Modular Generator Canopy with Adjustable Loops and Frame Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing generator covers are cumbersome to set up, prone to loose attachment during transport, and often fail to adequately protect generators from inclement weather, especially smaller models, due to complex installation requirements and inadequate coverage of exhaust areas.
Innovation Solution
A generator canopy with a top tarp and side tarps featuring adjustable loops and notches, frame tubes, and ring eyelets, allowing for easy setup and secure attachment to the generator, with extendable legs and tie-down tethers for enhanced weather protection and mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple attachment points and tensioned belts are used to secure the cover to the generator frame, then the cover can be attached to the generator, but the setup becomes time-consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy is divided into separate modular components (top tarp, side tarps, frame tubes, corner connectors, legs) that can be independently assembled and attached to the generator, simplifying the overall setup process while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The frame tubes serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the tarps, act as attachment points for corner connectors and legs, and enable versatile configuration options for different generator sizes and shapes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized attachment mechanisms
2Reliability
If tensioned belts are used to attach the cover, then the cover can be secured to the generator, but the belts can loosen during transport and require reinstallation
Solution Approach 1:
The corner connectors feature curved or rounded geometries that allow the frame tubes to be securely inserted and locked in place, creating a more stable and transport-resistant attachment compared to linear belt systems
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system extracts the generator-specific attachment points from the canopy design itself, allowing the same modular canopy structure to be universally attached to different generator models without requiring model-specific belts or fasteners that may loosen
3Strength
If a frame is installed under considerable tension to create a tent-like cover, then the cover structure can be formed, but injury may occur during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The frame tubes and corner connectors are designed with dynamic assembly characteristics, allowing components to be easily connected and disconnected without requiring sustained high tension forces, thereby reducing installation risk while maintaining structural integrity during use
Solution Approach 2:
The corner connectors act as intermediary elements between the frame tubes and tarps, distributing and managing forces in a way that eliminates the need for workers to exert considerable tension directly on the frame structure during assembly
4Adaptability or versatility
If many different parts are transported for tent-like covers, then the cover can be assembled, but the likelihood of loss of some parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each component type (frame tubes, corner connectors, tarps, legs) is designed to serve multiple functions and work together in various configurations, reducing the total number of different part types needed while maintaining assembly versatility for different generator sizes and shapes
5Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional tent-like covers are used, then weather protection can be provided, but the exhaust area is not adequately covered
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy design incorporates specific local features such as extended side tarps and adjustable positioning mechanisms that provide targeted coverage over the exhaust area, ensuring that this critical region receives adequate weather protection while maintaining overall canopy functionality
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a generator canopy that comprises a top tarp, the front side edge, and the back side edge have top loops and leg-notch cutouts. The right side edge and the left side edge each have top loops. A portion of each corner forms a tie-down edge. Side tarps are trapezoid-shaped with a ring eyelet in at least two corners and more than one side loop along the length of the long edge. Frame tubes fit through the top loops and the side loops. corner connectors slide into the end of the frame tubes forming a rigid perimeter that holds the top tarp taught. Each of the tie-down edges fasten to the corner connector. Legs pass through the leg-notch cutouts and fasten to the frame tube. The generator canopy is placed over a generator or other protected object.