Generator Attachment Assembly Using Support Dowel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional generator attachment methods to vehicle engines require assistance due to the ergonomic challenges posed by increasingly powerful generators needed to support modern electronic components, exceeding the capabilities of a single operator for assembly.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting dowel assembly that includes engine attachment bosses and generator housing legs, with a support dowel allowing single-operator assembly by fitting into bores defined by these components, and a securing component with a retention mechanism for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional generator attachment methods are used, then the generator can be securely attached to the engine, but an assembly assist device is required due to the generator's mass exceeding ergonomic limits for a single operator
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate components: engine attachment bosses, generator housing legs, and removable support dowels. This segmentation allows the heavy generator to be broken down into manageable parts for assembly, with the support dowel acting as a temporary aid that can be inserted and removed independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The support dowel serves as an intermediary tool that bridges the gap between the generator and engine during assembly. It provides temporary structural support and alignment, enabling a single operator to handle the heavy generator without requiring a complex assembly assist device.
2Power
If more powerful generators are used to support modern electronic components, then the electrical power output increases, but the generator mass exceeds ergonomic assembly limits
Solution Approach 1:
The support dowel is pre-positioned in the engine attachment boss before the generator is installed. This preliminary action creates a ready-made support structure that guides the generator into place, reducing the physical effort required during assembly and enabling single-operator installation of heavy, high-power generators.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is designed to be self-supporting during assembly through the use of the support dowel and integrated housing legs. The structure provides its own assembly aids, eliminating the need for external assembly assist devices and enabling operators to install heavy generators independently.
3Strength
If conventional attachment methods are used, then the generator can be secured to the engine, but an assembly assist device is required which increases capital costs
Solution Approach 1:
The support dowel is a simple, inexpensive component that is used temporarily during assembly and then removed. It replaces the need for expensive, complex assembly assist devices, providing a cost-effective solution that achieves the same functional goal without the high capital cost of specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is extracted from the main generator body and embodied in a separate, simple dowel component. This extraction allows the heavy generator to be assembled without requiring complex integrated assembly mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment assembly for attaching a generator to a motor vehicle engine is provided. The assembly may include at least one engine attachment boss secured to the engine. The attachment assembly may further include a plurality of generator housing legs integrally formed with a generator housing. The assembly may further include a support dowel fitted, at a first end, within the bore located on the inner opposing side of one of the plurality of generator housing legs. The support dowel may be inserted, at a second end, into the bore of the at least one engine attachment boss, in order to couple the generator to the engine during assembly. This combination allows placement and fixation of the generator to the engine by a single operator without the need for an assembly assist device. A method for securing a generator to a motor vehicle engine is also provided.