Generator pulley system and methods thereof

The present disclosure provides a generator pulley system and methods thereof. Atop the generator pulley system may be a generator and battery for actuating at least one motor. A pull line may be retractably coupled to the front of the system. Alternatively, the pull line is not retractable. At least one sensor may be used to monitor the line. In an illustrative embodiment, the system may actuate the at least motor to steer in the direction of the pulled line. The battery may be recharged by the generator depending on its state of charge and period of time after requesting a movement of the generator.

BACKGROUND

A portable generator may include an engine that converts fuel into kinetic energy and a generator that converts the kinetic energy into electricity. Portable generators may be used to provide electricity in a variety of scenarios such as backup power in emergencies, and remote power for camping or construction. Power generators may vary in weight, and when fully filled with fuel, they may be up to three hundred pounds (300 lbs.).

Power generators may incorporate a set of wheels located on one side where it may pushed or pulled on the other end. The weight, however, may still be considerable. A need therefore exists for a generator pulley system and methods thereof of that address this identified concern. Other benefits and advantages will become clear from the disclosure provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a generator pulley system is provided. The system may include a line, at least one sensor, at least one motor, a memory for storing computer readable code, and a processor operatively coupled to the memory. The processor may be configured to monitor the line with the at least one sensor and actuate the at least one motor when the line is pulled to move the system in a direction of the pulled line.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a generator is provided. The generator may include a line, at least one sensor monitoring the line, and at least one motor for moving the generator in a direction sensed by the at least one sensor monitoring the line when pulled.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium having instructions, which when implemented by one or more machines, cause the one or more machines to perform operations is provided. These operations may include detecting a direction of a pulled line on a generator by at least one sensor and actuating at least one motor for moving the generator in the direction detected by the at least one sensor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following includes definitions of selected terms employed herein. The definitions include various examples and/or forms of components that fall within the scope of a term and that may be used for implementation. The examples are not intended to be limiting.

A “processor,” as used herein, processes signals and performs general computing and arithmetic functions. Signals processed by the processor may include digital signals, data signals, computer instructions, processor instructions, messages, a bit, a bit stream, or other computing that may be received, transmitted and/or detected.

A “bus,” as used herein, refers to an interconnected architecture that is operably connected to transfer data between computer components within a singular or multiple systems. The bus may be a memory bus, a memory controller, a peripheral bus, an external bus, a crossbar switch, and/or a local bus, among others.

A “memory,” as used herein may include volatile memory and/or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory may include, for example, ROM (read only memory), PROM (programmable read only memory), EPROM (erasable PROM) and EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM). Volatile memory may include, for example, RAM (random access memory), synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), and/or direct RAM bus RAM (DRRAM).

An “operable connection,” as used herein may include a connection by which entities are “operably connected”, is one in which signals, physical communications, and/or logical communications may be sent and/or received. An operable connection may include a physical interface, a data interface and/or an electrical interface.

The present disclosure provides a generator pulley system and methods thereof. Atop the generator pulley system may be a generator and battery for actuating at least one motor. A pull line may be retractably coupled to the front of the system. Alternatively, the pull line is not retractable. At least one sensor may be used to monitor the line and any pulls thereon. In an illustrative embodiment, the system may actuate the at least motor to steer the generator in the direction of the pulled line. The battery may be recharged by the generator depending on its state-of-charge (SOC) and time after a movement request has been made.

Numerous other modifications or configurations to the generator pulley system and methods thereof will become apparent from the description provided below. For example, the pulley system for the generator may fit onto multiple variances of generators with the pulley system retaining its own localized battery for movement. Through this, the logic or software may be centralized to the pulley system such that it may activate the generator when the SOC is below a predetermined threshold. Advantageously, through this variance and other embodiments described herein, the generator pulley system may alleviate or eliminate the load imposed by a fully fueled generator. Terrain or other factors may be considered when rotating its motors for a much more effective design. Other advantages will become apparent from the description provided below.

Turning toFIG. 1, an exemplary generator pulley system100in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure is provided. The system100may work with a number of different generators102and is not limited to any particular type. The generator102may include a fuel supply, a constant engine speed regulator, and a generator voltage regulator, cooling and exhaust systems, and lubrications systems. The generator102may include an automatic starting system.

