US20110130055A1 - Steering system and method for a motor driven craft - Google Patents
Steering system and method for a motor driven craft Download PDFInfo
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- US20110130055A1 US20110130055A1 US13/021,865 US201113021865A US2011130055A1 US 20110130055 A1 US20110130055 A1 US 20110130055A1 US 201113021865 A US201113021865 A US 201113021865A US 2011130055 A1 US2011130055 A1 US 2011130055A1
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 26
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 6
- 210000002414 leg Anatomy 0.000 description 5
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 3
- 210000003127 knee Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003550 marker Substances 0.000 description 1
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
- B63H25/00—Steering; Slowing-down otherwise than by use of propulsive elements; Dynamic anchoring, i.e. positioning vessels by means of main or auxiliary propulsive elements
- B63H25/02—Initiating means for steering, for slowing down, otherwise than by use of propulsive elements, or for dynamic anchoring
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
- B63H25/00—Steering; Slowing-down otherwise than by use of propulsive elements; Dynamic anchoring, i.e. positioning vessels by means of main or auxiliary propulsive elements
- B63H25/42—Steering or dynamic anchoring by propulsive elements; Steering or dynamic anchoring by propellers used therefor only; Steering or dynamic anchoring by rudders carrying propellers
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Abstract
A steering system for craft turns a motor from a fixed position to a secondary position. As a result, the craft turns right or left as desired by a user of the craft. A control unit instructs the steering system to turn the craft to a desired orientation. A steering motor is activated that turns a cam attached to a shaft. The shaft is attached to the motor. The cam also includes an indent and sensors to indicate when the motor is in the fixed position or a secondary position that corresponds to a maximum angle for turning the motor. The steering system returns the motor back to the fixed position when the user indicates the steering system is to stop turning, or when the secondary position is reached. The steering system returns the motor back to the fixed position without knowledge of the user. Thus, the motor stays in one of three positions unless instructed by the control unit to turn.
Description
- The present invention relates to orienting a motor on a craft. More particularly, the present invention relates to a steering system and method for positioning the orientation of the craft that uses a secondary motor to guide the craft.
- Vehicles and crafts may use two separate motors to move according to certain speeds and in a certain direction. The two motors may act as a primary motor and a secondary motor. The primary motor may propel the craft at a higher speed than the secondary motor, or the secondary motor may orient the craft when the primary motor is off or at a low setting. Boats used for fishing and navigating waterways are examples of the two motor configurations. The primary motor may be the power motor and the secondary motor may be a trolling motor. Both motors may be referred to as propulsion motors.
- An operator uses a trolling motor to navigate a boat, such as a fishing boat. Trolling motors may be taken out of the water when the power motor is used, and then lowered into the water to guide the boat at slower speeds and with varying orientations. A trolling motor allows the operator to propel the boat at a speed best suited for fishing without the noise or fuel associated with the power motor. Using the trolling motor, the operator can move around narrow, shallow channels and to move the boat to better fishing areas. A trolling motor, however, also may be used in deep waters, such as the ocean.
- To move in a desired direction, the position of the trolling motor is changed to turn the boat right or left, or forward and reverse. The operator can use many different configurations to enable steering, such as remote control, foot pad, manually and the like. In addition, the operator may use poles to maneuver the boat in and out of tight spots. Although these actions are effective, room exists for error or mistakes in moving the boat. The operator has to relate the position of the boat to the position of the trolling motor at all times. Further, the operator may never be sure what position the trolling motor is in, and may have to go back and reset the position of the trolling motor, or try to adjust the trolling motor back to its original position. The operator has to guess whether the trolling motor is in its proper position or still at an angle.
- The disclosed embodiments of the present invention provide a two motor configuration that provides improved steering control and reduces uncertainty regarding the position of the secondary motor. The two motors propel the craft, such as a boat, at differing speeds. The disclosed embodiments pertain to those instances where a secondary motor changes the orientation of the craft during operations at low speed.
- Preferably, the disclosed embodiments relate to boats and water craft that use a power motor and a trolling motor to propel, navigate and guide the boat. The trolling motor preferably is attached to the back of the boat. Alternatively, the trolling motor may be located in front of the craft. The trolling motor helps turn or orient that boat as desired. A steering motor adjusts the position of the trolling motor to a specified angle in order to turn the boat. The specified angle may be between 15 degrees and 90 degrees, with a preferred angle of 45 degrees.
- A user operates a control to position the trolling motor. In a fixed, or linear, position, the position of the trolling motor is straight. The orientation of the trolling motor in this position corresponds to an axis for forward and backward motion of the boat. No power is provided to the steering motor configured to position the trolling motor. Using a directional control, the user, or operator, indicates that the boat is to turn left or right by repositioning the trolling motor to an angle from the forward axis.
- When the user wants to turn the craft, the control sends a command to the steering system. The steering system repositions the trolling motor. The steering system returns the trolling motor back to the fixed, or linear, position. Thus, the orientation of the trolling motor may be known without user knowledge because the trolling motor does not stay at right or left position once the operator ceases to use the control. The steering system positions itself back to the fixed position.
- Preferably, a cam is part of the steering system. The cam moves to a desired position corresponding to the specified angle for positioning the trolling motor. Switches activate to rotate the steering system and the trolling motor according to the control. Sensors also may be used to control positioning of the cam along with rollers that fall into an indentation that acts as a limit on the rotation angle. The cam can move clockwise or counterclockwise.
- According to the disclosed embodiments, a method for orienting of a craft is disclosed. The method includes propelling the craft in a forward or backward orientation using a trolling motor and a steering motor in a fixed position. The method also includes repositioning the steering motor towards a desired orientation of the craft by turning the trolling motor away from the fixed position. The method also includes returning the trolling motor to the fixed position when the steering motor stops turning the trolling motor.
- Further according to the disclosed embodiments, a method for positioning a craft using a motor is disclosed. The method includes turning the motor from a fixed position to a secondary fixed position using a steering system operatively connected to the motor. The method also includes returning the motor to the fixed position upon disengagement of the steering system or reaching the secondary position without instruction from a user.
- Further according to the disclosed embodiments, a steering system for a craft having a motor is disclosed. The steering system includes a steering motor to rotate a shaft attached to the motor from a fixed position towards a secondary position. The secondary position corresponds to a right or left turn. The steering system also includes a cam surrounding the shaft to engage the steering motor. The steering system also includes means for positioning the motor back to the fixed position upon the motor reaching the secondary position or the steering motor ceasing rotation of the shaft.
- Further according to the disclosed embodiments, a steering system is disclosed. The steering system includes a steering motor. The steering system also includes a cam to engage the steering motor that turns in response to the steering motor. The steering system also includes a shaft attached to a propulsion motor and to the cam. The shaft turns the motor as the cam turns. The steering system also includes means to indicate a fixed position and a secondary position for the motor. The means determines the fixed and secondary positions using the cam as it turns. The steering motor returns the motor back to the fixed means when the means to indicate determines the motor reached the secondary position or upon an instruction to stop turning.
- The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding of the invention and constitute a part of the specification. The drawings listed below illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention, as disclosed in the claims.
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FIG. 1 illustrates a craft having a steering system according to the disclosed embodiments. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a trolling motor having a steering system according to the disclosed embodiments. -
FIGS. 3( a)-(c) illustrate a straight ahead, left turn and right turn orientation of a craft and a trolling motor according to the disclosed embodiments. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of a control and a steering system for a fixed orientation according to the disclosed embodiments. -
FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram for a control and a steering motor for turning the craft towards the left according to the disclosed embodiments. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic diagram for a control and a steering motor for turning the craft towards the right according to the disclosed embodiments. - Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention. Examples of the preferred embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
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FIG. 1 depicts acraft 100 having a steering system according to the disclosed embodiments. Preferably,craft 100 is a boat that includes motors placed in its rear, or stern, which movecraft 100 forward.Craft 100, however, is not limited to use on boats or sea-going vessels, but may be used by any craft using a motor to propel the craft forward. More preferably,craft 100 is a boat used for navigating water. For reference purposes,craft 100 includes front, or bow, 102 and rear 104. -
