the transducer housing along line 7A in
in accordance with example embodiments described herein;
illustrates a system for mounting a transducer housing to a kayak, in
accordance with e embodiments described herein;
shows a detail view of the system for mounting the transducer housing to
the kayak shown in in accordance with example embodiments described ;
FIG. BB shows a perspective view of a portion of the system for mounting the
transducer housing to the kayak shown in in accordance with e
embodiments described herein;
1O FIG. SC shows a cross-sectional view of the transducer g and scupper
mount adapter along line 80 in FIG. SB, in accordance with example embodiments
described herein;
shows a detail view of another e of a system for mounting the
transducer housing to the kayak shown in in accordance with example
embodiments described herein;
illustrates a system for portable mounting of a transducer housing on a
boat, in accordance with example embodiments described herein;
A shows a detail view of the system for portable mounting shown in , in accordance with example embodiments described herein;
shows a ctive view of the transducer housing and portable mount
adapter shown in , in accordance with example embodiments described herein;
illustrates a system for ng a transducer housing to a trolling motor,
in accordance with example ments described herein;
A shows a detail view of the system for mounting a ucer housing to
a trolling motor shown in , in accordance with example embodiments described
herein;
shows a perspective view of the trolling motor mount adapter shown in
A, in accordance with example embodiments described herein;
A shows a ctive bottom view of the trolling motor mount adapter
3O shown in , in accordance with example embodiments described herein;
shows a perspective view of the transducer housing and trolling motor
mount adapter shown in A, in accordance with example ments described
herein;
A shows a perspective bottom view of the transducer housing and trolling
motor mount adapter shown in , in accordance with example embodiments
described herein;
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illustrates a system for thru-hull mounting a transducer housing to a boat,
in ance with example embodiments described herein;
A shows a detail view of the system for thru-hull mounting a transducer
housing to the boat shown in , in accordance with example embodiments
described herein; and
illustrates an example method for changing mounting of a transducer
housing from a transom mounting to a trolling motor mounting, in accordance with
example embodiments described .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ION
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention now will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying gs, in which some, but not all
embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in
many ent forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary
embodiments set forth herein; rather, these ments are provided so that this
disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference ls refer to like
elements throughout.
Sonar systems, such as sonar depth finders, sidescan sonars and sonar fish
finders, are commonly employed by boaters, sport men, search and rescue
personnel, researchers, ors, and others. With reference to a boat 10 may
include a sonar system configured to create electrical pulses from a transmitter. A
transducer then converts the electrical puise into sound waves 12, which are sent into the
water. In the depicted embodiment, a fan-shaped sound beam (e.g., a beam shape
d from one or more rectangular transducers) is being transmitted into the water,
however, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure,
other sound beam configurations (e.g., conical shaped, multiple conical shaped, etc.) may
be transmitted. Further information regarding different sonar transmissions is described
in US. Patent Application No. 12/460,139, entitled “Downscan g Sonar,” filed July
14, 2009, and US. Patent ation No. 12/460,093, entitled “Circular Downscan
Imaging Sonar,” filed July 14, 2009, the entire disclosure of which are hereby
incorporated by reference .
When the sound waves 12 strike anything of differing acoustic impedence, the
sound waves 12 reflect off that object. These echos or sonar returns strike the
transducer (or, in some cases, a separate receiver element), which converts the echos
back into an electrical signal which is processed by a processor 23 and sent to a y
(e.g., an LCD) mounted in the cabin or other convenient location in the boat. This
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4221 15
process is often called “sounding”. Since the speed of sound in water is constant
(approximately 4800 feet per second in fresh water), the time lapse n the
transmitted signal and the received echos can be measured and the distance to the
objects determined. This process repeats itself many times per second. The results of
many soundings are used to build a picture on the display of the undenivater world.
For example, the sound waves 12 may bounce off the floor 14 of the body of
water and reflect back to the boat, thereby indicating a depth of the water at that location.
