Crane Service Pack Power Supply Without Truck Engine Idling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work vehicles face challenges with auxiliary power systems, such as stand-alone units occupying space and requiring the vehicle engine to be idled for extended periods, while integrated systems often have engines that are overrated for the needed power, leading to reduced engine and drivetrain life.
Innovation Solution
A service pack system that includes an engine, generator, and power conversion circuitry to provide electrical power to cranes without relying on the vehicle engine, using energy storage devices and power conversion circuitry to enable crane operation independently of the vehicle engine, with options for AC-to-DC conversion and battery charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If stand-alone auxiliary power units are used, then electrical power and hydraulic service can be provided independently, but the units occupy useful volume in the vehicle and are subject to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the auxiliary power unit with the vehicle's existing hydraulic system by integrating the hydraulic pump into the service pack. This allows the auxiliary power unit to provide both electrical power through its generator and hydraulic service through the integrated pump, eliminating the need for separate standalone units and reducing overall space occupation in the vehicle.
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle engine is idled for extended periods to power auxiliary systems, then the auxiliary systems remain available for use, but the overall life of the engine and drivetrain is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power provision functions by creating an independent auxiliary power unit with its own engine and generator, separate from the main vehicle engine. This allows the auxiliary systems to be powered independently without requiring the vehicle engine to run, thereby extending engine and drivetrain life while maintaining auxiliary system availability.
3Device complexity
If a fully integrated system driven by the vehicle engine is used, then auxiliary systems are provided as original equipment, but the vehicle engine must be powered during periods of use and is often grossly overrated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power generation function from the main vehicle engine by incorporating a separate generator powered by the auxiliary power unit's own engine. This allows the auxiliary systems to be powered by a smaller, dedicated engine rather than relying on the oversized main vehicle engine, reducing unnecessary power requirements and improving overall system efficiency.
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 allows for efficient use of cranes with reduced engine power requirements, extending engine life and improving operational flexibility by enabling crane operation without the need to run the vehicle engine, while also reducing the load on the vehicle's alternator and battery.
Implementation Method 1
a generator to generate electrical power from the engine
Implementation Method 2
power conversion circuitry to convert the AC electrical power to DC electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus to power a crane on a work truck using an engine-powered service pack are disclosed. An example auxiliary power system for a vehicle includes an engine, a generator configured to convert mechanical energy from the engine to electrical energy, and power conversion circuitry configured to provide electrical power to a crane to enable the crane to lift at least a portion of a rated load, and configured to convert the electrical energy from the generator to output DC power.