Systems and methods for steering a trolling motor
First Claim
1. A steering system for a trolling motor, the steering system comprising:
- a mechanical steering system including;
a mechanical steering input device; and
a mechanical linkage extending from the mechanical steering input device to a steering shaft that controls an orientation of the trolling motor, wherein movement of the mechanical steering input device causes movement of the mechanical linkage, which in turn causes rotation of the steering shaft;
an electromechanical actuation system configured to be coupled to the mechanical steering system; and
a controller in signal communication with the electromechanical actuation system for providing steering signals thereto;
wherein the electromechanical actuation system selectively actuates the mechanical steering system so as to rotate the steering shaft according to the steering signals provided by the controller.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A steering system for a trolling motor includes a mechanical steering system having a mechanical steering input device and a mechanical linkage extending from the mechanical steering input device to a steering shaft of the trolling motor. Movement of the mechanical steering input device causes movement of the mechanical linkage, which in turn causes rotation of the steering shaft. An electromechanical actuation system is provided that is configured to be coupled to the mechanical steering system. A controller is in signal communication with the electromechanical actuation system and provides steering signals thereto. The electromechanical actuation system selectively actuates the mechanical steering system so as to rotate the steering shaft according to the steering signals provided by the controller. A method for steering a trolling motor is also provided.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A steering system for a trolling motor, the steering system comprising:
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a mechanical steering system including; a mechanical steering input device; and a mechanical linkage extending from the mechanical steering input device to a steering shaft that controls an orientation of the trolling motor, wherein movement of the mechanical steering input device causes movement of the mechanical linkage, which in turn causes rotation of the steering shaft; an electromechanical actuation system configured to be coupled to the mechanical steering system; and a controller in signal communication with the electromechanical actuation system for providing steering signals thereto; wherein the electromechanical actuation system selectively actuates the mechanical steering system so as to rotate the steering shaft according to the steering signals provided by the controller. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for steering a trolling motor, the method comprising:
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providing a mechanical steering system including a mechanical steering input device and a mechanical linkage extending from the mechanical steering input device to a steering shaft that controls an orientation of the trolling motor; providing an electromechanical actuation system that is configured to be coupled to the mechanical steering system; selectively manually actuating the mechanical steering system so as to rotate the steering shaft; and selectively actuating the mechanical steering system with the electromechanical actuation system so as to rotate the steering shaft. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification