Double Alternator System for Vehicle Electrical Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle electrical systems with auxiliary alternators and batteries are heavy, costly, and inefficient, as they require duplicate parts and hardware, and lack cross-feeding capabilities between dual power circuits.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight double alternator system with a housing, drive assembly, and rotors that produce multi-phase AC voltage, converted to DC by full wave rectifiers, allowing for cross-feeding between dual battery systems and controlled by voltage regulators, enabling use in single and dual battery systems with existing hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate auxiliary alternator and battery are provided for backup power, then reliability is improved, but weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two alternators into a single integrated unit sharing a common shaft, housing, and mounting hardware. This merging eliminates the need for separate auxiliary alternator and battery components, reducing weight while maintaining dual-power capability through shared mechanical structure and electrical outputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated alternator system provides multiple functions: it can operate as a single alternator for standard vehicles, or as a dual alternator system for vehicles requiring backup power. The system universally supports both configurations through shared components and configurable electrical connections, eliminating the need for vehicle-specific hardware variations.
2Reliability
If a separate auxiliary alternator and battery are provided, then backup power capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging two alternators into one integrated unit with shared housing, shaft, bearings, and mounting hardware, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and inventoried. This consolidation lowers manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the functional equivalence of having two separate alternators.
3Reliability
If existing dual alternator systems are used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to duplicate parts and mounting hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two independent alternator assemblies into one integrated unit, eliminating duplicate mounting brackets, fasteners, belts, and housing components. The shared shaft and rotor assembly reduce the total component count while maintaining dual alternator functionality through separate stator windings and electrical outputs.
Solution Approach 2:
While integrating mechanically, the patent segments the electrical outputs into two independent circuits, allowing each alternator output to serve separate electrical systems. This segmentation maintains the functional independence of dual power supplies while reducing mechanical complexity through shared components.
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 system reduces weight and cost, enhances reliability, and provides versatile cross-feeding capabilities, improving safety and maintenance efficiency by replacing existing systems with a compact design capable of powering dual batteries and supporting dual power circuits.
Implementation Method 1
A pair of stators, each including an output winding, provide a multi-phase AC voltage by virtue of a pair of rotors each fixed radially about the shaft for rotation therewith producing a magnetic field to induce the multi-phase AC voltage across the output windings of the stators
Implementation Method 2
a pair of multi-phase full wave rectifiers, each electrically connected to one of the stators, receive the three-phase AC voltage produced across the winding of one of the stators and convert the AC voltage to DC voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A double alternator for a vehicle and a vehicle electrical system employing the double alternator.