Sometimes, the floor 14 may have an uneven topography (e.g., a raised surface 16) that
may reflect different depths of the water at different locations. In such a circumstance,
1O the sound waves 12 reflect off the various floor surfaces and back to the boat 10. Since
the raised e 16 is closer to the boat 10, the sound waves 12 will reach the boat 10
faster and indicate to the sonar system that the depth is shallower at raised surface 16
than at surface 14. Additionally, objects on the floor (e.g., sunken logs, rocks, wreckage
of ships, etc.) t the sonar beams and are ed as topographical features. Fish
in the water also create their own characteristic sonar returns.
The active t in a transducer may comprise at least one man-made crystal
(e.g., lead zirconate or barium titanate). A conductive coating is applied to two sides of
the crystal. Wires are soldered to these coatings so the crystal can be ed to a cable
which transfers the electrical energy from the transmitter to the crystal. When the
ncy of the electrical signal is the same as the mechanical resonant frequency of the
l, the crystal moves, creating sound waves at that frequency. The shape of the
crystal determines both its resonant ncy and cone angle. For round crystals, the
thickness determines its frequency and the diameter determines the cone angle or angle
of ge. For example at 200 kHz, a 20 degree cone angle crystal is approximately
one inch in diameter, whereas an eight degree cone requires a crystal that is about two
inches in diameter. Sometimes it is desirable to have coverage which is wide in one
direction (x axis) but narrow in the dicular direction (y axis). This fan shaped beam
is usually produced by a rectangular element or an elliptical element. Moreover, in some
embodiments, more than one transducer is used to create increased or enhanced sound
3O wave coverage. Likewise, in some embodiments, more than one l may be used to
create increased or enhanced sound wave coverage.
Frequencies used by sonar devices vary but the most common ones range from
5OKHz to 800KHz depending on application. Some sonar systems vary the frequency
within each sonar pulse using ”chirp” technology. These frequencies are in the ultrasonic
sound spectrum and are inaudible to both humans and fish.
Transducers come in all shapes and sizes. Most transducer housings for
recreational boats are made from plastic, but some thru-hull ucer housings are
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made from bronze. In some cases, the size and shape of the ucer housing is
ined by the size of the crystal inside and the shape ed to have a smooth
r flow of water over the face of the transducer so as to not create acoustical noise
which can interfere with the returned echos. Additionally, however, the type of mounting
required for each watercraft may be different, as some universal mountings provide less
than ble mance. For example, a trolling motor is designed to pass close to
the surface under the water. Additionally, a transom mounted transducer may hang
below the hull of the boat for better coverage area and less chance of interference with
the boat. Therefore, converting a typical transom mount transducer to a trolling motor
1O mount often results in a mount that is easily damaged by unden/vater debris or the floor
when the boat is in very shallow water.
As such, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and apparatuses
for interchangeable mounting options for a sonar transducer. In some embodiments, a
transducer housing is provided for mounting to a watercraft or other waterborne object
(e.g., towfish, surface tow board, sible, remote operated vehicle, autonomous
ater vehicle, etc.). In some embodiments, a transducer housing is configured for
hull mounting, m mounting, troll motor mounting, portable mounting, and thru-hull
mounting, eliminating the need to exchange transducer units. Additionally, in some
embodiments, no fasteners or tools are required for changing between mounting options.
With reference to the figures, systems and apparatuses for mounting a transducer
housing through transom mounting, thru-hull mounting, portable mounting, and trolling
motor mounting will be described . As will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the
art in view of this sure, however, such systems and apparatuses may be used for
other types of mounting to a watercraft. Additionally, some embodiments of the present
invention are interchangeable between each of the different types of mountings, including
those mounting types described herein. Moreover, while just one ucer is shown
mounted in the referenced s, some embodiments of the present invention may
incorporate more than one transducer mounting for each watercraft.
illustrates a system 30 for mounting a transducer to the transom of a boat
10. In the depicted embodiment, the boat 10 includes a hull 24 and transom 26. An
engine 28 is mounted near the transom 26 of the boat. The transducer is preferably
d near the bottom of the transom of the boat 10, but may be attached to the hull in
other ons. In some embodiments, as described above, a cable 25 may connect the
transducer to a sonar signal processor 23, which in turn is connected to a sonar head 20.
The sonar head 20 may include a display that provides an indication (e.g., depth, fish
location, bottom topography, etc.) to a user/driver, as well as a user interface.
