Dual-Function Fenders for Generator Set Fork Pockets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile generating sets face challenges in providing comprehensive protection against shocks and corrosion, particularly in fork pockets, during handling, transport, and storage, which leads to deformation and deterioration of the chassis.

Innovation Solution

The integration of molded rubber or plastic protective elements around the fork openings, secured to a metal reinforcing plate, provides double protection against shocks and corrosion, while also allowing for easy maintenance and replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional bumpers are placed on the frame to protect against shocks, then general shock protection is improved, but fork pocket edges remain vulnerable to deformation and corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshock protectionVSAvoidfork pocket deformation and corrosion
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protective element incorporates a specific local structure where the lower portion extends beyond the frame surface to form a protective lip around the fork pocket opening. This localized extension provides targeted protection for the vulnerable edges of the fork pockets, while the upper portion maintains general shock protection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple separate protective elements are used for frame protection and fork pocket protection, then comprehensive protection is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive protectionVSAvoidnumber of protective components
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the general frame bumper function and the specific fork pocket edge protection function into a single integrated protective element. This unified component is mounted on the frame and simultaneously provides both protection functions, thereby reducing the total number of parts while achieving comprehensive protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective element is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a general shock-absorbing bumper for the frame and as a specific protective barrier for the fork pocket edges. The lower extension portion specifically addresses fork pocket protection while the entire structure maintains general bumper functionality.

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

3Strength

If protective elements are made from rigid materials, then structural strength is improved, but resistance to shock and impact damage decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidimpact damage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protective element is constructed as a composite structure combining a rigid support framework with a flexible protective covering. The rigid framework provides structural strength and mounting stability, while the flexible material layer absorbs impact energy and protects against shock damage, creating a balanced composite protective system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 effectively enhances the durability and resistance of the generating set, preventing deformation and corrosion of fork pockets, and simplifies maintenance by allowing quick replacement of worn-out parts.

Implementation Method 1

protective elements mounted around said openings, each providing double protection: on the one hand, the outer surface of said frame, against shocks due in particular to handling, transport and/or storage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShock absorption through elastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Said protective elements are formed by molding rubber and/or plastic material on a metal reinforcing plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStructural reinforcement through metal plate:

Data Source

PatentEP2559140B1Generator set having dual-function fenders
Publication Date: 2014.01.29 SDMO IND
  • EP2559140B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2559140B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a generator set including a frame (11) on which in particular a motor and an alternator are mounted, protected by a housing (12), said frame (11) having at least two openings (111, 112) allowing passage of the forks of a forklift truck. Such a generator set includes protective elements (14) mounted surrounding said openings, each providing dual protection: on the one hand, of the outer surface of said frame, against impacts due particularly to handling, transportation and/or storage, by extending beyond the surface of said frame in the neighborhood of said fender; and on the other hand against impacts due to the insertion of said forks, by surrounding said edges.