The generator pulley system100may be a part of the generator102or physically separated from the generator102. In one embodiment, a front of the generator102may be locked into the front wheels106of the system100. This may remove the use of a frame or other components which will be discussed below. Power produced by the generator102may be fed into a battery of the pulley system100, or the generator102may have its own battery. The battery may be used to power at least one motor which runs the generator pulley system100.

The generator pulley system100may include two or more rear wheels104and two or more front wheels106. Fewer or more wheels may be provided or removed. The rear wheels104may be made of different materials than the front wheels106. For example, the front wheels106may be made of a material that may traverse slippery or rough terrain. The front wheels106may be made of specialized rubber. Grips may be used to climb mountainous terrain, gravel, snow, or ice.

The rear wheels104and front wheels106may be secured to a sled108of the generator pulley system100. The sled108may be made of a rectangular or square piece of reinforced sheet metal. Other sturdy materials may be used such that it supports the generator102. The generator102may be secured to the top of the sled108through fasteners, such as bolts or other mechanisms.

The generator pulley system100may include a pull line110. The pull line110or line may be made of string, chain, rope, yarn, fibers, strands, metal, or the like. In one embodiment, the pull line110is made of a non-retractable material. The system100may be pulled through a pole, pillar or the like. This may be rigid. The proximal end of the pull line110may be held by a user114who wishes to have the generator102follow them. The distal end of the pull line110may be tied into the generator pulley system100. A retractable feature may allow the pull line110to move in and out of the generator pulley system100. Through this, a movement and direction of the generator pulley system100may be determined.

The generator102may be heavy, and in particular when fully fueled, the generator102may weight around three hundred pounds (300 lbs.). In operation, the generator pulley system100may be pulled through the pull line110to maneuver or manipulate the generator102to move to a location, switch its orientation, or both. The pull line110may be monitored by at least one sensor. When not pulled, the generator pulley system100may be locked into place. Either the rear wheels104, front wheels106or both may be locked.

In one embodiment, a brake may also be applied when no pull on the pull line110is sensed. Alternatively, the generator pulley system100may move the generator102in the direction in which the pull line110is directed to. The pull line110may go through an inlet112which houses a pulley system.

FIG. 2is a top perspective view of the exemplary generator pulley system100in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. Specifically, a top portion of the generator102is shown. Fuel for running the generator102may be inserted into a fuel intake202. A fuel level monitor204may show how much fuel is left within the generator102. It should be noted that the generator102may run on other types of fuels, for example, gasoline, natural gas, liquid propane, or hydrogen.

FIG. 3is a side perspective view of the exemplary generator pulley system100showing components therein in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. A spark plug access302and oil container304is shown within the generator102. The spark plug access302may allow a user to change spark plugs within the generator102. The spark plugs may be used for delivering electric current from an ignition system to the combustion chamber to ignite a compressed fuel/air mixture by an electric spark, while containing combustion pressure within the generator102. The oil container304may include an inlet for allowing oil to be taken in. Through the oil, the generator102may be well lubricated. An air filter306may also be placed on this side of the generator102. Latches may allow for an easy replacement of the air filter306.

FIG. 4is a back perspective view of the exemplary generator pulley system100in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. At least one air vent402may be provided on the back of the generator102. The air vents402may be used to protect the internal components of the generator102as well as to take in air from the outside. An exhaust404may also be provided on the back side of the generator102. The exhaust404may expel the gas released from generating energy.

FIG. 5is a different side perspective view of the exemplary generator pulley system100in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. A similar panel may be opened to access components internal to the generator102. An oil check502may be provided on this side. The oil check502may be in the form of a dip stick.

Within this side of the generator102may be a manual pull start504. Typically, the generator102may be started through the press of a button which ignites the spark plugs. The manual pull start504may be used instead. A retractable string would be allowed to start the generator102.

Referring toFIG. 6, a front view of the exemplary generator pulley system100in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure is provided. A panel may be provided that shows a number of options for the generator102. A main switch602may be provided on the generator102. A key may be inserted and rotated within the switch602to allow the generator102to start generating energy. An engine start604, next to the main switch602, may be actuated when the key has been rotated.

A switch606may be provided which allows varying voltages to be produced by the generator102. As an example, 120V or 240V may be selected. 120V may be selected when less voltage is needed, which is dependent on what is plugged in. Larger voltages may be produced by the generator102for devices such as pumps, tools at construction sites, spotlights, or the like.

The panel may provide electrical outlets608. As an example, prongs for inserting electrical devices that take power may be plugged into the outlets608. The shape and size of the prongs may vary based on plug standards in use in various countries and regions. The power sockets of portable generators may generally conform to the plug standards used for building electric sockets. The prongs may provide mechanical resistance against separation of the electrical device from the portable generator.

In one embodiment, the panel may include information regarding whether the brakes of the system100have been locked. A clear indicator, such as in a digital display, may show this type of information. Other types of information provided within the panel may relate to the pull line. The tension in the pull line may be shown. Indicators displaying an associated speed or acceleration with the pull line may be depicted in a bar graph, for example. A sensor within the pull line may communicate information up to the panel for display. Audio information may also be provided on the amount of tension given.

In one embodiment, the system100may work with an application on a smartphone. Through Bluetooth®, or some other wireless communication protocol, the system100may receive information on where to move. The wheels on the system100may be controlled remotely. Typically, as will be seen below, sensors may monitor the pull of the line. In the smartphone application, these sensors may be overridden through that the application. In one example, the system100may use a follow me setup. The system100may monitor the direction and location of the smartphone, through Bluetooth®, or other wireless protocol. From there, the system100would actuate its motors and wheels to follow the particular smartphone.

FIG. 7is a bottom view of the exemplary generator pulley system100in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. A turn shaft may run from at least one motor704towards the front wheels106. The turn shaft may send power to the axle702which may cause the front wheels106to turn moving the generator pulley system100with the generator102forward. In one example, the rear wheels104may not rotate while the front wheels106may.

At least one motor704may drive the axle702. The motor704may be powered wholly by least one battery of the generator pulley system100, generator102or combination thereof. The sled108may envelope or cover the motor704such that it does not get damaged while the generator pulley system100is moved.

FIG. 8is a bottom view of the exemplary generator pulley system100having a different maneuvering mechanism in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. At least two motors704may rotate the front wheels106while the rear wheels104rotate freely. The motors704may be powered through the battery, generator102, or combination thereof. The two motors704may spin different front wheels106at varying speeds. Through this, the generator pulley system100may rotate at multiple angles depending on how they rotate between each other.

FIG. 9is a bottom view of the exemplary generator pulley system100showing a left turn in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. When turning left, a right wheel106B may spin or rotate faster than a left wheel106A. Depending on the coordination and interaction between the two front wheels106, various turning angles may be enabled. When going straight, the left wheel106A and right wheel106B turn at the same speed.

FIG. 10is a bottom view of the exemplary generator pulley system100showing a right turn in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. For a right turn, the left wheel106A may spin or rotate faster than the right wheel106B. Again, various angles may be provided depending on how fast each wheel106is turning with respect to one another. While the front wheels106were shown as rotating, the rear wheels may be used to move the system100.

Now referring toFIG. 11, a side view of an exemplary pulley system1100in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure is provided. The pulley system1100may be a part of the generator pulley system. The pull line110, for which the majority of discussion below will detail, may go through the inlet112. A retracting mechanism1102may allow the pull line110to be extracted and retracted. The retracting mechanism1102may be made of a coil and spring combination, for example, which may cause pull line110to self-wind.

The retracting mechanism1102may swivel or change directions internal to the generator pulley system. In one embodiment, the mechanism1102may be affixed and non-moving. Through the pull line110and the pulley system1100, the generator pulley system100may be directed to traverse in horizontal and vertical movements.

A sensor may be provided within the retracting mechanism1102. This sensor may measure the amount of pull from the pull line110. Depending on this pull, the motors in the generator pulley system may vary the speed. For example, the strong or harder the pull on the pull line110, the faster the front wheels may rotate. The speed may reach up to a certain threshold, for example, three (3) to six (6) miles per hour.

In one embodiment, the pull line110may be retracted to the inlet112such that the pull line110does not interfere with its surrounding area. The line110may also be left extended outside of the inlet112with a predetermined length outside the generator pulley system.

A handle1104on one end of the pull line110may be provided for better gripping. The handle1104on the line110may come in many forms and change in shape depending on how much grip is needed by the user.

The generator pulley system may include a lock or brake. If the pull line110is placed into its original position, through the retracting mechanism1102, the wheels may be automatically locked. The front wheels, rear wheels, or combination thereof may be locked. Typically, the wheels may be locked if there is no tension in the pull line110as sensed by the retracting mechanism1102. A default state may be to lock the wheels into place.

A first sensor1106may be used to determine the up and down trajectory of the pull line110. As shown, the pull line110may be within a center of the first sensor1106. When light or no touches are detected by the first sensor1106, no horizontal pulling is detected. That is, the user may not be going uphill or downhill. Through this information, the sensor may keep power flow as normal on the wheels. No uphill or downhill scenario power is used.

FIG. 12is a side view of the exemplary pulley system1100angled upwards in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. The retracting mechanism1102may hold the pull line110on one end as the handle1104is pulled upwards. The sensor1106may detect a touch at its top portion as shown. In one embodiment, and depending on the placement where the pull line110is connected to the generator pulley system, a slight upward touch on the sensor1106would not indicate that the user is going uphill. If, however, there is a significant touch or activation of the sensor1106the user may be dragging the generator pulley system up a hill or slope.

In operation, and by detecting the upward pull, additional power may be provided to the front wheels of the generator pulley system. The at least one motor may be given additional power when going up the hill or slope. The brakes may be released after a certain pull threshold is met on the pull line110.

FIG. 13is a side view the exemplary pulley system1100angled downwards in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. The retracting mechanism1102may hold the pull line110into place while the line110is pulled downwards through the handle1104. The sensor1106may detect this pressure on its bottom. In one embodiment, and depending on the tension within the retracting mechanism1102, a slight touch on the sensor1106may indicate that the user is not pulling the generator pulley system. Rather, it may indicate that the user has rested the pull line and gravity has caused the sensor1106to read the pull line110. Thus, no movement should occur. This may be a function of the retracting mechanism1102and the sensor1106. When there is a significant touch, however, the user may be dragging the generator pulley system100downhill.

In operation, and by detecting the downward pull, less power may be provided to the front wheels of the generator pulley system. The at least one motor may be given less power when going downhill. The brakes may be released before the motor begins its work. A threshold tension on the pull line110may be used to actuate the motors for movement of the generator pulley system. Additional braking may be applied when going downhill.

Vertical movements, including upward and downwards, of the pull line110were described above. Horizontal movements may also be provided by the user. Typically, the sharper the turn on the pull line110, the greater the change on the axle or difference in rotational speeds of the front wheels. Turning toFIG. 14, a top view of the exemplary pulley system1100in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure is provided. At least two sensors1402and1404may detect pulls from the pull line110and the handle1104. The left sensor1402may detect when the pull line110is angled towards the left and the right sensor1404may detect movements on the right. As shown, there has been no detection by the right sensor1402or left sensor1402. When pulled, and no detection is made, power may be provided to the front wheels equally. The inlet112may protect the right sensor1402and left sensor1402.

FIG. 15is a top view of the exemplary illustrative pulley system1100angled leftwards in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. When the pull line110comes in contact with the left sensor1402through a leftward pull using the handle1104, a left command may be determined. This may cause the left front wheel to rotate slower than the right wheel. A larger angle may be detected by the left sensor1402which may cause the left front wheel to rotate even slower than the right front wheel. Alternatively, the front wheels themselves may be rotated to the left.

FIG. 16is a top view of the exemplary illustrative pulley system1100angled rightwards in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. When the pull line110comes in contact with the right sensor1404through a rightward pull using the handle1104, a right command may be determined. This may cause the right front wheel to rotate slower than the left wheel. A larger angle may be detected by the right sensor1402which may cause the right front wheel to rotate even slower than the left front wheel. Alternatively, the front wheels themselves may be rotated to the right.

FIG. 17is an illustrative flow chart showing exemplary processes for maneuvering the generator pulley system in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. Fewer or more processes may be used. The pulley system along with the three sensors described above is an illustration and should not be construed as limiting. The processes may begin at block1700.

At decision block1702, a determination may be made on whether a sensor detects a pull on the pull line. The sensor may be located on the retracting mechanism. When no pull is detected, the brakes may be locked at block1712. This may prevent the generator pulley system from moving. The processes may end at block1714.

If a pull on the pull line has been detected, a first sensor may be used for detecting whether the pull line is pulled up, down or straight at bock1704. Vertical movements may be detected. An upward pull may indicate that additional power may be used to pull the generator pulley system uphill. If downhill, less power may be applied and additional braking options may be provided.

