Patent Description:
Combustion engines are used in a wide variety of applications such as, for example, in vehicles, watercraft, aircraft, construction equipment, agricultural equipment, generators, and the like. When an engine is installed for use in an application, the engine may be installed with or without the fan assembly (e.g., a fan pulley and fan). When an engine is installed without a fan assembly, a mounting plate may be required to mount the fan assembly to the engine. <CIT> discloses an internal combustion engine with a cylinder crankcase and a cylinder head with integrated height-adjustable fan attachment for elastic V-ribbed belts. The internal combustion engine comprises a crankcase, at least one device for driving a fan, comprising a fan bracket and a bearing arrangement, via which the fan is arranged so as to be displaceable relative to the crankshaft of a combustion engine of the drive assembly, and a belt drive, via which the fan can be driven, having a first belt pulley and a second belt pulley, which are drive-connected via a belt, the first belt pulley being arranged on the bearing arrangement. The dependent claims contain advantageous embodiments of the present invention.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the following drawings, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Often times, the spaces provided for an engine and an engine fan in various applications are designed in consideration of the spatial requirements of only a single engine or a single engine manufacturer. Accordingly, in some instances the spaces provided may only be able to accommodate the single engine type or single engine manufacturer considered during design. In other instances, the location of an engine fan must be changed in order for an engine to be used in an application, due to spatial constraints of the application.

Accordingly, in order for an engine to be used in a plurality of different applications, the engine fan must be capable of mounting to the engine in a plurality of different positions. Mounting a fan to an engine in a plurality of different positions requires that either holes for mounting a single fan mounting plate to the engine are formed in the engine for each of the plurality of different positions or that a different mounting plate is provided for each of the plurality of fan positions. Forming holes in the engine for mounting a single fan mounting plate to the engine in each of the plurality of different positions is disadvantageous because forming additional holes in the engine increases manufacturing cost and limits the degree of freedom when designing the engine as holes may not be formed in some parts and/or regions of the engine. Using a different mounting plate for each of the plurality of different positions is disadvantageous because additional parts must be manufactured, increasing costs. Accordingly, there exists a need for a universal mounting plate for mounting a fan to an engine in a plurality of positions in consideration of the spatial constraints of various engine applications.

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details and methodology set forth in the detailed description or illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

When a component, element, device, or the like of the present disclosure is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, or the like, the component, device, or element should be considered herein as being "configured to" meet that purpose or to perform that operation or function.

Described herein are mounting plates for mounting a fan to an engine and engine assemblies including a mounting plate for mounting a fan to an engine. The mounting plates and engine assemblies disclosed herein allow a fan shaft to be installed on an engine in a plurality of different positions using a single mounting plate. Rotational motion of the mounting plate allows the location of the fan shaft, and thus the location of an engine fan to be changed relative to the engine. Changing the location of an engine fan relative to the engine allows the engine and fan to be used in a variety of applications having different spatial constraints. In one example, the mounting plate may provide a plurality of fan positions so that an engine and fan fit within a plurality of different engine bays. In another example, the mounting plate may provide a plurality of fan positions so that the engine and fan fit within a plurality of different generator enclosures. In another examples, the mounting plate or an engine assembly including a mounting plate disclosed herein may be used to adjust a location of an engine fan allowing a replacement or new engine to fit within the spatial constraints of a plurality of different engine bays.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of a mounting plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The mounting plate <NUM> includes a body <NUM> and a fan shaft <NUM> extending away from the body <NUM>. The mounting plate <NUM> further includes a plurality of body mounting holes <NUM> (body mounting holes 130a-130e).

The body <NUM> may be configured to be coupled to an engine in a plurality of different positions. Each of the plurality of positions of the body <NUM> may be achieved via a rotational motion of the body <NUM>. The body <NUM> includes a perimeter <NUM> forming an outer edge of the body <NUM> and defining a shape of the body <NUM>. In some examples, and as illustrated in <FIG>, the body <NUM> has a pentagonal shape. The size and shape of the body <NUM> may vary. In other examples, the body <NUM> may have a rectangular or square shape. The body <NUM> may be comprised of a metal, or a metal alloy. For example, the body <NUM> may be comprised of aluminum alloy, cast iron, steel, or the like.

In some examples, as illustrated in <FIG>, an outer surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> or a portion of the outer surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> may have a substantially convex shape. An outer surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> may have a substantially convex such that the body <NUM> has smallest thickness between the outer surface <NUM> and a surface opposite the outer surfaced (i.e., inner surface <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>) along the perimeter <NUM> of the body <NUM>. In some examples, and as illustrated in <FIG>, a thickness between the outer surface <NUM> and a surface opposite the outer surface may gradually increase to point on the body <NUM> at which the fan mounting shaft <NUM> is disposed. In other examples, the thickness between the outer surface and a surface opposite the outer surface may gradually increase to a center point. In other examples, the thickness may gradually increase to another point. The rate at which the thickness increases may vary, in some areas the rate of change may be greater than in other areas. The thickness of the body <NUM> may vary. The surface opposite the outer surface may be a planar or a substantially planar surface.

