Alternator Mounting Assembly Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mounting assemblies for alternators in large internal combustion engines suffer from high vibration-induced stress, cracking, bending, and noise, leading to costly repairs and downtime, due to their bulkiness and inability to effectively mitigate external vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A mounting assembly comprising a first and second bracket with specific structural features, including ribs for rigidity and a guard member for compactness, which positions the alternator on a surface with low vibration levels, reducing stress and noise through strategic fastening and material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mounting brackets are directly mounted on the internal combustion engine, then the alternator is securely positioned, but the mounting bracket and alternator experience high vibrations and stress concentrations leading to cracking and bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vibration isolation element as an intermediary component between the mounting bracket and the alternator. This element absorbs and dampens vibrations from the engine, preventing them from being transmitted directly to the alternator and mounting bracket, thereby reducing stress concentrations and improving durability
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly incorporates vibration isolation elements and damping features that are pre-installed to cushion against vibrations before they can cause damage. This beforehand cushioning protects the mounting bracket and alternator from vibration-induced stress and cracking during operation
2Strength
If conventional mounting brackets are designed with sufficient strength to withstand vibrations, then they can prevent cracking and bending, but the brackets become bulky and heavy increasing production cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures for the mounting bracket, combining materials with different properties to achieve both strength and weight reduction. The composite construction maintains structural integrity and vibration resistance while reducing overall bracket weight and production cost
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is divided into multiple segments or sections, each optimized for specific functions. This segmentation allows the design to use material only where structurally necessary, reducing overall weight while maintaining strength in critical areas through strategic reinforcement
3Ease of manufacture
If the mounting bracket is designed to be compact and lightweight, then production cost is reduced, but it becomes more susceptible to vibration-induced cracking and bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies key design parameters of the mounting bracket, such as wall thickness, rib spacing, and material density, to optimize the balance between weight and strength. These parameter changes enable the bracket to remain compact and cost-effective while maintaining sufficient reliability to resist vibration-induced failure
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket design incorporates dynamic characteristics such as natural frequency tuning and vibration damping features that allow it to respond adaptively to engine vibrations. This dynamic design enables a lighter, more compact structure that remains reliable by avoiding resonance and dissipating vibrational energy
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting assembly for mounting an alternator is disclosed. The mounting assembly includes a first bracket, and a second bracket. The first bracket includes a first member, a second member, a third member, a fourth member, and a fifth member. The second bracket includes a first section, a second section, a third section, and a fourth section. The alternator is mounted using the first bracket and the second bracket for reducing vibrations during operation.