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FlG. 2A represents a detailed view of the system 30 for mounting a transducer to
the transom of a boat. In the depicted ment, a m mounting bracket 32
attaches to the transom 26 of the boat 10. For e, the transom mounting bracket
may be ed to the m of the boat, such as with screws, adhesive, or the like. In
some embodiments, the cable 25 may be fed through the hull of the boat so as to connect
to the sonar system on the boat, as noted above.
With reference to the transom mounting bracket 32 may attach to a
transom mount adapter 40. In some embodiments, the transom mounting bracket 32
comprises a transom mounting attachment feature 34 that is configured to attach to a
1O corresponding attachment feature 44 on the transom mount adapter 40. in the depicted
embodiment, a screw 35 securely fastens the transom mounting attachment feature 34 to
the transom mount adapter ment feature 44. In some embodiments, the m
mount adapter 40 (and transducer housing 50) may be rotatably attached to the transom
mounting bracket 32.
The transducer housing 50 may be configured to engage with the m mount
adapter 40. In some embodiments, the transducer housing 50 may be configured to
bly engage with the transom mount adapter 40. As shown in Fle. 4, 4A, 5, 5A,
and 6, in some example embodiments, the transducer housing 50 may be configured to
slidably engage the m mount adapter 40. However, the transducer housing 50 may
be configured to engage the m mount adapter 40 in other ways, such as by
clamping, fastening, adhering, or other engagement means.
The transducer housing 50, as shown in Fle. 7 and 7A, may be configured to
hold at least one transducer. in the depicted embodiment, the transducer housing 50 is
configured with a space 58 for the transducer/crystal 18. As noted above, however, in
some embodiments, the transducer housing 50 may be configured to house more than
one transducer/crystal. Moreover, in some embodiments, the transducer housing 50 may
be configured to house ent types and/or shapes of crystals (e.g., cylindrical,
rectangular, etc.), or a combination of different types or shapes. For example, the
transducer housing 50 may be configured to house multiple types of transducers, each of
different configurations. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the
transducer/crystal 18 may be separable from the transducer housing 50.
In some embodiments, the transducer housing 50 may be configured to house at
least a portion of the cable 25. ln the depicted embodiment, the transducer housing 50
may be configured such that the cable 25 may pass out the rear of the transducer
housing 50. g the cable 25 out of the rear of the transducer housing 50 may
enable the cable 25 to be maneuvered or oned easily and out of the way depending
on the ng option used for the transducer housing 50.
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Returning now to an example of ng the transducer housing to the transom
of a boat, the transducer housing 50 may se an upper engagement surface 51
(shown in FIGs. 5 and 7). In some ments, the upper engagement surface 51 may
be configured to adjacently engage the m mount adapter 40.
In an example embodiment, the transom mount adapter 40 may slidingly engage
the transducer housing 50. For example, the upper engagement surface 51 may
comprise an ment feature 52 that corresponds to engagement es 42 on the
transom mount adapter 40. The corresponding engagement features 42, 52 are
configured to enable the m mount r 40 to be slide into engagement with the
transducer g 50. For example, illustrates that a slide flange 53 on the
transducer housing 50 may fit into a slide flange ing feature 43 on the transom
mount adapter 40. In such a manner, the transom mount adapter 40 can be slide onto
and into adjacent engagement with the transducer g 50 (e.g., Fle. 5, 5A, and 6
transition to Fle. 4 and 4A, such as along line AA in . Though specific features
are illustrated in the example embodiments of FIGs. 4, 4A, 5, 5A, and 6, other
engagement means may be used for engagement of the transom mount adapter 40 to the
transducer housing 50.
onally, in some embodiments, the transducer housing 50 may be configured
to attach to the transom mount adapter 40. In some embodiments, the transducer
housing 50 may be configured to removably attach to the transom mount adapter 40. In
the depicted embodiments of Fle. 4, 4A, 5, and 5A, the transducer housing 50 is
configured to attach to the transom mount adapter 40 through a snap-fit engagement.
For example, the transducer housing 50 may comprise a sion 56 configured to
securely engage a locking feature 46 on the transom mount adapter 40 (shown attached
in ) to prevent the transom mount adapter 40 from easily sliding out of
engagement with the transducer housing 50. Moreover, in some embodiments, as shown
in , the protrusion 56 may comprise a tapered slope 57, such that the locking
feature 46 on the transom mount adapter 40 may slide up the slope 57 and “snap" into
position as the transom mount adapter 40 is engaged with the transducer g 50,
3O such as along line AA.
