Adjustable Transmission for Selective Engine Power Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing small gas powered generators, compressors, and pressure sprayers are typically dedicated to their own engines, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for multiple engines and inefficient power conversion when used in combination with all-terrain vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A combustion engine is operatively connected to multiple devices via an adjustable transmission, allowing selective disconnection of devices and enabling a straddle seat vehicle to transport and power a generator, reducing the need for multiple engines and improving efficiency by direct mechanical power transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single combustion engine is used to power multiple devices via an adjustable transmission, then device versatility and cost efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice versatilityVSAvoidtransmission complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The combustion engine is designed with a universal interface that can connect to multiple different devices (generator, compressor, pressure sprayer, etc.) through the adjustable transmission, allowing a single engine to replace multiple dedicated engines. The transmission system provides universal power distribution capability to various mechanical loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable connections that allow the user to dynamically change which device is powered by the engine. The connection mechanism enables easy attachment and detachment of different devices without requiring engine disassembly or complex reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If devices are dedicated to their own engines, then reliability is improved, but cost and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice reliabilityVSAvoidtotal system weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple devices that would traditionally require separate dedicated engines are merged into a single integrated system powered by one combustion engine. The engine, transmission, and device connections are combined into a unified platform that reduces total weight while maintaining operational reliability of each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A single universal engine-platform is designed to reliably power multiple different devices through standardized connections. The system maintains device reliability by providing dedicated power delivery pathways through the transmission while eliminating the need for multiple separate engine systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical power is converted to electrical power and back to mechanical power, then device functionality is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidpower conversion loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the unnecessary intermediate electrical power conversion step by providing direct mechanical power delivery from the engine to mechanical devices through the transmission. This eliminates the energy losses associated with converting mechanical power to electrical power and back again, while still maintaining the ability to power electrical devices when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable transmission serves as an efficient intermediary between the engine and multiple devices, providing direct mechanical power transfer without the need for intermediate electrical conversion. The transmission acts as a mechanical mediator that can directly drive both mechanical devices and, when needed, drive the generator to produce electrical power in a single conversion step.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution allows for a single engine to power multiple devices, reducing costs and improving transport efficiency by eliminating the need for dedicated engines and minimizing power conversion losses, while also enabling a self-propelled mobile generator/pump system.

Implementation Method 1

an internal combustion engine selectively connectable to a generator and to at least one other mechanically driven device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

a mechanical transmission having an input member operatively coupled to the output shaft of the engine, at least a first output member, and at least a second output member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical power transmission: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS9580129B2Assembly comprising an internal combustion engine selectively couple to generator and to another mechanically driven device

Publication Date: 2017.02.28 BURROMAX LLC

AI summary

A generator assembly comprises an internal combustion engine connected to a generator by a transmission. The transmission comprises multiple outputs such that another mechanically powered device can be driven by the engine. The transmission includes a shift mechanism for selecting which output receives power from the engine. The assembly may also be a vehicle and one of the devices can be a drivetrain for powering a drive wheel of the vehicle.