Craft 100 includes various features that may be found on a boat. For example,craft 100 includes apower motor 106 withpropeller 107 and a trollingmotor 108 withpropeller 109.Craft 100 also includes a board, or seat, 116.Board 116 is shown here merely as a reference andcraft 100 is not limited to the position shown inFIG. 1 or to not having other boards, seats, planks, elevated structures, and the like.Steering system 110 is attached to trollingmotor 108. - A user, or operator, of
craft 100 uses acontrol 114 to guide and move in desired directions.Control 114 sends commands or instructions topower motor 106, trollingmotor 108 andsteering system 110.Control 114 may be a remote control device, a footpad control that is activated using the foot of the operator or any other steering control known in the art. Preferably,control 114 resides on the bottom ofcraft 100 so that the operator stands on a pad. Two bars with bumpers extend from the pad to interact with a knee of the operator. Using the bumpers, the user steerscraft 100 by touching his knee to the appropriate bumper for the desired turn direction. -
FIG. 1 also depicts directional axis A that designates a line showing the forward and backward direction ofcraft 100. In other words, ifcraft 100 moves straight forward, then directional axis A indicates the line or orientation of the direction of movement. Ifcraft 100 reverses, then direction axis A indicates the same orientation, but with the direction going backwards.FIG. 1 also shows turn axis B that is disclosed in greater detail below. - Trolling
motor 108 may be located any place oncraft 100. For example, trollingmotor 108 may be located atfront 102 ofcraft 100, or right next topower motor 106 either atfront 102 or back 104. Preferably, trollingmotor 108 is located at an offset O frompower motor 106. Offset 106 may vary depending on the size, type, shape and the like ofcraft 100. An operator or building may move the location of trollingmotor 108 until a satisfactory offset O is determined. In addition, trollingmotor 108 should be near enough to power motor to effectively movecraft 100 in the direction of directional axis A. - Preferably, the disclosed embodiments are used while trolling
motor 108 propels and guidescraft 100. Trollingmotor 108 is a trolling motor known in the art. The term “trolling motor” may be a recognized term in the art to indicate the drive motor for a propeller as well as other features needed to mount the trolling motor to the boat. Referring toFIG. 2 , trollingmotor 108 includes a small electric, or drive,motor 202 coupled topropeller 109 for quietly adjusting the position ofcraft 100 at relatively slow speeds to allow greater maneuvering. - Trolling
motor 108 also may includehousing 206 that straddles the side ofcraft 100.Housing 206 enclosesshaft 204, which is connected to drivemotor 202.Shaft 204 turns either right or left to turndrive motor 202.Shaft 204 also may be known as a steering column.Steering system 110 also is attached toshaft 204 and is held in place along bycollar 216. Preferably,steering system 110 rests onmount 208 ofhousing 206. Alternatively,steering system 110 is enclosed withinhousing 206. - Trolling
motor 108 also includesbrackets 210 andscrews 212 for mounting on the side ofcraft 100.Brackets 210 andscrews 212 are shown for illustrative purposes only, and trollingmotor 108 may use any conventional configuration to secure itself on the side ofcraft 100. For example,brackets 210 may be adjustable to be locked in a position so thatscrews 212 are not required.Screws 212 refer to any number of screws that are used with either bracket. -
Position lock 214 extends fromhousing 206 to come into contact withshaft 204.Position lock 214 may be used to keepshaft 206 in place after trollingmotor 108 is placed in a stowed position. Trollingmotor 108 comes to a “locked” position while in the forward orientation to movecraft 100 along axisA. Position lock 214 also may be used to keepshaft 204 from vibrating or being knocked out of position whilecraft 100 is in use. - Trolling
motor 108 also includesreceiver 218.Receiver 218 receives instructions and commands fromcontrol 114.Receiver 218 sends those instructions and commands tosteering system 110 orhousing 206/motor 202. Instructions and commands may instructmotor 202 to activate and come on.Steering system 110 may be asked to turnshaft 204 in a certain direction in order to change the orientation ofcraft 100.Receiver 218 is connected to control 114 in a manner known in the art. Preferably,control 114 sends its commands wirelessly.Receiver 218 also may be located any place on trollingmotor 108. -
Steering system 110 movesshaft 204 to a point set by the disclosed embodiments. Referring toFIG. 1 , turn axis B indicates anangle 118 from directional axis A that shows the point to whichsteering system 110 turnsshaft 204 for trollingmotor 108. Thus, trollingmotor 108 turns its orientation to align with axis B so thatcraft 100 turns.Receiver 218 receives instructions forcontrol 114.Receiver 218 forwards the move instruction tohousing 206 orsteering system 110.Steering system 110 rotatesshaft 204 to the desired angle.Craft 100 reacts according to the direction of trollingmotor 110. -
