Generator Cradle Mount With Vibration Isolators for Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Generators used in off-grid applications create vibrations that are transferred to vehicles or trailers, leading to noise, passenger discomfort, and potential damage to mechanical and electrical components.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system comprising horizontal and vertical cradle members, with a top cradle member providing a flat surface for mounting and tabs for bolt apertures, along with vibration isolators to dampen vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the generator is rigidly mounted to the vehicle, then the generator is securely attached and stable, but vibrations are transferred to the vehicle causing noise, passenger discomfort, and potential damage to components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vibration isolators as intermediary elements between the generator and the vehicle mounting structure. These isolators act as a mediator that allows the generator to be securely attached while preventing the direct transmission of vibrations to the vehicle, thus resolving the contradiction between attachment stability and vibration transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the mounting system by using elastomeric materials with specific durometer values (e.g., 30-70 Shore A) for the vibration isolators. This parameter change allows the system to maintain mechanical stability while introducing vibration-dampening properties that reduce harmful vibration transfer.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If vibration isolators are added to reduce vibrations, then vibration transfer and noise are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mounting system into distinct functional components: rigid mounting structures for attachment and separate vibration isolator elements for vibration reduction. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while keeping the overall system design manageable and not excessively complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material solutions by using elastomeric vibration isolators that combine damping properties with structural support capabilities. This allows a single component to serve multiple functions (both supporting the generator weight and isolating vibrations), thereby reducing overall system complexity rather than increasing it.
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 mounting system significantly reduces vibrations transferred from the generator to the vehicle or trailer, minimizing noise, passenger discomfort, and potential damage to components.
Implementation Method 1
vibration isolators to dampen vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments herein provide a mounting system for an on-board generator that contains a pair of horizontal cradle members which connect to a pair of vertical cradle members. A top cradle member is then attached to the vertical cradle members to where the top cradle member preferably provides a flat mounting surface for mounting bolts. The top cradle member contains tabs on the inner side of the top cradle member and an outer rib on the outer side of the top cradle member. Preferably, a vibration isolator is also used to connect the top cradle member to the side cradle member.