The transom mount adapter 40 may also be removed from the transducer housing
50, such as to provide for a ent mounting option for the transducer housing 50. In
some embodiments, the at least one upper engagement surface of the transducer
housing 50 may be configured to releasabty engage the transom mount adapter 40 to
allow the transom mount adapter 40 to be detached and removed without damaging or
altering the transducer housing 50. For example, in some embodiments, to remove
engagement with the transom mount adapter 40, the transom mount adapter 40 may be
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slide in the opposite direction of line AA. onally or alternatively, the transom mount
adapter 40 may be lifted or slightly maneuvered to dislodge attachment of the protrusion
56 to the locking feature 46. In such a manner, snap-fit engagement may provide a
means for removable attachment of the transducer housing 50 to the transom mount
adapter 40. Moreover, in some embodiments, such engagement may be achieved
without fasteners or adhesive bonding, and without toois.
illustrates a system 60 for ng a transducer through the hull of a
kayak 11. In the ed embodiment, the transducer is mounted h a scupper
hole in the hull 15 of the kayak 11. For example, kayaks often have at least one scupper
hole for draining of water that may be inside the kayak, such as from the g portion 13
of the kayak 11. Therefore, a mounting system (e.g., the thru-hull mounting system 60)
may be positioned through the scupper hole to mount a sonar transducer to a kayak.
Since kayaks often do not have as strict of requirements for keeping water out, in some
embodiments, g elements (e.g., washers, adhesive, caulking, etc,) may not be
necessary for the ng system.
represents a detailed View of the system 60 for mounting a transducer
through the scupper hole 17 of the kayak 11. In the depicted embodiment, a screw 66
passes through the scupper hole 17 of the hull 15. The screw 66 is attached to a kayak
mounting adapter 63. A washer 69 may also be positioned between the kayak mounting
adapter 63 and the hull of the boat to provide sealing and to maintain the position of the
screw 66 inside the scupper hole 17. onally, in some embodiments, a nut 67 may
tighten onto the screw 66 to fasten the kayak mounting adapter 63 to the kayak 11. In
some embodiments, a protective cap 68 may be positioned around the nut 67 and/or
screw 66 for protection and/or aesthetic purposes.
With further reference to FIGs. BB and 80, the kayak mounting adapter 63 may
comprise ment features 62 that pond to and are ured to engage with
the engagement features 52 of the ucer housing 50. Thus, in some embodiments,
the kayak mounting r 63 is configured to siidingly engage with the transducer
housing 50. In some embodiments, other g features may be ed to attach the
kayak mounting adapter 63 to the transducer housing 50 (e.g., snap-fit engagement,
etc.)
Some kayaks, however, may require additional clearance for the transducer
housing 50 (and transducer) due to inconsistencies in the hull 15 that may cause
interference with the transducer. As such, additional mounting es may be employed
to lower the transducer further below the hull 15. For example, in some embodiments,
the kayak mounting adapter 63 may comprise an attachment feature 64 (shown in
configured to attach to an adapter (e.g., the transom mount adapter 40). The adapter
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may be engaged with the transducer housing 50 such that the transducer housing 50
(and transducer) becomes mounted to the kayak. In the ed embodiment of
the screw 66 may pass through the scupper hole 17 of the hull 15. For example, the
screw 66 may pass through a length (8,) of the hull of the kayak. In such a manner, the
same m mount adapter 40, used for transom mounting to a boat, may also be used
for mounting a transducer to a kayak. Such an embodiment illustrates an e
system of interchangeable ng options for the transducer housing.
illustrates a system 70 for portable mounting of a transducer to the
transom of a boat 10. In the depicted embodiment, the ucer is mounted with a
suction cup near the bottom of the transom of the boat 10. In some embodiments, as
described above, a cable 25 may connect the transducer to a sonar head 20 and/or
processor23.
