ATV Bed Outlet Power Supply Using Engine Generator Mode
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
All-terrain vehicles traveling on unimproved or unmarked paths often lack a reliable power source for accessories, as they typically do not have a built-in power generation capability, limiting passenger comfort and utility at remote destinations.
Innovation Solution
An all-terrain vehicle is equipped with a power supply system that includes an engine with a generator mode, an electric motor, an inverter, and a controller, which converts engine power to AC power for an outlet in the vehicle's bed, enabling the use of external accessories without the need for external generators or battery power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an all-terrain vehicle is equipped with a power supply system including engine, generator, inverter and controller, then the vehicle can provide AC power to outlets in the bed for accessories, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the engine, electric generator, inverter, and controller into an integrated power supply system. The engine drives the generator to produce electricity, which the inverter converts to AC power for outlets in the vehicle bed. This merging of multiple components into a unified system provides comprehensive power supply capability while managing complexity through integration rather than separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system is designed to serve multiple functions: the engine provides propulsion and simultaneously drives the generator for power generation; the system can supply power to various accessories in the bed including lights, heaters, and other electrical devices; the controller manages different operating modes including generator mode and vehicle travel mode. This multi-functionality increases adaptability while the shared components help manage complexity.
2Power
If the engine operates in generator mode to power the inverter and outlet, then AC power is available for accessories, but the engine cannot simultaneously provide full power for vehicle travel
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically switches the engine between different operating modes based on vehicle needs. In generator mode, the engine operates at optimal RPM for power generation to supply AC power to outlets. In vehicle travel mode, the controller transitions the engine to propulsion mode for movement. This dynamic mode switching allows the system to optimize power output for either accessory power or vehicle travel at different times, resolving the contradiction between simultaneous demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic alternation between generator mode and vehicle travel mode rather than attempting simultaneous operation. The controller manages transitions between these states based on operational requirements, allowing the engine to periodically switch functions. This periodic action resolves the power allocation contradiction by sequencing rather than parallel operation of competing demands.
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
This solution provides a reliable and self-sufficient power source for accessories in the vehicle, enhancing passenger comfort and utility at remote locations by converting engine power to usable AC power for outlets in the vehicle's bed.
Implementation Method 1
an engine with a generator mode, an electric motor, an inverter, and a controller, which converts engine power to AC power
Implementation Method 2
an inverter, which converts the power to AC power
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method of powering an outlet in a bed of an all-terrain vehicle. The all-terrain vehicle can include an engine coupled to an electric generator. The method can include activating a generator mode of the engine, generating power by utilizing the electric generator of the all-terrain vehicle coupled to the engine, supplying the power to an inverter, that can convert the power to AC power, and supplying the AC power to the outlet in the bed of the all-terrain vehicle. A controller can discontinue power to at least one accessory when power is supplied to the outlet. The electric generator can be mounted to an air conditioning compressor mount structure of the vehicle.