Trolling motor with wind sensor

US10150551B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• NOVICO HOLDING AS · NO

Inventors

• Lucas Dale Steward · Broken Arrow, US
• Aaron J. Burton · Tulsa, US
• Eirik Hovland · Egersund, NO

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 23, 2016
• Grant date: Dec 11, 2018
• Expiry date: Nov 10, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B63H2021/216
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A wind sensor, such as a sonic anemometer, may be utilized to cause a trolling motor to activate to propel a watercraft toward a virtual anchor location, route, or destination, in response to detection of an occurrence or wind. In some instances, the trolling motor may be steered to a direction opposite a wind direction when activated. The trolling motor may also be oriented to a corrective direction based on a comparison of a current location to the virtual anchor location, route, or destination. Propelling the watercraft may also include determining a propulsion correction based on wind speed, wind direction, and/or watercraft characteristics. Depending on the configuration, the wind sensor may be integrated into the housing of the trolling motor.