The mounting plate <NUM> includes a fan mounting shaft <NUM> extending away from the body <NUM> of the mounting plate <NUM>. The fan shaft <NUM> has a circular cross section. The diameter of the fan shaft <NUM> may vary. The length of the fan shaft, i.e., the distance between the body <NUM> and a protruding end <NUM> of the fan shaft <NUM> may vary. The fan shaft <NUM> includes a central axis <NUM> extending along a center point of the circular cross section of the fan shaft <NUM>. The fan shaft <NUM> is configured to support a fan pulley and an engine fan. The fan shaft <NUM> may be comprised of a metal, or a metal alloy. For example, the fan shaft <NUM> may be comprised of aluminum alloy, cast iron, steel, or the like.

The location of the fan shaft <NUM> may be configured to change relative to an engine to which the mounting plate <NUM> is coupled depending on a position in which the mounting plate <NUM> (e.g., the body <NUM>) is coupled to the engine. For example, a first location of the fan shaft <NUM> (when the body <NUM> is) in at least one of the plurality of positions may be changed relative to a second location of the fan shaft <NUM> (when the body <NUM> is) in at least (another) one of the plurality of positions. The vertical location and/or the horizontal location of the fan shaft <NUM> may be changed. For example, a first vertical location of the fan shaft in at least one of the plurality of positions may be changed relative to a second vertical location of the fan shaft in at least one of the plurality of positions. For example, the second vertical location may be higher or lower than the first vertical location. In another example, a first horizontal location of the fan shaft in at least one of the plurality of positions may be changed relative to a second horizontal location of the fan shaft in at least one of the plurality of positions. In some examples, both the vertical and horizontal location of the fan shaft may be changed. Coupling the mounting plate <NUM> to the engine in a specific position amongst a plurality of positions may allow an engine, mounting plate, and a fan assembly (e.g., a fan and fan pulley) to fit within the spatial constraint of an engine bay or another enclosure.

The mounting plate <NUM> includes a plurality of body mounting holes <NUM>(a-e) extending through the body <NUM>. The body mounting holes <NUM> are configured to receive a fastener for coupling the body <NUM> to an engine. As illustrated in the example of <FIG>, the mounting plate <NUM> includes five body mounting holes. In other examples, additional or fewer body mounting holes may be used. For example, the mounting plate <NUM> may include three body mounting holes <NUM>. In another example, the mounting plate may include six body mounting holes <NUM>. In some examples, as illustrated in <FIG>, the body mounting holes <NUM> may be disposed proximate to the perimeter of the body <NUM>. In other examples, the body mounting holes may be disposed in different locations. In some examples, and as illustrated in <FIG>, the body mounting holes <NUM> may extend through the body <NUM> near the perimeter <NUM> of the body <NUM>. In other examples, one or more body mounting holes <NUM> may be located proximate to a center of the body <NUM>.

In some examples, the mounting plate <NUM> may include one or more reference marks (reference marks <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>). Each of the one or more reference marks may be provided at or near one of the body mounting holes <NUM> and may be used to indicate a position in which the body <NUM> is mounted to an engine.

An engine may include a plurality of engine holes formed therein. Each engine hole may be configured to receive a fastener that extends through the mounting plate in order to couple the mounting plate <NUM> to the engine. One of the engine holes may be designated as the reference engine hole. For example, when looking at the front of an engine, the leftmost engine hole may be designated as the reference engine hole.

Accordingly, the body <NUM> may be rotated relative to the engine such that a first body mounting hole 130a corresponding to (e.g., located adjacent to) a first reference mark <NUM> is aligned with the reference engine hole. When the first body mounting hole 130a is aligned with the reference engine hole a fastener may extend through the first body mounting hole 130a and into the reference engine hole coupling the body <NUM> to the engine in a first position. One or more additional fasteners may extend through body mounting holes into engine holes in order to couple the body <NUM> to the engine.

Accordingly, a body mounting hole 130b corresponding to a second reference mark <NUM> may be aligned with the reference engine hole to couple the body <NUM> to the engine in a second position. A body mounting hole 130d corresponding to a third reference mark <NUM> may be aligned with the reference engine hole to couple the body <NUM> to the engine in a third position. Additional or fewer reference marks may be included. Additional or fewer mounting positions may be provided (e.g., possible, designated).

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of a mounting plate according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The mounting plate <NUM> includes body <NUM>, fan shaft <NUM> extending away from the body <NUM>, a plurality of body mounting holes <NUM>(a-f), hub <NUM>, and a plurality of ridges <NUM>.

