Generator Electrical Connection Module for Multi-Engine Wiring

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Generators with thermal engines face challenges in electrical connection and control due to varying engine configurations, leading to complex and error-prone cable management, inadequate protection against vibrations and environmental factors, and the need for custom solutions for each motorization, which complicates installation, maintenance, and safety.

Innovation Solution

A universal electrical connection module with a printed circuit housing supply terminals, connectors for measurement and control devices, protection, and diagnostics, integrated into a single housing that is structurally adapted to the generator's constraints, allowing for simplified connections and reduced size, with indicators for monitoring control module states and auxiliary device connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If standard commercially available fuse boxes are used for electrical protection, then large series production is facilitated, but the solution is not suitable for generator sets with varying engine configurations and is inadequate against vibrations and environmental factors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestandard fuse box productionVSAvoidadaptability to different engine configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal electrical connection module that integrates multiple functions (power supply terminals, connectors for measurement and control devices, protection components, and diagnostic connectors) into a single housing. This module can be adapted to different engine configurations while maintaining standardized manufacturing processes, thus achieving both ease of manufacture and versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If cables are screwed onto terminals in the fuse box, then electrical protection is provided, but the installation becomes complex and tedious, and vibrations can cause cable disconnection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical protectionVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the fuse box functionality with the electrical connection interface into an integrated module. The connectors are built into the module housing and designed to securely receive cable connectors without requiring separate screw terminals, thus maintaining electrical protection while simplifying installation and improving vibration resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If several control modules are implemented for high-power generator sets with multiple cylinder subsets, then each subset can be controlled independently, but the system becomes difficult to manage and diagnose

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol capability for multiple cylinder subsetsVSAvoidsystem management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal electrical connection module that serves multiple control modules simultaneously. The module includes power supply terminals for multiple control modules, connectors for measurement and control devices of different cylinder subsets, and a diagnostic connector that can access the operating status of all control modules through a single interface, thus reducing system management complexity while maintaining full control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If custom electrical connection solutions are developed for each engine type, then specific needs are met, but the work of technicians and operators is unnecessarily complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization for specific engine needsVSAvoidtechnician work complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal electrical connection module that can be adapted to different engine configurations while maintaining a standardized interface and configuration. The module includes all necessary connections (power supply, measurement and control devices, protection components, and diagnostics) in a single integrated unit that can be mounted on various engine types without requiring custom solutions, thus simplifying technician work while meeting specific engine needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4357599A1Electrical connection module for a generator set and generator set comprising such a module
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 SDMO IND
  • EP4357599A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4357599A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4357599A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates in particular to an electrical connection module (100) for a generator set (1) comprising an alternator (11) connected to a thermal engine (10), formed of at least one subset of cylinders (10A, 10B), said module (100) comprising a housing (110) containing a printed circuit board (120) supporting: - electrical power supply terminals (123) for said printed circuit board (120), - a first connector (C-Fus) of an electrical harness (14) allowing, in each subset of cylinders (10A, 10B), a connection of at least one measurement and control device (12A, 12B) for parameters of said subset of cylinders (10A, 10B) to a control module (13) of said subset of cylinders (10A, 10B), - second connectors (F1-F18) for electrical protection devices of said electrical harness (14), and - a third connector (C-Diag) for diagnosing the operating status of each control module (13A, 13B).