Angle 118 ofFIG. 1 may be from 15 to 90 degrees. Preferably,angle 118 is from 30 to 60 degrees so thatcraft 100 may turn in a gradual manner without causing damage. More preferably,angle 118 is about 45 degrees from axis A to axis B. During a turn,receiver 218 receives the command fromcontrol 114.Receiver 218 then relays the command tohousing 206 andsteering motor 110.Steering motor 110 then proceeds to turnshaft 204 toward turn axis B. For example, ifcraft 100 is to turn right, then steeringmotor 110 turnsshaft 204 to the left so that trollingmotor 108 is facing the left side ofcraft 100. Thus,front 102 ofcraft 100 orients directional axis A towards the right. -
Steering system 110 continues turningshaft 204 untilangle 118 between axis A and turn axis B is reached. Once atangle 118,steering system 110 may instruct trollingmotor 108 to lockshaft 204 in its position to keepmotor 202 movingcraft 100 to the right. Preferably,steering system 110releases shaft 204 to return to its original, or fixed, position so that trollingmotor 108 is facing towardsfront 102, and oriented in line with directional axis A. In this position,shaft 204 is locked so that trollingmotor 108 proceeds with movingcraft 100 forward. Thus, upon completion of the orientation ofcraft 100, trollingmotor 108 is automatically returned to the fixed linear position to propelcraft 100 straight ahead. - The fixed positions for trolling
motor 108 improves conditions for a user ofcraft 100. Trollingmotor 108 may be in one of three positions, either straight forward or turning at a right angle and a left angle. The user does not need to look back to see whichway trolling motor 108 is pointing. In other words, the user does not need knowledge of the position of trollingmotor 108. If the user is not usingcontrol 114 to turn trollingmotor 108, then the user knows trollingmotor 114 is movingcraft 100 forward. This reduction in possible position keepscraft 100 from veering off course, accidentally running onto ground, and the like, due to user error. The user may move forward with confidence that craft 100 will not turn unless instructed. -
FIGS. 3( a)-(c) depict straight ahead, left turn and right turn orientations ofcraft 100 and trollingmotor 108 according to the disclosed embodiments.FIG. 3( a) depicts the straight ahead orientation.FIG. 3( b) depicts the left turn orientation.FIG. 3( c) depicts the right turn orientation.Craft 100 is shown moving forward in accordance with the disclosed embodiments.Craft 100 also may move backwards using trollingmotor 108 -
FIG. 3( a) showscraft 100 moving forward, as indicated by directional arrows C. Directional axis A touches the front, or bow, ofcraft 100, and goes straight through to the back. Directional axis A does not change its position in relation tocraft 100. Directional axis A may not be the exact direction that craft 100 is going because it needs an area to turn. Turn axis B is not really in effect during this orientation becausecraft 100 is not going to turn and a substantial angle does not exist between lines A and B. In other words, trollingmotor 108, usinghousing 206,motor 202 andpropeller 109, movescraft 100 straight ahead. Turn axis B comes into play below. - As disclosed above, this position may be known as the “fixed” position.
Motor 202 of trollingmotor 108 is locked into the straight ahead orientation in the fixed position. The user does not need to continually look around to see which way motor 202 is oriented.Motor 202 comes back to the fixed position if no command or instruction is being given to turn left or right.Housing 206 does not move withmotor 202. -
FIG. 3( b) depictscraft 100 turning to the left. Directional arrow C indicates thatcraft 100 is moving towards the left, but in a gradual manner. Directional axis A shows the forward direction ofcraft 100 should trollingmotor 208 return back to the fixed position after completing the turn. - Unlike
FIG. 3( a),FIG. 3( b) shows turn axis B intersecting directional axis A to createangle 118.Motor 202 turnspropeller 109 to the right so thatpropeller 109 is in line with the intersection of axis A and axis B. Aspropeller 109 spins, the rear ofcraft 100 is moved so that the front is moving in the direction shown by directional arrow C. - As disclosed above, the preferred value of
angle 118 is about 45 degrees. Other values forangle 118 also are acceptable, such as 30 degrees or 60 degrees.Motor 202 may move gradually so thatangle 118 reaches a specified position, such as 45 degrees. Upon reaching this position,motor 202 may automatically move back to the fixed position wherein axis A and axis B do not intersect. Alternatively, the operator may indicate thatmotor 202 is to stay in position to keepangle 118 between axis A and axis B so thatcraft 100 continues to move in the direction shown by directional arrow C. -
FIG. 3( c) depictscraft 100 turning to the right. Directional arrow C indicates thatcraft 100 is moving gradually towards the right. Like inFIG. 3( b), directional axis A shows the forward direction ofcraft 100 should trollingmotor 108 return back to the fixed position after completing the turn.FIG. 3( c) also shows turn axis B intersecting directional axis A to createangle 118.Motor 202 turnspropeller 109 to the left so thatpropeller 109 is in line with the intersection of axis A and axis B. Aspropeller 109 spins, the rear ofcraft 100 is moved so that the front is moving in the direction shown by directional arrow C. -
Motor 202 may return back to the fixed position as disclosed above with regard toFIG. 3( b). Alternatively, the user may indicatecraft 100 is to turn a bit to the left after turning right. Thus,motor 202swings propeller 109 around to move through the fixed position to turncraft 100 left, or the user may indicate no more turning is to be made and release control of trollingmotor 108 andsteering system 110.Motor 202 then returns to the fixed position. - Thus,
craft 100 can be controlled by usingsteering system 110 to turnmotor 202 so thatpropeller 109 moves turn axis B to intersect with directional axis A and to createangle 118. The greater the value forangle 118, the sharper the turn forcraft 100.Angle 118 preferably is set to a specified value, such as 45 degrees. - Upon reaching the specified value,
steering system 110stops turning motor 202.Motor 202, and, in turn, trollingmotor 108, returns to the fixed position. This action preventscraft 100 from making too sharp of a turn and the user from losing control. It also brings trollingmotor 108 back to a “known” position. If the usercommands trolling motor 108 to move forward, then the user knowscraft 100 will move forward along directional axis A and not run the rear ofcraft 100 up on a beach or the like. - As shown by
FIGS. 3( a)-(c), the user ofcraft 100 does not need poles or additional trolling motors to navigate narrow or shallow water ways. Usingcontrol 114, the user can turnmotor 202 to a specified angle without the need for constantly looking back or checking the angle visually. Further, once the user releases control of turningmotor 202,steering system 110 bringsmotor 202 back to the fixed position to prevent accidents or errors.Craft 100, therefore, moves straight ahead or backwards when instructed. - Although disclosed above with regard to water-borne craft, the disclosed embodiments of the present invention is applicable to any craft having two separate propulsion motors, such as
power motor 106 and trollingmotor 108 shown inFIG. 1 . Motors that move a craft, boat, and the like within a medium, such as water, air and the like, use the present invention to orient and move in a more controlled manner. For example, a very light craft moving in air may use a primary motor and a secondary motor in maneuvering. The secondary motor is turned using the disclosed embodiments to orient the light craft as needed in the air, possibly to dock with another craft. -
FIG. 4 depicts a schematic diagram ofcontrol 114 andsteering system 110 for trollingmotor 108 that maintains a fixed, or linear, orientation. The fixed position is shown inFIG. 3( a) disclosed above. In this position,craft 100 will move forward without the need for the user to look back to ensure trollingmotor 108 is in the right position and orientation. The user does not desire to make a sharp turn that disturbs the forward position ofcraft 100. -
Control 114 receives input from the user. The user may use footpads, remote controls, and the like. Preferably, the user places afoot 406 in the middle of a pad forcontrol 114 and uses the leg offoot 406 to pressbumpers foot 406 should not touchbumpers bumper 402 is pressed by the leg for a left turn andbumper 404 is pressed for a right turn. If the user desires not turning, then he/she should avoid contact withbumpers -
Bumpers switches Bumper 402 pressesspring 4021 andbumper 404 pressesspring 4041 to activateswitches switches FIG. 4 ,contact 4104 ofswitch 410 completes a circuit to steeringmotor system 110 for a straight ahead orientation.Contact 4084 acts in the same manner. -
Steering system 110 includes components that activate steeringmotor 416 to turncam 418, which turnsshaft 204. As shown inFIG. 4 , steeringmotor 416 andcam 418 engage each other using grooves. As steeringmotor 416 turns, so doescam 418.Cam 418 is attached toshaft 204.Cam 418 is a circular part attached toshaft 204 that turns it in response to being engaged by steeringmotor 416.Shaft 204 may turn the appropriate components of trollingmotor 108 to a desired position.Switches motor 416 to turn in a right or left direction depending on the desired orientation or turning direction forcraft 100. -
Magnetic relays switches relay respective switch steering assembly 110. The “on” switch activates steeringmotor 416 to turn towards the desired direction. This process is disclosed in greater detail below. With regard to the steering motor switches, switches 424 and 426 preferably are snap switches. As shown inFIG. 4 , switches 424 and 426 are “off” such thatsteering motor 416 is not turningcam 418. -
Cam 418 also includesindent 440 that indicates whencam 418, and, in turn,shaft 204, reaches a specified angle. The specified angle is the maximum value for the angle between the fixed position of trollingmotor 108 and the turn position when steeringmotor 416 rotatescam 418 andshaft 204. For example, the user sets the maximum value for the angle between the fixed position and a position of trollingmotor 108 when turning left or right at 45 degrees.Steering motor 416 will rotatecam 418 up to 45 degrees.Indent 440 allows steeringassembly 110 to determine when to stop turningcam 418. -