The body <NUM>, like the body <NUM> of <FIG>, is configured to be coupled to an engine in a plurality of positions via a fastener received in each of one or more of the body mounting holes <NUM>(a-f). The plurality of different positions may be achieved by a rotational motion of the body <NUM>. The body <NUM> includes a perimeter <NUM> along an outer edge of the body <NUM> defining a substantially circular shape of the body <NUM>. The body <NUM> may be comprised of the same material as the body <NUM> of <FIG>.

In some examples, and as illustrated in <FIG>, the mounting plate <NUM> may include a hub <NUM> and one or more ridges <NUM>. In some examples, the hub <NUM> and ridges <NUM> may be integrally formed with the body and may be comprised of the same material as the body <NUM>. In other examples, the hub <NUM> and/or ridges <NUM> may be separate components and may be fixed (e.g., welded) to the body <NUM>. The hub <NUM> and/or ridges <NUM> may be comprised of a metal, or a metal alloy. For examples, the hub <NUM> and/or ridges <NUM> may be comprised of aluminum alloy, cast iron, steel, or the like.

The hub <NUM> may extend beyond an outer surface <NUM> of the body <NUM>. In some examples, and as illustrated in <FIG>, the hub <NUM> may have a substantially cylindrical shape. In other examples, the hub <NUM> may have another shape. For example, the hub <NUM> may have a rectangular shape, a pentagonal shape, or the like.

The mounting plate <NUM> may further include one or more ridges <NUM>. Each of the one or more ridges <NUM> may extend from a ridge first end <NUM> disposed proximate to a body mounting hole, for example one of the body mounting holes <NUM>(a-f), to a ridge second end <NUM> that abuts the hub <NUM>. In some examples, the one or more ridges <NUM> are integrally formed with the hub <NUM> and/or the body <NUM>. In other examples, the ridge second end <NUM> may be fixed to the hub <NUM>. For example, the ridge second end <NUM> may be welded to the hub <NUM>.

The mounting plate <NUM> includes a fan shaft <NUM> extending away from the body <NUM> to a protruding end <NUM>. In some examples, the fan shaft <NUM> may be disposed at a position other than a center of the body <NUM>. The fan shaft <NUM>, like the fan shaft <NUM> of <FIG>, has a circular cross section. The diameter and the length of the fan shaft may vary. The fan shaft <NUM> includes a central axis extending along a central point of the circular cross section of the fan shaft <NUM>. The fan shaft <NUM> is configured to support a fan pulley and an engine fan. The fan shaft <NUM> may be the same as the fan shaft <NUM> discussed above with respect to <FIG>. A location of the fan shaft <NUM> may be configured to change relative to an engine to which the mounting plate <NUM> is coupled to depending on an orientation in which the mounting plate <NUM> (e.g., the body <NUM>) is coupled to the engine. In some examples, and as illustrated in <FIG>, the fan shaft <NUM> may extend from the hub <NUM>. The fan shaft <NUM> may extend away from the hub <NUM> and the body <NUM>. The hub <NUM> and/or the one or more ridges <NUM> may increase the structural rigidity of the mounting plate <NUM>. Accordingly, the structural rigidity of the fan shaft <NUM> may be increased, allowing the fan shaft to support larger and/or heavier fan assemblies.

The fan shaft <NUM> may further include an internal cavity <NUM> formed therein. In some examples, a portion of the interior surface defining the internal cavity may be threaded and the internal cavity may be configured to receive a pulley fastener for rotatably coupling a fan pulley to the fan shaft <NUM>. Additional description of coupling the fan pulley to the fan shaft is provided hereinafter with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of yet another mounting plate <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The mounting plate <NUM> include a body <NUM>, body mounting holes <NUM>(a-e), a first reference mark <NUM>, a second reference mark <NUM>, and a third reference mark <NUM>. The body <NUM>, body mounting holes <NUM>(a-e), a first reference mark <NUM>, a second reference mark <NUM>, and a third reference mark <NUM> may be the same as those discussed above with reference to <FIG>. The body <NUM> includes outer surface <NUM>, which may be the same as the outer surface <NUM> described above with respect to claim <NUM>. In the example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the mounting plate <NUM> includes a fan shaft mounting hole <NUM>. The fan shaft mounting hole <NUM> may be configured to receive a fan shaft to be coupled to the mounting plate <NUM>.

The fan shaft mounting hole <NUM> may be formed in an outer surface <NUM> of the body <NUM>. The fan shaft mounting hole <NUM> is configured to change locations with respect to an engine to which the mounting plate <NUM> is coupled based on an orientation or position of the engine mounting plate <NUM> relative to the engine. The various positions of the mounting plate <NUM> relative to the engine may be achieved via rotational motion of the mounting plate. For example, a first location of the fan shaft mounting hole <NUM> (when the body <NUM> is) in at least one of the plurality of positions being changed relative a second location of the fan shaft mounting hole <NUM> (when the body <NUM> is) in at least (another) one of the plurality of positions. A vertical location and/or a horizontal location of the fan shaft mounting hole <NUM> may be changed. For example, a first vertical location of the fan shaft mounting hole in at least one of the plurality of positions may be changed relative to a second vertical location of the fan shaft in at least one of the plurality of positions. In another example, a first horizontal location of the fan shaft mounting hole in at least one of the plurality of positions is changed relative to a second horizontal location of the fan shaft in at least one of the plurality of positions. In some embodiments, both a vertical and a horizontal location may change.

