Portable Generator Removable Battery Starting Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable generators with internal combustion engines face challenges due to the size, bulk, and weight added by starter motors and fixed lead acid batteries, which are undesirable for portability.
Innovation Solution
A portable generator system that uses a removable battery pack and a combined battery charging and starting circuit, featuring a user-controllable switch to separate starting and charging functions, allowing the battery pack to be used for starting the engine or charging, and incorporating a permanent magnet generator and electronic converter for efficient power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed lead acid battery and starter motor are used to start the internal combustion engine, then the engine can be reliably started, but the size, bulk, and weight of the portable generator increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the battery from the generator system, making it a separate removable battery pack that is not permanently installed. This allows the generator to operate without the weight and bulk of a fixed battery while still enabling engine starting when the battery pack is attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack serves multiple functions: it can be used to start the engine when attached to the generator, and it can be removed and charged separately when not in use. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a dedicated fixed battery system in the generator.
2Reliability
If a fixed lead acid battery and starter motor are used to start the internal combustion engine, then the engine can be reliably started, but the size and bulk of the portable generator increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is extracted from the generator's internal structure and made into a separate removable pack. This eliminates the need for dedicated battery compartments and mounting structures within the generator, reducing its overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable battery pack can be attached to the generator only when needed for starting, and removed when not needed. This on-demand attachment approach eliminates the permanent space allocation required for a fixed battery system.
3Reliability
If a separate starter motor and fixed battery are used, then the engine can be started, but the portability of the generator is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the battery from the generator system, the patent makes the generator lighter and easier to transport. The battery pack becomes a separate accessory that can be attached or removed as needed, rather than being permanently integrated.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack is designed to be portable itself, matching the portable nature of the generator. It can be easily carried and attached to the generator when needed for starting, and removed for charging or storage, enhancing the overall portability of the system.
4Device complexity
If a combined battery charging and starting circuit is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control logic becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery charging and starting circuits into a single integrated system. The same battery pack terminals and connection points are used for both charging the battery and starting the engine, eliminating the need for separate circuits and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between charging mode and starting mode based on the position of a selector switch. When the switch is in the charging position, the alternator charges the battery; when in the starting position, the battery starts the engine. This dynamic switching manages control complexity through a simple mechanical interface.
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 reduces the size and weight of the generator by eliminating the need for a separate starter motor and lead acid battery, while enabling efficient charging and starting operations, thereby enhancing portability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
an alternator for generating an AC signal for powering a charger assembly
Implementation Method 2
In the latest portable generator technology, the alternator is replaced with a smaller and lighter permanent magnet generator (PMG) and an electronic power converter. In normal operation, the IC engine directly drives the PMG which then produces electrical power.
Implementation Method 3
A battery pack; and a charger system. The charger system may include a charger assembly adapted to receive the AC signal and to generate a DC charging signal for recharging the battery pack.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable generator system having an internal combustion engine, a starting device for starting the internal combustion engine and a power generating device for generating an AC signal for powering a charger assembly, the charger assembly adapted to receive the AC signal and to generate a DC charging signal. The charger assembly includes a first user controllable switch and a second user controllable switch.