Indent 440 works in conjunction withswitches rollers cam 418 and intoindent 440 in a smooth manner. Further, switches 430-436 preferably are snap switches. For the fixed position, switches 430-436 are “off.” -
Rollers indent 440. Other sensors, such as optical sensors, may be used according to the disclosed embodiments. Any component or configuration that detects whenindent 440 or another marker reaches the maximum angle value can be used withinsteering assembly 110. - Thus, according to the schematic shown in
FIG. 4 ,craft 100 may stay in a fixed linear orientation without trollingmotor 108 moving inadvertently to causecraft 100 to wander around as it moves forward or backward. Usingcam 418 andindent 440, steeringassembly 110 keepsshaft 204 fixed to eliminate any uncertainty of thedirection craft 100 is moving. If the user is not pressingbumper shaft 204 and trollingmotor 108 is set in the fixed position. The user does not need to check before every instant that craft 100 moves. -
FIG. 5 depicts a schematic diagram ofcontrol 114 andsteering system 110 for trollingmotor 108 for turningcraft 100 towards the left according to the disclosed embodiments. Referring back toFIG. 3( b) disclosed above,craft 100 begins to move left asmotor 202 of trollingmotor 108 turns.Steering system 110 turnsshaft 204 to the desired orientation for making the left turn. - The
user having foot 406 presses his/her leg againstbumper 402.Bumper 402 pressesspring 4021 to movecontact 4104 out of its circuit andcontact 4102 to connect with its circuit. As shown inFIG. 5 , contact 4102 couples to switch 434. Switch 434 turns “on” to begin sensing withroller 448. Further,magnetic relay 422 turns onswitch 426 to movesteering motor 416 in the desired direction. As steeringmotor 416 turns,cam 418 moves indent 440 towardsroller 448.Switch 436 is not in the “on” position. - Switch 424 stays in an “off” position, along with
switch 430.Switch 432, however, moves to the “on” position asindent 440 moves away from it.Roller 444 moves out of the indent, but is sensing the position of the indent to determine whenindent 440 moves away from turning to return back to the fixed position.Steering system 108 includes this double check feature to ensurecam 418 does not move inadvertently. -
FIG. 6 depicts a schematic diagram ofcontrol 114 andsteering system 110 for trollingmotor 108 to turncraft 100 towards the right according to the disclosed embodiments. Referring back toFIG. 3( c) disclosed above,craft 100 begins to move right asmotor 202 of trollingmotor 108 turns.Steering system 110 turnsshaft 204 to the desired orientation for making the right turn. - The user presses his/her leg of
foot 406 againstbumper 404 to movecontacts Contact 4084 disengages from its circuit whilecontact 4082 moves to connect to switch 430.Magnetic relay 420 comes on to generate a field that activatesswitch 424 to the “on” position. Switch 426 remains in the “off” position.Steering motor 416 rotatescam 418 andshaft 204 in response to switch 424. Ascam 418 turns,indent 440 moves towardsroller 442. - Switch 430 snaps to the “on” position so that
roller 442 acts as a sensor to indicate whenindent 440 rotates as far as it can go. Further,switch 436 comes “on” to useroller 446 as a sensor to indicate whenindent 440 rotates back to the fixed position.Switches craft 100. - Thus, as shown in
FIGS. 4 , 5 and 6,steering system 110orients trolling motor 108 by rotatingshaft 204 in accordance with asteering motor 416 andcam 418. In an embodiment, onceindent 440 reaches eitherroller cam 418 automatically rotates back to the fixed, or linear, position shown inFIG. 4 . This feature may prevent excessive turns when something pressesbumper indent 440 in its left or right position until pressure is taken offbumper - Further, rollers 442-448 can be positioned anyplace along
cam 418. Rollers 442-448 are moved to adjust the maximum turn angle allowed by steeringassembly 110. In other words, ifrollers rollers cam 418 may rotate further in orienting trollingmotor 108. Moreover,indent 440 andcam 418 can be adjusted or resized to vary the angle. - Therefore, the disclosed embodiments of the present invention provides a steering system and method for turning a craft or going straight without a user looking back at the motor position. Steering of the craft occurs without looking at the orientation or position of the trolling motor. The disclosed embodiments also are applicable to other motors besides trolling motors, and serves to orient the motor in an efficient and safe manner
- The user can steer the craft to any orientation without first hand knowledge where the motor is positioned. Essentially, the motor is in one of three positions. The first position is the fixed, or linear, position that may allow the craft to go straight forward or backward. The other two positions related to the maximum angle allowed from the fixed position to a point left or right of the fixed position. Once in this position, the user can move the craft forward or backward to re-orient the craft. Depending on the command given to the control unit of the steering assembly, the user knows what position the motor is in. For example, if the user is not pressing a bumper or giving an instruction to turn, the user knows that the motor is in the fixed position.
