Integrated Compressor Mount Bracket for Lift Truck Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lift trucks lack a practical mounting arrangement for an air conditioner compressor due to the absence of compressor mounting features in their engines, which are not designed for air conditioning systems, necessitating a solution that does not require machining or modification of the existing engine.
Innovation Solution
A bolt-on multiplate bracket made of steel, which aligns the compressor axis parallel to the motor crankshaft, utilizing existing engine mounting holes and incorporating an elastomeric motor mount to support the compressor, along with idler pulley mounting centers for a serpentine belt system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a compressor is added to a lift truck engine, then air conditioning capability is provided, but the engine requires modification or additional mounting features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the compressor mount with the engine motor mount into a single integrated bracket assembly. This merged structure uses the existing engine mounting points while incorporating compressor mounting surfaces, eliminating the need for separate compressor mounting features on the engine block.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly serves multiple functions: it mounts the compressor to the engine, provides motor mounting surfaces, and incorporates belt routing features. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate parts and engine modifications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If compressor mounting features are added to the engine, then compressor installation is enabled, but machining or modification of the existing engine is required
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly acts as an intermediary component between the engine and the compressor. Rather than modifying the engine directly, the bracket interfaces with existing engine mounting points and provides the necessary mounting surfaces for the compressor, thereby mediating the connection without requiring engine machining.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into separate functional elements: the bracket body that attaches to the engine, the motor mount portion, and the compressor mounting surfaces. This segmentation allows the compressor mounting features to be added without modifying the engine itself, as the features are distributed across the bracket structure.
3Ease of operation
If a traditional automotive-style compressor mount is used, then the compressor can be driven by the motor, but the mount does not align with lift truck engine configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly incorporates locally adapted features specific to lift truck engine configurations. The motor mount portion is positioned and dimensioned to match lift truck crankshaft locations, while the compressor mounting surfaces are oriented to achieve proper belt routing and pulley alignment, creating locally optimized geometry rather than a universal mount design.
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
Provides a secure and adaptable mounting solution for the air conditioner compressor on lift truck engines without modifying the engine, ensuring proper alignment and belt routing, thus enabling air conditioning without altering the engine's original configuration.
Implementation Method 1
The bracket is fixed to the engine block with bolts received through holes in the bracket. Two of the holes receive bolts for an elastomeric motor mount.
Implementation Method 2
an elastomeric motor mount and provides surfaces that align a compressor with its axis parallel to the motor crankshaft
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket for mounting on the engine of a lift truck, the bracket having a plate to be bolted to the side of the block with bolts through holes in the plate configured to be aligned with threaded holes on the side of the engine block, at least one extension from the plate to a foot with an aperture, the aperture being arranged to receive the bolt associated with an elastomeric motor mount, the foot having an extension forwardly of the engine block, the foot extension having surfaces, supported by said at least one extension, in a plane perpendicular to the crankshaft of the engine, the surfaces having apertures for receiving bolts that align with mounting holes on a housing of the compressor.