A ents a detailed view of the system 70 for portable mounting of a
transducer to the transom of a boat. In the depicted embodiment, a portable mounting
adapter 75 comprises a suction cup 76, which attaches to the transom 26 of the boat 10
(e.g., through suction or pressure mounting). In other embodiments, the portable mount
adapter 75 may comprise more than one suction cup or other attachment means that
allow for easy detachment and mobility.
With reference to , the portable mount adapter 75 may be d with
the transducer housing 50 in a r manner to that of the transom mount adapter 40
bed above. For example, the portable mount adapter 75 may comprise
ment features 72 that correspond to engagement features 52 on the transducer
housing 50. Moreover, the portable mount r 75 may comprise other features that
enable slidable and/or removable engagement with the ucer housing 50 (e.g., a
slide flange receiving feature similar to the slide flange receiving feature 43 of the
transom mount adapter).
Likewise, in some embodiments, the portable mount adapter 75 may be
configured to attach to the ucer housing 50, such as through snap-fit engagement.
For example, the portable mount adapter 75 may comprise a locking feature (similar to
3O the locking feature 46 of the transom mount adapter 40) that corresponds to and engages
with the protrusion 56 of the transducer housing 50. As such, in some embodiments, the
portable mount adapter 75 may slide onto and snap into attachment with the transducer
g 50. Therefore, example embodiments for portable mounting illustrate r
example of the interchangeable mounting options of embodiments of the present
invenfion.
rates a system 80 for mounting of a transducer to a trolling motor. In
the depicted embodiment, the transducer is mounted directly to a trolling motor 29
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38495/4221 15
attached to a boat 10. Trolling motors often extend below the hull 24 of the boat 10.
Also, trolling often occurs in shallow waters and, thus, as noted above, ucers
mounted to the housing of a ng motor may be more likely to encounter objects (e.g.,
rocks) or the surface below the water.
Similar to embodiments described above, a cable 25 may connect the transducer
to a sonar display 20 or sonar return processor 23. As shown in FIGs. 12 and 12A, the
cable 25 may follow the housing of the trolling motor 29 and feed into the boat 10 and to
thesonarhead20.
A represents a detailed view of the system 80 for mounting of a transducer
to a trolling motor. In the depicted embodiment, a trolling motor mount adapter 90
contains at least a portion of the transducer housing 50. The trolling motor mount adapter
90 is attached to the trolling motor 29 via a hose clamp (or strap) that is secured around a
cylindrical housing 27 of the trolling motor 29.
The trolling motor mount adapter 90 may be configured to receive the transducer
housing 50 (shown in Fle. 14 and 14A). As such, with reference to A, the trolling
motor mount adapter 90 may se a hole 98. The hole 98 may se a perimeter
99 that has an area that is r than the bottom surface 59 of the transducer housing
50. For example, the width of the hole of the trolling motor mount adapter (Hw)
may be
less than the width of the bottom surface of the transducer housing (BSw) (shown in 14A) such that at least a portion of the transducer housing 50 may fit into the trolling
motor mount adapter without falling through the hole 98. As such, the perimeter 99 of the
hole 98 may form an engagement surface for the transducer housing 50. Having direct
access to the water for at least a portion of the transducer housing 50 through the hole 98
allows the transducer/crystal in the transducer housing 50 the ability to send out sound
waves to perform the desired measurements (e.g., “sounding”).
In some embodiments, the trolling motor mount r 90 may comprise an
engagement surface configured to receive at least a portion of the ucer housing 90
to facilitate engagement therebetween. In the depicted embodiment of , the
trolling motor mount adapter comprises a protrusion or tab 94 that forms a securing
e for a portion of the upper surface of the transducer housing 50 to secure into. As
such, one end of the transducer g 50 may be fit into the tab 94 and then the
reminder of the ucer housing 50 may be rotated downward into place within the
trolling motor mount adapter 90.
Once the transducer housing 50 has been engaged with the trolling motor mount
adapter 90, the trolling motor mount r 90 may be ed to the trolling motor
(shown in A). In some embodiments, the trolling motor mount adapter 90 may
se at least one slot 92 ured to receive a hose clamp or other mounting strap
2413365vl
38495/4221 15
82. As noted above, the strap 82 may then be tightened around a portion of the trolling
motor 29 to secure the trolling motor mount adapter 90 and transducer housing 50 to the
motor.
Securing the transducer housing 50 and trolling motor mount adapter 90 to the
motor with the strap 82, however, may leave the transducer housing 50 not fully
protected. For example, space may remain n the transducer housing 50 and the
motor 29 allowing the transducer g 50 to shift during movement, such as an impact
with the bottom surface or an object in the water. As such, in some embodiments, a
padding 97 (e.g., closed cell pad) may be oned between the transducer housing 50
1O and the trolling motor 29 to at least partially protect and/or cushion the transducer and
transducer housing 50.
As noted above, the close proximity of the bottom surface and s in the water
make maintaining a small form factor for mounting transducer housings to a trolling motor
desirable. However, ting a cable (e.g., cable 25) to the transducer may also be
required. As such, in some embodiments, the trolling motor mount adapter 90 may
comprise a notch or other feature 95 that enables the cable 25 to pass through the trolling
motor mount adapter 90 without causing the transducer housing 50 and trolling motor
mount adapter 90 to unnecessarily extend further below the trolling motor 29.
rates an example system 200 for ng a transducer through the
hull of a boat 10. In the depicted embodiment, the transducer is mounted through the hull
24 of the boat 10. In some embodiments, as described above, a cable 25 may connect
the transducer to a processor 23 and/or sonar head 20 having a display providing an
indication (e.g., depth, fish location, etc.) to a user/driver.
A represents a detailed view of the system 200 for mounting a transducer
through the hull of a boat. In the ed embodiment, a screw 230 passes through the
hull 24. A nut 210 or other securing features may secure the screw 230 from inside the
boat. onally, in some embodiments, sealing elements (e.g., washers) may be
positioned around the screw 230 to prevent water from leaking h the screw hole in
the hull of the boat. In the ed embodiment, the transducer housing 50 is positioned
inside a ull mount adapter 290. In some embodiments, the thru-hull mount adapter
290 may comprise similar features to the previously described trolling motor mount
r 90. As such, in some embodiments, the transducer housing 50 may be
configured to adjacently engage the thru—hull mount adapter 290, such as with a lower
engagement surface. Additionally, in some embodiments, similar to the trolling motor
mount adapter, the ull mount adapter 290 may comprise a hole for receiving at least
a portion of the transducer housing 50 such that the transducer housing 50 may contact
the water in order to transmit sound waves.
2413365v1
38495/4221 15
As described herein, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and
apparatuses for interchangeable mounting options for a transducer housing. As such,
example descriptions of certain mounting options contain a common transducer housing
50 that may be interchangeable between the described mounting s. While
rates one example method for changing a transducer housing from a transom
mounting to a trolling motor mounting, other methods are contemplated for ng
mounting options for the ucer housing between various combinations of the
mounting systems described herein.
illustrates a flow chart of an example method 100 of changing a
1O transducer housing from a transom mounting to a trolling motor mounting. At operation
105, the transom mount r may be removed from the transom mounting t.
Then, at operation 110, the transom mount adapter may be disengaged (e.g., slide off)
from the transducer housing. The transducer housing may next be placed into the trolling
motor mount adapter such that at least a portion of the bottom surface of the transducer
housing fits into the hole of the trolling motor mount adapter at operation 115. Next, at
operation 120, a g may be placed into the trolling motor mount adapter on top of
the transducer housing. Straps, or a hose clamp, may then be thread through the slots of
the ng motor mount adapter at operation 125. After that, at operation 130, the straps
(or hose clamp) may be passed around the trolling motor. Finally, at operation 135, the
straps (or hose clamp) may be tightened to effect securing and mounting of the
transducer housing to the trolling motor.
Embodiments of the present ion provide a number of advantages. For
e, systems and apparatuses are provided herein for interchangeable mounting
options for a transducer housing. As such, a customer can simply purchase a kit for
trolling motor mounting, portable mounting, or thru-hull mounting which attaches to the
transducer ed with the sonar. Moreover, in some embodiments, there is no
compromise in performance over a transducer designed for a single mounting method.