- As disclosed above, a steering system is provided to direct the orientation of a motor, such as an electric trolling motor, from one fixed position to a secondary fixed position to complete the act of steering for positioning of the craft. Preferably, the craft is a boat. The positioning is accomplished by having the motor in a fixed position that propels the craft in a straight-ahead orientation to move forward or backward without turning.
- Steering is now achieved by repositioning the motor to other fixed positions to the right or left. The right or left fixed positions may be at an angle from the fixed position. The angle may have a value between 15 and 90 degrees, with a preferred value of 45 degrees. The right or left fixed position of the motor then positions the craft to a right or left turn.
- Upon completion of the positioning of the craft, the motor is automatically repositioned back to the fixed position. Thus, in the example above, the trolling motor returns back to the fixed position to allow the boat to move straight forward or backward. If the user keeps the trolling motor in the right or left fixed position, then the boat may move in the appropriate direction for turning or positioning. One problem that may exist with the inventive system is that since the steering angle may have a value of between 15 and 90 degrees, it may be difficult to turn the boat to get out of or leave a location that may be narrowly configured with water and adjacent land, e.g., an inlet, creek, or the like. That is, since the steering angle may be only 90 degrees in some instances, the turning radius may be too large for the boat to manageably or effectively turn around and head out from the location while going in the forward direction. This problem can be solved by providing the ability to operate the motor in reverse, which can be readily accomplished by merely providing the necessary circuitry/mechanism to switch or reverse the polarity of the motor. This would enable the operator to, for example, flip a switch or take some other action that would reverse the motor and allow the boat to leave the location in reverse. The operator could still steer the boat using the inventive system while leaving the location in the direction reverse to the direction followed to enter the location. Since the ability to make the motor operate in reverse would be well within the skill of the artisan, the details of the circuitry/mechanism, etc. are not needed for understanding of this aspect of the invention. In fact, virtually any means that would allow the operator to reverse the motor to permit the boat to back out of a desired location could be employed as part of the invention.
- It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the disclosed embodiments of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of the embodiments disclosed above provided that they come within the scope of any claims and their equivalents.
Claims (20)
1. A method for orienting of a craft in a direction, the method comprising:
propelling the craft in a forward or backward orientation using a trolling motor and a steering motor in a fixed position;
repositioning the steering motor towards a desired orientation of the craft by turning the trolling motor away from the fixed position; and
returning the trolling motor to the fixed position when the steering motor stops turning the trolling motor.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising turning the craft to a right or a left direction using the trolling motor.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the repositioning step includes turning the steering motor back to a position corresponding to the fixed position.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the repositioning step includes turning the trolling motor using a shaft coupled with the steering motor.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the repositioning step includes turning the trolling motor towards an angle, wherein the angle comprises an angle between 15 degrees and 90 degrees.
6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising receiving a command to orient the craft using the trolling motor.
7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising stopping the steering motor when the steering motor turns the trolling motor to another fixed position.
8. The method of claim 9 , wherein the stopping steps includes the another fixed position being at an angle to the fixed position.
9. A method for positioning a craft using a motor, the method comprising:
turning the motor from a fixed position to a secondary fixed position using a steering system operatively connected to the motor; and
returning the motor to the fixed position upon disengagement of the steering system or reaching the secondary position without instruction from a user.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the turning step includes rotating a shaft connected to the motor.
11. The method of claim 10 , further comprising rotating a cam with the steering motor, wherein the cam is attached to the shaft.
12. The method of claim 9 , wherein the secondary fixed position is located at an angle from the fixed position.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the angle is between 15 degrees and 90 degrees.
