Travel Trailer Generator Mounting System Using OEM Frame Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
AIRSTREAM travel trailers lack a self-contained AC power generation system, limiting their use in remote areas and requiring the transportation and setup of portable gasoline generators, along with separate fuel containers, which is inconvenient and poses safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A travel trailer generator mounting system that integrates a permanent onboard generator system using existing fuel and mounting features, such as the OEM spare tire carrier on the A-frame, eliminating the need for external fuel transport and minimizing vehicle modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a permanent onboard generator system is installed, then off-grid operation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The generator mounting system is divided into separate modular components: a generator mount that attaches to the frame, a generator housing that receives the generator, and a fuel tank. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured, installed, and maintained, reducing overall system complexity while enabling permanent onboard generator installation for off-grid operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator mount is designed to utilize existing mounting features on the travel trailer frame, such as the OEM spare tire carrier mounting points. This multi-functional approach allows the same structural features to serve both their original purpose and the new generator mounting function, reducing the need for additional complex modifications to achieve off-grid capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If portable generators are transported and set up on site, then off-grid power generation is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The generator, fuel tank, and mounting system are pre-installed on the travel trailer before departure. This preliminary action eliminates the need for users to transport portable generators and set them up on site, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining off-grid power generation capability.
3Quantity of substance
If separate fuel containers are transported, then fuel supply for generator operation is ensured, but safety deteriorates due to flammable fuel transport
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel tank is permanently integrated into the travel trailer structure rather than being transported separately in containers. This merging of the fuel storage system with the vehicle eliminates the safety hazards associated with transporting separate fuel containers, while ensuring adequate fuel supply for generator operation during off-grid camping.
4Ease of manufacture
If minimal modification to the coach is performed by utilizing existing mounting features, then ease of manufacture is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The generator mount is designed to attach to existing structural features on the travel trailer frame, such as the OEM spare tire carrier mounting points. These existing features are engineered to bear significant loads, so utilizing them for generator mounting maintains structural integrity while simplifying installation and manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator housing is positioned in a recessed belly area of the vehicle frame, utilizing three-dimensional space that does not interfere with the primary structural load paths. This spatial arrangement allows the generator system to be integrated without compromising the frame's structural integrity while maintaining ease of installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A travel trailer generator mounting system for enabling installation of a permanent onboard generator system onto a travel trailer may include a generator mount designed to engage with the travel trailer frame. The generator mount may include a top planar surface with a generator storage portion extending downward therefrom, the generator storage portion sized to accommodate mounting of a generator therein; a front lip extending substantially perpendicularly upwards from a front edge of the top planar surface; and a rear lip extending substantially perpendicularly upwards from a rear edge of the top planar surface. The front lip and the rear lip may be configured to engage with cross members on the travel trailer for mounting of the generator mount to the travel trailer.