For example, the water resistance and turbulence caused by each ng method is at
least as small as with a ucer designed for a single mounting method. The added
parts required add minimum cost and assembly for each mounting method. Additionally,
assembly is no more complicated than what is required for a ucer designed for a
single ng method. In some embodiments, the transom mount adapter (and
portable mount adapter) easily slides onto the transducer housing and snaps in place.
Additionally, in some embodiments, no tools are required to attach the two parts to each
other.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will
come to mind to one d in the art to which these embodiments n having the
2413365v1
38495/4221 15
benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
gs. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the
specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are
intended to be included within the scope of the ed claims. Although specific terms
are employed herein, they are used in a c and descriptive sense only and not for
purposes of limitation.
2413365vl
422115
Claims (13)
1. A system for interchangeable mounting options of a sonar transducer to a watercraft, the system comprising: at least one transducer; a ucer housing configured to house the at least one transducer, wherein the transducer housing defines at least one upper engagement surface that is configured to adjacently engage at least two different types of mount adapters; and a first mount adapter ured to facilitate a first type of mounting, wherein the at 10 least one upper ment surface is configured to adjacently engage the first mount adapter in a first instance to facilitate the first type of mounting, wherein the at least one upper ment surface is further configured to adjacently engage a second mount r in a second instance to facilitate a second type of mounting, wherein the first type of mounting is different than the second type of mounting, wherein the at least one upper 15 engagement surface is configured to slide into engagement with the first mount adapter to maintain the transducer housing in a fixed orientation with respect to the watercraft, wherein the at least one upper ment surface is configured to slide into engagement with the second mount adapter to maintain the transducer g in a fixed orientation with respect to the watercraft, and 20 wherein the at least one upper engagement surface is configured to releasably engage the first mount adapter to allow the first mount adapter to be detached and removed without damaging or altering the transducer housing, wherein the at least one upper engagement surface is configured to releasably engage the second mount adapter to allow the second mount adapter to be detached and d without ng or 25 altering the transducer housing.
2. The system according to Claim 1, wherein the at least one upper engagement surface is configured to attach to the first mount adapter through a snap-fit engagement, 30 wherein the at least one upper ment surface is configured to attach to the second mount adapter through a snap—fit engagement.
3. The system according to Claim 1, wherein the at least one upper engagement surface is configured to attach to the first mount r without fasteners, wherein the at 35 least one upper engagement e is configured to attach to the second mount adapter without fasteners. -16— 2413365V1 4221 15
4. The system according to Claim 1 further comprising a transom mounting bracket, wherein the first mount adapter is ured to attach to the transom mounting bracket, and wherein the transom mounting bracket is configured to attach to the transom of the boat
5. The system according to Claim 1 further comprising a thru-hull mounting bracket, wherein the second mount adapter is configured to attach to the thru-hull mounting bracket, and wherein the ull mounting bracket is configured to mount through the hull of the boat.
6. The system according to Claim 1, wherein the first mount adapter is ured to mount to a boat.
7. The system according to Claim 1, n the first mount adapter is configured to 15 mount to the hull of a boat.
8. The system according to Claim 1, wherein the first mount adapter is configured to mount to the transom of a boat. 20
9. The system according to Claim 1, wherein the transducer g is configured to separably house the at least one transducer.
10. The system according to Claim 1, wherein the at least one transducer comprises at least one of a cylindrical transducer, a rectangular transducer, or an elliptical 25 transducer.
11. The system according to Claim 1, wherein the at least one transducer comprises more than one transducer. 3O
12. The system according to Claim 11, wherein the transducers include transducers of at least two different shapes.
13. A transducer housing configured for interchangeable mounting s for a raft, wherein the transducer housing is configured to house at least one transducer; 35 wherein the transducer housing comprises: at least one upper engagement surface configured to adjacently engage at least two different types of mount adapters, n the at least one upper engagement 2413365v1
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/183,034 | 2011-07-14 | ||
US13/183,034 US9142206B2 (en) | 2011-07-14 | 2011-07-14 | System for interchangeable mounting options for a sonar transducer |
PCT/US2012/046062 WO2013009746A1 (en) | 2011-07-14 | 2012-07-10 | System for interchangeable mounting options for a sonar transducer |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ620500A NZ620500A (en) | 2015-10-30 |
NZ620500B2 true NZ620500B2 (en) | 2016-02-02 |
Family
ID=
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