In some examples, and as illustrated in <FIG>, the fan shaft mounting hole <NUM> may be disposed between a center of the body <NUM> and a perimeter of the body. The size (e.g., radius, depth) and/or location of the fan shaft mounting hole <NUM> may vary. The depth and radius of the fan shaft mounting hole <NUM> may vary in consideration of the size and/or weight of the fan shaft and the size and/or weight of the fan assembly to be supported by the fan shaft.

In some embodiments, an interior curved surface <NUM> of the fan shaft mounting hole <NUM> may be threaded. Additionally, an end of a fan shaft to be coupled to the fan shaft mounting hole <NUM> may be threaded corresponding to the interior curved surface <NUM>. The fan shaft may be configured to be attached to the body <NUM> by inserting the fan shaft into the fan shaft mounting hole <NUM>. The fan shaft may be coupled to the fan shaft mounting hole <NUM> by screwing the fan shaft into the fan shaft mounting hole <NUM>. In some examples, the fan shaft mounting hole <NUM> may include a mounting hole flange <NUM> surrounding the mounting hole <NUM>. A fan shaft may abut the mounting hole flange <NUM> when the fan shaft is coupled to (e.g., inserted into) the fan shaft mounting hole. In other examples, a fan shaft may be coupled to the fan shaft mounting hole <NUM> by welding the fan shaft to the mounting hole <NUM>. In some embodiments, the fan shaft mounting hole <NUM> may further include a shaft fastener hole <NUM>. An interior curved surface of the shaft fastener hole may be threaded. The shaft fastener hole may be configured to receive a shaft fastener for securing a fan shaft to the mounting plate <NUM>. The fan shaft may be made of a metal or metal alloy. For example, the fan shaft may be made of steel.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an engine assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The engine assembly includes engine <NUM>, mounting plate <NUM>, and fan pulley <NUM>. The fan pulley <NUM> is coupled to the fan shaft (such as fan shaft <NUM> of <FIG>) of the mounting plate <NUM>.

The engine <NUM> may be an internal combustion engine. For example, the engine <NUM> may be a spark ignition engine or a diesel compression ignition engine. The engine <NUM> may be used in wide variety of applications. For example, the engine may be used in a vehicle, watercraft, aircraft, construction equipment, agricultural equipment, generators, and the like.

The mounting plate may be the mounting plate <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> or another mounting plate. The mounting plate <NUM> is coupled to the engine <NUM> using a plurality of body fasteners <NUM>. In some examples, three body fasteners <NUM> may be used to couple the mounting plate <NUM> to the engine <NUM>. In other examples, additional or fewer body fasteners <NUM> may be used. For examples, two or four body fasteners <NUM> may be used. In some examples, the body fasteners <NUM> may be bolts. In other examples, the body fasteners may be screws or rivets. Each of the plurality of the body fasteners <NUM> may extend through a body mounting hole, for example one of body mounting holes <NUM>(a-e) of <FIG>. , into an engine hole formed in the engine, coupling the mounting plate to the engine.

The body fasteners <NUM> may be comprised of metal or a metal alloy. For example, the body fasteners <NUM> may be comprised of aluminum alloy, cast iron, steel, or the like. The length and diameter of the body fasteners <NUM> may vary. For example, the length and diameter of the body fasteners <NUM> may vary in consideration of the size and weight of the mounting plate <NUM> and the size and/or the size and weight of a fan assembly to be supported by the fan shaft.

The fan pulley <NUM> may be fixed to the fan shaft using a pulley fastener <NUM>. The pulley fasteners <NUM> may be a bolt or a screw. The pulley fasteners <NUM> may be comprised of a metal or a metal alloy. The size and shape of the pulley fastener <NUM> may vary. For example, the size and shape of the pulley fastener may vary depending on the size and/or weight of the fan pulley <NUM> and/or a fan to be fixed to the fan pulley.

The fan pulley <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the fan shaft of the mounting plate <NUM>. The fan pulley <NUM> is configured to support a fan fixed thereto. The fan pulley <NUM> is rotatably connected the fan shaft of the mounting plate <NUM> such that the fan pulley <NUM> and a fan fixed to the fan pulley <NUM> may rotate about the fan shaft. A portion or portions of the fan belt <NUM> may reside in one or more channels formed in the fan pulley <NUM>. A fan belt <NUM> may be wrapped around a portion of the fan pulley so as to transfer mechanical energy to the fan pulley <NUM> causing the fan pulley <NUM>, and a fan attached to the fan pulley <NUM>, to rotate. The fan belt <NUM> may also be wrapped around a portion of a camshaft so as to transfer mechanical energy from the camshaft to the fan pulley <NUM> when operation of the engine causes the cam shaft to rotate. In some examples, the fan belt <NUM> may also be wrapped around a portion of a pulley for operation of a water pump.

<FIG> illustrates a cross section view of a mounting plate and a fan assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The fan assembly includes a fan pulley <NUM> and a fan shaft. The fan <NUM> is fixed to the pulley <NUM> using fan plate <NUM> and one or more fan fasteners <NUM>. The fan <NUM> may be brought into contact with the fan pulley <NUM>. A fan plate <NUM> may then be placed over the fan <NUM>. One or more fan fasteners <NUM> may extend through the fan plate <NUM> and/or the fan <NUM> and into the fan pulley <NUM> fixing the fan <NUM> to the pulley <NUM>. The one or more fan fasteners <NUM> may be a bolt or a screw. The one or more fan fasteners <NUM> may be comprised of a metal or a metal alloy. The size and shape of the fan fastener <NUM> may vary. For example, the size and shape of the fan fastener <NUM> may vary depending on the size and/or weight of the fan pulley <NUM> and/or a fan to be fixed to the fan pulley <NUM>. The size of the fan <NUM> may vary corresponding to the cooling needs of the engine.

The body <NUM> may be the same as the body <NUM> described above with respect to <FIG>. The body <NUM> may further include inner surface <NUM>. The inner surface <NUM> may be a surface opposite the outer surface <NUM> of the body. The inner surface <NUM> may abut an engine, when the body <NUM> is coupled to an engine. The body <NUM> may be coupled to an engine using one or more body fasteners <NUM>. In some examples, as illustrated in <FIG>, the body <NUM> may further include one or more internal pockets <NUM> therein. The one or more internal pockets <NUM> may be hollow interior portions of the body <NUM>. One or more of the internal pockets <NUM> may connect to the internal cavity <NUM> of the fan shaft <NUM>. The internal cavity <NUM> of the fan shaft <NUM> may be the same as the internal cavity <NUM> discussed above with respect to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a cross section view of a fan pulley assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The fan pulley assembly includes fan pulley <NUM>, fan bearing <NUM>, inner rings <NUM>, outer rings <NUM>, and washer <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the fan pulley <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the fan shaft <NUM> of the fan mounting plate <NUM>.

The fan pulley assembly may include one or more bearing assemblies. Each bearing assembly may include a fan bearing <NUM> disposed between an inner ring <NUM> and an outer ring. The fan pulley assembly as illustrated in <FIG> includes two bearing assemblies. Additional, or fewer bearing assemblies may be used. The fan bearing <NUM> may be, for example, a ball bearing for receiving frictional force between the inner ring <NUM> and the outer ring <NUM>, when the inner ring <NUM> and/or the outer ring <NUM> rotate relative to one another. The fan pulley <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the fan shaft <NUM> such that the inner ring <NUM> of each of the bearing assemblies is in contact with the fan shaft <NUM>. The fan pulley <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the fan shaft such that the outer ring <NUM> of each of the bearing assemblies is in contact with the fan pulley <NUM>.

The fan pulley <NUM> may include a retention feature <NUM> extending inward from the interior curved surface of the fan assembly on a front end of the fan pulley (i.e., an end facing away from the body <NUM> and engine <NUM>). The fan pulley <NUM> may further include a locking groove <NUM> formed in the interior curved surface of the fan pulley <NUM> proximate to a back end of the fan pulley <NUM> (i.e., an end facing toward the body <NUM> and engine <NUM>). The locking groove <NUM> may be configured to receive a locking member <NUM> for locking or securing the one or more bearing assemblies between the retention member <NUM> and the locking member <NUM>. The outer ring <NUM> of each of the bearing assemblies may be locked or secured between the retention member <NUM> and the locking member <NUM>.

The fan shaft <NUM> may further include a notch <NUM> formed therein proximate to the protruding end <NUM> of the fan shaft <NUM>. The notch <NUM> may be configured to receive a washer <NUM> for locking or securing each of the one or more bearing assemblies between the washer <NUM> and the body <NUM> of the mounting plate <NUM>. The inner bearing of each of the bearing assemblies may be locked or secured between the body <NUM> and the washer <NUM>. In some examples the washer <NUM> may include a washer hole <NUM> formed therein. The washer hole <NUM> may be configured to receive a washer fastener. The washer fastener may be configured to extend through the washer hole <NUM> into a cavity formed in the inner ring <NUM> of the bearing assembly, fixing the washer to the inner ring <NUM>. The washer fastener may fix an inner ring <NUM> of one of the bearing assemblies to the washer <NUM> and/or the fan shaft <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a cross section view of a fan assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The fan assembly includes a mounting plate, for example, the mounting plate <NUM> as described in <FIG>, and a fan shaft <NUM>. In this example, the fan shaft <NUM> is formed as a separate component from the mounting plate <NUM>. The fan shaft <NUM> may be comprised of a metal or metal alloy. For example, the fan shaft <NUM> may be comprised of steel. The fan shaft <NUM> may further include a flanged portion <NUM> having a larger diameter than the rest of the fan shaft <NUM>.