14. A steering system for a craft having a motor, the steering system comprising:
a steering motor to rotate a shaft attached to the motor from a fixed position towards a secondary position, wherein the secondary position corresponds to a right or left turn;
a cam surrounding the shaft to engage the steering motor; and
means for positioning the motor back to the fixed position upon the motor reaching the secondary position or the steering motor ceasing rotation of the shaft.
15. The steering system of claim 14 , wherein the motor positions back to the fixed position without knowledge of a user of the steering system.
16. The steering system of claim 15 , wherein the means for positioning includes an indent in the cam that corresponds to the secondary position.
17. The steering system of claim 16 , wherein at least one sensor interacts with the indent to indicate the secondary position.
18. The steering system of claim 14 , further comprising a control unit to relay an instruction to the steering motor to the right or left turn.
19. The steering system of claim 18 , wherein the control unit interacts with at least one switch to instruct the steering motor.
20. A steering system comprising:
a steering motor;
a cam to engage the steering motor that turns in response to the steering motor;
a shaft attached to a propulsion motor and to the cam, wherein the shaft turns the motor as the cam turns;
means to indicate a fixed position and a secondary position for the motor, wherein the means determines the fixed and secondary positions using the cam as it turns; and
the steering motor returns the motor back to the fixed means when the means to indicate determines the motor reached the secondary position or upon an instruction to stop turning.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/021,865 US20110130055A1 (en) | 2007-10-30 | 2011-02-07 | Steering system and method for a motor driven craft |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/979,072 US7882791B2 (en) | 2007-10-30 | 2007-10-30 | Steering system and method for a motor driven craft |
US13/021,865 US20110130055A1 (en) | 2007-10-30 | 2011-02-07 | Steering system and method for a motor driven craft |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/979,072 Continuation-In-Part US7882791B2 (en) | 2007-10-30 | 2007-10-30 | Steering system and method for a motor driven craft |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20110130055A1 true US20110130055A1 (en) | 2011-06-02 |
Family
ID=44069246
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/021,865 Abandoned US20110130055A1 (en) | 2007-10-30 | 2011-02-07 | Steering system and method for a motor driven craft |
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US (1) | US20110130055A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20200272152A1 (en) * | 2019-02-22 | 2020-08-27 | Navico Holding As | Trolling motor with local and remote control modes |
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US5465633A (en) * | 1994-02-07 | 1995-11-14 | Johnson Fishing, Inc. | Foot actuated trolling motor control |
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US6468117B1 (en) * | 2001-04-16 | 2002-10-22 | Brunswick Corporation | Trolling motor foot control with detent |
US6758705B1 (en) * | 2003-03-28 | 2004-07-06 | Keith D. Bechtel | Foot pedal kit for trolling motor |
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US2583059A (en) * | 1948-06-30 | 1952-01-22 | William H Neville | Outboard motor |
US2804838A (en) * | 1955-11-16 | 1957-09-03 | Harold W Moser | Trolling outboard motor control |
US2877733A (en) * | 1957-01-22 | 1959-03-17 | Garrett H Harris | Electric steering and power control system for outboard motors |
US3467798A (en) * | 1967-11-17 | 1969-09-16 | Byrd Ind Inc | Foot actuated remote control unit for fishing motors |
US3598947A (en) * | 1969-11-03 | 1971-08-10 | Osborn Engineering Corp | Pedal operated control for electric fishing motors |
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US4669987A (en) * | 1985-09-12 | 1987-06-02 | Schulte Richard R | Remote steering assembly kit for outboard trolling motors |
US4854902A (en) * | 1986-04-17 | 1989-08-08 | Havins Felton H | Boat speed and direction control system |
US5171174A (en) * | 1990-04-30 | 1992-12-15 | Rm Industries, Inc. | Foot switch mechanism for transom-mounted trolling motors |
US5465633A (en) * | 1994-02-07 | 1995-11-14 | Johnson Fishing, Inc. | Foot actuated trolling motor control |
US6325685B1 (en) * | 1998-06-11 | 2001-12-04 | Johnson Outdoors Inc. | Trolling motor system |
US6468117B1 (en) * | 2001-04-16 | 2002-10-22 | Brunswick Corporation | Trolling motor foot control with detent |
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20200272152A1 (en) * | 2019-02-22 | 2020-08-27 | Navico Holding As | Trolling motor with local and remote control modes |
US10809725B2 (en) * | 2019-02-22 | 2020-10-20 | Navico Holding As | Trolling motor with local and remote control modes |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |