PTO Generator Auxiliary Power for High-Output Vehicle Supply

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle auxiliary power systems are limited by the vehicle alternator or battery, and often require a separate engine for generating power, which is not economical or practical.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle auxiliary power system that includes a generator coupled to a power takeoff (PTO) via an offset gearbox, with a power electronics enclosure for converting the generated power into standard industrial voltages and frequencies, and an electronic control unit (ECU) for monitoring and controlling the system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a standard vehicle alternator is used to provide auxiliary power, then the system is simple and integrated, but the available power is limited to 400 watts maximum

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailable powerVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the auxiliary power generation function with the existing vehicle engine by using a power takeoff (PTO) system. The generator is integrated into the vehicle's drivetrain, merging the prime mover function with auxiliary power generation, thereby achieving high power output without adding a separate engine system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle engine serves multiple functions: primary propulsion and auxiliary power generation. The PTO system enables the engine to simultaneously drive both the vehicle transmission and the generator, making the single engine universal for both mobility and power generation needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If an auxiliary diesel engine is used to generate power, then high power is available, but the system becomes economical and practical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailable powerVSAvoidnumber of engines

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the auxiliary power generation function with the existing vehicle engine by using a power takeoff (PTO) system. The generator is integrated into the vehicle's drivetrain, merging the prime mover function with auxiliary power generation, thereby achieving high power output without adding a separate engine system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If the vehicle engine runs at high speed to generate power, then high power output is achieved, but the idle speed increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower outputVSAvoididle speed

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a generator as an intermediary device between the vehicle engine and the electrical load. The generator converts mechanical energy from the engine at low idle speed into electrical energy, thereby decoupling the engine speed from the power output requirement and enabling high power generation at low idle speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the direct mechanical power delivery system with an electromechanical system. Instead of mechanically coupling the engine directly to the load, a generator converts mechanical energy to electrical energy, which can then be delivered to loads, enabling flexible power delivery independent of engine speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Duration of action of moving object

If a battery is used to supply power, then power is available for extended periods, but the battery becomes depleted and needs recharging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply durationVSAvoidbattery depletion

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous power generation by coupling the generator to the vehicle engine through a PTO system. As long as the engine is running, the generator continuously produces electrical power, eliminating the depletion issue inherent in battery-only systems and providing unlimited duration power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 system generates high voltage, continuous power without the need for a separate engine, maintaining low idle speed and providing flexible power configurations for both AC and DC applications.

Implementation Method 1

a generator (102) configured to be mechanically coupled to a power takeoff (PTO) (104)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a vehicle auxiliary power system comprises a generator coupled to a PTO via an offset gearbox

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS12240337B1Vehicle auxiliary power system

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 LOVIS LLC

AI summary

A vehicle auxiliary power system includes a generator configured to be mechanically coupled to a power takeoff (PTO) of a vehicle via an offset gearbox. The generator produces AC power that is delivered to one or more power connection interfaces capable of industrial use. In some examples, the AC power may be converted to DC power for use by DC electronic systems or for charging one or more batteries. The vehicle auxiliary power system may include charge controllers, ECMs/ECUs, and other computing systems. As a result, a user may have an on-demand high-power electrical supply without the need of a second engine.