In this example, the fan pulley <NUM>, bearing assemblies, and fan shaft may be secured to one another similarly to the fan pulley <NUM>, bearing assemblies, and fan shaft <NUM> as described above with respect to <FIG>. The inner rings <NUM> of the one or more bearing assemblies may be locked or secured between the washer <NUM> and the flange portion <NUM> of the fan shaft <NUM>. The outer rings <NUM> of the one or more bearing rings may be locked or secured between the retention feature <NUM> and the locking member <NUM>. Accordingly, the pulley <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the fan shaft <NUM>.

The fan shaft <NUM> may be fixed to the body <NUM> of the mounting plate <NUM> using a shaft fastener <NUM>. The shaft fastener <NUM> may extend through the fan shaft <NUM> into the shaft fastener hole <NUM>. In some embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, the shaft fastener hole may extend through the body <NUM>. The shaft fastener <NUM> may be a bolt. The shaft fastener may be comprised of a metal or a metal alloy.

<FIG> illustrates a cross section view of a fan assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. The fan assembly includes a mounting plate <NUM> and a fan shaft <NUM>. In this example, the fan shaft <NUM> is formed as a separate component from the mounting plate <NUM>. The fan shaft <NUM> may be comprised of a metal or metal alloy. For example, the fan shaft <NUM> may be comprised of steel.

In this example, the fan shaft <NUM> may be inserted into the fan shaft mounting hole <NUM> of the mounting plate <NUM> such that the fan shaft <NUM> extends away from the body <NUM>. In some examples the interior curved surface <NUM> of the body mounting hole <NUM> may be threaded. An end of the fan shaft <NUM> to be inserted into the body mounting hole <NUM> may be threaded and have threads corresponding to those of the interior curved surface <NUM> of the body mounting hole <NUM>. Accordingly, the fan shaft <NUM> may be rotated (e.g., screwed) into that body mounting hole <NUM> such that the threads of the interior curved surface <NUM> interlock with the threads of the fan shaft <NUM>, thus securing the fan shaft <NUM> to the body mounting hole <NUM>.

The fan assembly includes one or more bearing assemblies, including a bearing <NUM>, inner ring <NUM>, and outer ring <NUM>. The bearing <NUM>, inner ring <NUM>, and outer ring <NUM> may be the same as those discussed above with respect to <FIG>. The one or more bearing assemblies may be placed over the fan shaft <NUM>, such that the inner ring <NUM> circumscribes the fan shaft <NUM>. One or more bearing assemblies and one or more spacers <NUM> may be placed over the fan shaft such that the bearing assemblies and/or the spacers circumscribe the fan shaft <NUM>. For example, a first bearing assembly may be placed over the fan shaft and brought into contact with the mounting hole flange <NUM>. A spacer <NUM> may then be placed over the fan shaft <NUM> and brought into contact with the first bearing assembly. A second bearing assembly may then be placed over the fan shaft <NUM> and brought into contact with the spacer <NUM>.

A retention ring <NUM>, retention plate <NUM>, and a shaft fastener <NUM> may be used to secure the fan shaft <NUM>, the one or more bearing assemblies, one or more spacers <NUM>, and the pulley <NUM>. The retention ring <NUM> may include a retention ring flange <NUM>. The retention ring <NUM> may be placed adjacent to the fan shaft <NUM>. The retention ring flange <NUM> may protrude from the retention ring <NUM>. The retention ring flange <NUM> may lock or secure the one or more inner rings <NUM> and spacers <NUM> between the mounting hole flange <NUM> and the retention ring flange <NUM>. A retention plate <NUM> may be placed adjacent to the retention ring <NUM>. A shaft fastener <NUM> may be extended through a hole formed in the retention plate <NUM>, retention ring <NUM>, and fan shaft <NUM> into the mounting plate <NUM>. The shaft fastener <NUM> may extend into the shaft fastener hole <NUM> of the body. The shaft fastener <NUM> and an interior surface of the shaft fastener hole <NUM> may be threaded and have corresponding threads that interlock with one another when the shaft fastener <NUM> is rotated into the shaft fastener hole <NUM>.

