Engine Generator with Detachable Battery for Compact Starting

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing engine generators require significant user exertion for starting due to the need for a built-in battery, leading to a heavy burden and increased size.

Innovation Solution

An engine generator with a detachable battery pack and an inverter unit that connects the battery to the generator unit, allowing the generator unit to function as a starter motor, reducing the need for a built-in battery and enabling compact design and improved portability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a built-in battery is installed to enable engine starting using the generator unit as a starter motor, then engine starting becomes easier and user exertion is reduced, but the device size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine starting easeVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The battery is extracted from the integrated generator structure and made detachable, allowing it to be removed when not needed for starting. This enables the generator to maintain compact size during normal operation while still providing starting capability when the battery is attached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery configuration is made dynamic and adjustable, transitioning between attached and detached states. This allows the system to adapt its size and functionality based on operational needs, being compact during power generation mode and expanded during starting mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a built-in battery is installed to enable engine starting using the generator unit as a starter motor, then engine starting becomes easier and user exertion is reduced, but the device becomes less portable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine starting easeVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The battery is extracted from the integrated generator structure and made detachable, allowing it to be removed when not needed for starting. This enables the generator to maintain compact size during normal operation while still providing starting capability when the battery is attached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery configuration is made dynamic and adjustable, transitioning between attached and detached states. This allows the system to adapt its size and functionality based on operational needs, being compact during power generation mode and expanded during starting mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the generator unit is designed to function as both generator and starter motor, then device complexity is reduced and multi-functionality is achieved, but the device size increases to accommodate the battery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The generator unit is designed with universal functionality to operate in multiple modes: as a generator during normal operation and as a starter motor when the battery is attached. This eliminates the need for separate starting and generating systems, reducing overall complexity while maintaining compact size through the detachable battery design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery is extracted from the integrated generator structure and made detachable, allowing it to be removed when not needed for starting. This enables the generator to maintain compact size during normal operation while still providing starting capability when the battery is attached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 minimizes user workload during engine starting, maintains compactness, and enhances portability by allowing the battery to be easily attached and removed, while protecting the terminals and enabling engine starting without a battery when necessary.

Implementation Method 1

a generator unit (3) driven by the engine (2) to generate electric power and operable as an engine starter motor during engine starting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10511209B2Engine generator

Publication Date: 2019.12.17 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An engine generator, including a general-purpose engine, a generator unit driven by the engine to generate electric power and capable of operating as an engine starter motor during engine starting, a case housing the engine and the generator unit, a battery detachably attached to the case, an inverter unit connected to the generator unit, and a power supply circuit interconnecting the battery attached to the case and the inverter unit and supplying power of the battery through the inverter unit to the generator unit.