At block1706, the pulley system may detect a leftward pull through a second sensor. The axle for the front wheels may be rotated to turn left when such a detection is made. Alternatively, the front wheels may be spun at different speeds for making a left turn. At block1708, a rightward pull may be detected through a third sensor. This may detect that the user may be pulling the generator pulley system towards the right. The axle may be rotated to turn right. Alternatively, the left front wheel may be rotated quicker than the right front wheel.

At block1710, at least one motor is actuated for moving the generator pulley system. The axle may be rotated or wheel speeds may be differentiated to make turns based on the previous detections. Based on the amount of pull, as detected by the retracting mechanism, the speed of the motors may be adjusted. The speed may also be dependent on whether the system is being pulled uphill or downhill. At block1712, the brakes may be locked when no further pull is detected. The processes may end at block1714.

With reference now toFIG. 18, a front view of the exemplary generator pulley system100exposing a battery system1802in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure is provided. The battery system1802may be accessed through a panel on the generator102. The battery system1802may be powered through the generator102. The battery system1802may power the at least one motor to provide movement for the generator pulley system100.

The battery system1802may be made of different combinations of chemicals. Rechargeable battery systems1802may be made of lead-acid, nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), lithium-ion (Li-ion), lithium-ion polymer (LiPo), and rechargeable alkaline batteries, for example.

Typically, the battery system1802may be recharged when the generator102is running. The battery system1802may be recharged based on its SOC. After going below a predetermined SOC, the generator102may automatically run to increase the charge within the battery system1802.

The battery system1802may be recharged after a period of time. Typically, the generator pulley system100may be stored indoors. To prevent any unwanted indoor fumes, the battery system1802may not be recharged until a period of time lapses. During this time, the user may move the system100outdoors for proper ventilation. In one example, this may be five (5) minutes. If the SOC of the battery system1802is too low to move the generator pulley system100, a warning may be displayed or sound may be made to indicate that the generator102is about to run to charge the battery system1802.

FIG. 19is an illustrative flow chart showing exemplary processes for charging the battery system within the generator pulley system in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. The battery system described above is just one embodiment and should not be construed as limiting. The processes may begin at block1900.

At decision block1902, a determination is made on whether the SOC of the battery system is above a threshold. This check is made to determine whether there is enough power to bring the generator pulley system out of an enclosed space such that no fumes are placed into a confined space. If the battery system does not have enough SOC, at block1904, a warning is provided about the generator not having enough power to roll itself out. The warning may be provided as audio or in a preferred visual display. The battery system may be charged at block1908through the generator and the processes may end at block1910.

If the SOC is above the threshold, at block1906, the generator pulley system may allow movement using the battery system only. The battery system may be charged at block1908. The battery system may be charged when in a safe area to do so, and this may be determined by a predetermined time period. The processes may end at block1910.

The methods and processes described in the disclosure may be embodied as code and/or data, which may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium as described above. When a computer system reads and executes the code and/or data stored on the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, the computer system performs the methods and processes embodied as data structures and code and stored within the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Furthermore, the methods and processes described may be included in hardware modules. For example, the hardware modules may include, but are not limited to, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chips, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and other programmable-logic devices now known or later developed. When the hardware modules are activated, the hardware modules perform the methods and processes included within the hardware modules.

The technology described herein may be implemented as logical operations and/or modules. The logical operations may be implemented as a sequence of processor-implemented executed steps and as interconnected machine or circuit modules. Likewise, the descriptions of various component modules may be provided in terms of operations executed or effected by the modules. The resulting implementation is a matter of choice, dependent on the performance requirements of the underlying system implementing the described technology. Accordingly, the logical operations making up the embodiment of the technology described herein are referred to variously as operations, steps, objects, or modules. It should be understood that logical operations may be performed in any order, unless explicitly claimed otherwise or a specific order is inherently necessitated by the claim language.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be programmed using an object-oriented programming language, such as SmallTalk, Java, C++, Ada or C #. Other object-oriented programming languages may also be used. Alternatively, functional, scripting, and/or logical programming languages may be used. Various aspects of this disclosure may be implemented in a non-programmed environment, for example, documents created in HTML, XML, or other format that, when viewed in a window of a browser program, render aspects of a GUI or perform other functions. Various aspects of the disclosure may be implemented as programmed or non-programmed elements, or any combination thereof.