The fan assembly may further include a locking member <NUM> and a retention member <NUM> for locking or securing the one or more outer rings <NUM> relative to the fan pulley <NUM>. The retention member <NUM> may be configured to fit into a retention groove <NUM> formed in the inner curved surface of the fan pulley <NUM>. The retention groove <NUM> may be formed in the inner curved surface of the fan pulley <NUM> proximate to a front end (e.g., an end configured to be further from the mounting plate <NUM> and engine <NUM>) of the fan pulley <NUM>. The retention groove <NUM> may be configured to receive the retention member <NUM>. The retention member <NUM> may be configured to contact an outer ring <NUM> of one of the bearing assemblies and prevent translational movement of the bearing assembly towards a front end of the fan pulley <NUM>. The fan assembly may also include a locking groove <NUM> formed in the fan pulley <NUM> and a locking member <NUM>. The locking groove <NUM> and the locking member <NUM> may be the same as those discussed above with respect to <FIG>. The retention member <NUM> and the locking member <NUM> may lock or secure the one or more bearing assemblies between the retention member <NUM> and the locking member <NUM>. Accordingly, the fan pulley <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the fan shaft <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate an engine assembly including a mounting plate coupled to an engine in a plurality of positions. The mounting plate may be, for example, mounting plate <NUM> as described above with respect to <FIG>. The engine may be, for example engine <NUM> as described above with respect to <FIG>. In the example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the plurality of positions of the body <NUM> may include three positions. Additional or fewer positions are possible. Each of the plurality of positions may be achieved via a rotational motion of the body <NUM>.

In each of the positions of the mounting plate <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> three body fasteners <NUM> are used to couple the mounting plate (e.g., the body <NUM>) to the engine. In the engine assembly as illustrated in each of <FIG>, the left-most engine mounting hole may be the reference engine hole. In each of <FIG> a body fastener <NUM> extends through a body mounting hole (one of body mounting holes <NUM>(a-e)) and into the reference engine hole (in <FIG> the location of the reference engine hole corresponds to the location of the left-most body fastener <NUM>).

The engine <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> include three engine mounting holes (e.g., engine mounting hole <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>), each of which is occupied by a body fastener <NUM> in <FIG>. The engine <NUM> may include additional or fewer engine holes. In one example, the engine <NUM> may include two engine holes. In another example, the engine <NUM> may include four engine holes. In some examples, not all of the engine mounting holes are occupied by a body fastener <NUM> when the body <NUM> is coupled to the engine <NUM>. The number of body fasteners <NUM> used to couple the body <NUM> to the engine <NUM> may vary. In some examples, two body fasteners <NUM> may be used to couple the body <NUM> to the engine <NUM>. In other examples four body fasteners <NUM> may be used to couple the body <NUM> to the engine <NUM>. A different set of two or more of the plurality of body mounting holes <NUM>(a-e) may receive a body fastener for coupling the body <NUM> to the engine in each of the plurality of positions of the body <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the mounting plate <NUM> (e.g., the body <NUM>) coupled to an engine <NUM> in a first position. When the mounting plate <NUM> is coupled to the engine <NUM> in the first position, the body mounting hole corresponding to (i.e., adjacent to) the first reference mark <NUM> may be aligned with the reference engine hole. As illustrated in <FIG>, the first reference mark <NUM> is aligned with the reference engine hole. As illustrated in <FIG> two additional body fasteners <NUM> extend through body mounting holes into the engine holes, coupling the mounting plate <NUM> to the engine <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, when the mounting plate <NUM> is coupled to the engine in the first position, the central axis <NUM> of the fan shaft <NUM> is in a first location.

<FIG> illustrates the mounting plate <NUM> (e.g., the body <NUM>) coupled to an engine <NUM> in a second position. When the mounting plate <NUM> is coupled to the engine <NUM> in the second position, the body mounting hole corresponding to (i.e., adjacent to) the second reference mark <NUM> may be aligned with the reference engine hole. As illustrated in <FIG>, the second reference mark <NUM> is aligned with the reference engine hole. As illustrated in <FIG> two additional body fasteners <NUM> extend through body mounting holes into the engine holes, coupling the mounting plate <NUM> to the engine <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, when the mounting plate <NUM> is coupled to the engine in the second position, the central axis <NUM> of the fan shaft <NUM> is in a second location.

<FIG> illustrates the mounting plate <NUM> (e.g., the body <NUM>) coupled to an engine <NUM> in a third position. When the mounting plate <NUM> is coupled to the engine <NUM> in the third position, the body mounting hole corresponding to (i.e., adjacent to) the third reference mark <NUM> may be aligned with the reference engine hole. As illustrated in <FIG>, the third reference mark <NUM> is aligned with the reference engine hole. As illustrated in <FIG> two additional body fasteners <NUM> extend through body mounting holes into the engine holes, coupling the mounting plate <NUM> to the engine <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, when the mounting plate <NUM> is coupled to the engine in the third position, the central axis <NUM> of the fan shaft <NUM> is in a third location.

As illustrated in FIGS. <NUM>-11a first location of the fan shaft <NUM> in at least one of the plurality of positions of the body <NUM> is changed relative to a second location of the fan shaft <NUM> in at least another one of the plurality of positions of the fan shaft <NUM>. For example, as illustrated by the three positions of the mounting plate <NUM> shown in <FIG>, a vertical location of the fan shaft <NUM> (e.g., the central axis of the fan shaft <NUM>) in at least one of the plurality of positions (of the body <NUM>) is changed relative to a second vertical location of the fan shaft <NUM> (when the body <NUM> is) in at least (another) one of the plurality (of body <NUM>) positions. In another example, as illustrated by the three positions of the mounting plate <NUM> shown in <FIG>, a horizontal location of the fan shaft (e.g., the central axis of the fan shaft <NUM>) in at least one of the plurality of positions (of the body <NUM>) is changed relative to a second horizontal location of the fan shaft <NUM> (when the body <NUM> is) in at least (another) one of the plurality (of body <NUM>) positions. In some examples, both a horizontal and a vertical location of the fan shaft <NUM> may be changed depending on the position of the body <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a flowchart for coupling a fan mounting plate to an engine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The various mounting plates and engine assemblies disclosed herein may utilize the flowchart of <FIG> for coupling the mounting plate to an engine. Additional, fewer, or different acts may be provided. The flow chart of <FIG> may be employed with any of the mounting plates described herein. However, for ease of explanation, the flowchart of <FIG> is explained below with reference to mounting plate <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

At act S101, a desired position of the body <NUM> of the mounting plate <NUM> relative to an engine (for example, engine <NUM>) is identified. The desired position of the body <NUM> may be identified in consideration of the location of the fan shaft <NUM> relative to the engine <NUM> in each of the plurality of positions. In other examples, such as when the mounting plate <NUM> is used, the desired position of the of the body <NUM> may be identified in consideration of the location of the body mounting hole <NUM> relative to the engine <NUM> in each of the plurality of positions. The desired position of the body <NUM> may be identified in consideration of the location of the fan shaft in combination with the size of a fan assembly, for example fan pulley <NUM> and fan <NUM> to be attached to the fan shaft <NUM> and the spatial constraints proximate to the engine <NUM>. For example, there may be limited space within an engine bay or generator enclosure for the fan assembly and the fan assembly may only fit within the engine bay or generator enclosure when the fan shaft <NUM> is in specific location or locations of the fan shaft locations based on the plurality of positions of the body <NUM> relative to the engine <NUM>. In some examples, there may only be a single position of the body <NUM> that allows a fan pulley and fan of a required size to fit within the spatial constraints of an engine bay or other enclosure surrounding the engine. In such an example, the desired position may be the only position of the body <NUM> that allows the fan assembly to fit within the engine bay or other enclosure.

At act S103, the reference mark for the desired position is aligned with the reference engine hole. Each of the plurality of positions of the body <NUM> relative to the engine <NUM> may be indicated by a reference mark, for example reference marks <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> as described above with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>. Further, the engine may have an engine reference hole as described in connection with <FIG> and <FIG>. At act S103, a body mounting hole corresponding with a reference mark for the desired position of the body <NUM> relative to the engine <NUM> is aligned with the reference hole of the engine <NUM>. The body <NUM> may be rotated relative to the engine <NUM> to align the reference mark for the desired position with the reference engine hole.

At act S105, one or more fasteners are inserted into the body mounting holes (e.g., one or more of body mounting holes <NUM>(a-e)). The one or more fasteners may be one or more body fasteners <NUM> as described above with respect to <FIG>. A body mounting fastener <NUM> may first be inserted through the body mounting hole corresponding with a reference mark for the desired position of the body <NUM> relative to the engine <NUM>. One or more additional mounting fasteners <NUM> may be inserted through one or more body mounting holes <NUM>(a-e). Each of the body fasteners <NUM> may extend through a body mounting hole into an engine hole formed in the engine <NUM>, coupling the body <NUM> to the engine <NUM>. Acts S101, S103, and S105 may be performed by during assembly of an engine assembly. Acts S101, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be performed by an engine manufacturer (e.g., technician, robot, machine) or an engine user.

As utilized herein, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially", and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

The term "coupled" and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If "coupled" or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of "coupled" provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., "directly coupled" means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of "coupled" provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

The term "or," as used herein, is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect a list of elements, the term "or" means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z," unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood to convey that an element may be either X, Y, Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated.

Claim 1:
A fan mounting plate (<NUM>) comprising:
a body (<NUM>) configured to be coupled to an engine (<NUM>) in a plurality of positions, each of the plurality of positions achieved via a rotational motion of the body (<NUM>);
a fan shaft (<NUM>) mounting hole (<NUM>) formed in the body (<NUM>), a first location of the fan shaft mounting hole (<NUM>) in at least one of the plurality of positions being changed relative to a second location of the fan shaft mounting hole (<NUM>) in at least one of the plurality of positions; and
a plurality of body mounting holes (130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, 130e) extending through the body (<NUM>) and configured to receive a fastener (<NUM>) for coupling the body (<NUM>) to the engine (<NUM>).