Foldable Protective Cover for Generators Using Cross-Connected Support Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional protective covers for outdoor electric appliances are cumbersome to install, require large storage volumes, and are not universally compatible with generators of different specifications.
Innovation Solution
A foldable protective cover with a simple structure, comprising a cover body and a foldable support made of cross-connected support frames and rods, which can be easily assembled and disassembled, and compactly stored.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional protective cover with a hard metal framework and soft cover body is used, then protection against rain, sunlight, and wind is provided, but the structure becomes complex and installation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hard metal framework with a flexible fabric structure that incorporates reflective or UV-resistant coatings to provide protection against rain, sunlight, and wind. The fabric cover body maintains protective functions while eliminating the complex metal framework, achieving a simpler overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover is divided into multiple fabric panels connected by zippers or Velcro fasteners, allowing modular assembly and disassembly. This segmentation enables easy installation and storage while maintaining comprehensive protection coverage.
2Reliability
If a conventional protective cover with multiple components is used, then protection functions are achieved, but installation instructions become unclear and disassembly steps become cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the frame structure directly into the fabric panels through built-in rigidizing elements or wire reinforcements embedded within the fabric layers. This merging eliminates separate frame components and simplifies assembly to a single covering action, making installation intuitive and straightforward.
3Reliability
If a conventional protective cover is installed, then protection is provided, but storage volume becomes large making movement inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is designed with telescopic or collapsible fabric panels that can be nested within each other when not in use. The panels compress into a compact cylindrical or rolled form factor, reducing storage volume to a fraction of the expanded protective state while maintaining full protection capability when deployed.
4Reliability
If a conventional protective cover designed for specific generator specifications is used, then adequate protection is provided, but compatibility with generators of different specifications is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover incorporates adjustable fabric panels with elastic edges and configurable fastening points that can be positioned at various heights and circumferential locations. This dynamic adjustability allows the same cover design to adapt to generators of different sizes and shapes, providing adequate protection across a range of specifications through flexible configuration.
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 foldable design simplifies installation and disassembly, reduces storage volume, and allows the cover to be compatible with generators of varying specifications, enhancing convenience and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The upper support leg and the lower support leg are in sleeved connection with each other by at least one elastic cord at a connection portion therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable protective cover including a cover body movably covering outside of a foldable support; the support includes two support frames and at least two support rods; each of the support frames includes a cross bar and two support legs located at two ends of the cross bar respectively; each of the two support legs of each of the support frames is crossed and pivotally connected with one of the two support legs of the other support frame, where the crossed and pivotally connected support legs are located on same side of the support, with one of the crossed and pivotally connected support legs being outward from another; when the two support frames are unfolded, the support rods are arranged in parallel between the two cross bars. It is simple in structure, convenient to install, and small in storage volume.