WO2025170569A1

WO2025170569A1 - Sound reduction system for a generator

Info

Publication number: WO2025170569A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/014512
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brandon Miller; Armand MUCCI; Paul NURCZYK; Alexander P. Kobryn
Original assignee: Generac Power Systems Inc
Current assignee: Generac Power Systems Inc
Priority date: 2024-02-05
Filing date: 2024-02-05
Publication date: 2025-08-14
Anticipated expiration: 2026-08-05

Abstract

A panel system for a generator with a panel assembly. The panel assembly includes a panel with a generator attachment structure configured to attach the panel assembly to the generator. The panel assembly includes a housing attached to the panel. The housing defines an interior with opposite first and second side walls extending between a front wall and a rear wall and partially between a top wall and a bottom wall. The front wall and the rear wall extend between the top wall and the bottom wall. The housing includes first and second openings extending between the interior and an exterior of the housing. The panel assembly includes a first sound member within the interior of the housing. The first sound member forms a portion of a sound path, the sound path defines a portion of the interior and extends between the first opening and the second opening.

Description

SOUND REDUCTION SYSTEM FOR A GENERATOR

BACKGROUND

[0001] Generators are useful for creating electrical energy. A generator typically includes an internal combustion engine, which is enclosed within a housing. During operation, the internal combustion engine produces sound. Although the housing encloses the internal combustion engine, the housing does not block all of the sound from the surrounding environment.

SUMMARY

[0002] In general terms, this disclosure is directed to a sound reduction system for a generator.

[0003] The disclosure includes a panel system for a generator with a panel assembly. The panel assembly includes a panel with a generator attachment structure configured to attach the panel assembly to the generator. The panel assembly includes a housing attached to the panel. The housing defines an interior with opposite first and second side walls extending between a front wall and a rear wall and partially between a top wall and a bottom wall. The front wall and the rear wall extend between the top wall and the bottom wall. The housing includes first and second openings extending between the interior and an exterior of the housing. The first opening is formed between a first end of the first side wall and the top wall and between the front wall and the rear wall. The second opening is formed between a second end of the second side wall and the bottom wall and between the front wall and the rear wall. The panel assembly includes a first sound member within the interior of the housing. The first sound member forms a portion of a sound path, the sound path defines a portion of the interior and extends between the first opening and the second opening.

[0004] An electric generator with a panel assembly. The panel assembly includes a panel with a generator attachment structure configured to attach the panel assembly to the generator. The panel assembly includes a housing attached to the panel. The housing includes an interior with a first opening adjacent the panel on a first side, and a second opening away from the panel on an opposite second side. The panel assembly includes a first sound member within the interior of the housing. The first sound member forms a portion of a sound path, the sound path defines a portion of the interior and extends between the first opening and the second opening. The sound path is configured to dampen sound entering the housing through the first opening and leaving the housing through the second opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. l is a first perspective view of an example generator including an example panel assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the generator of FIG. 1.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example noise cover in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example shell in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 5 is a first perspective view of an example panel assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 6 is a second perspective view of the panel assembly of FIG. 5.

[0011] FIG. 7 is a first perspective view of an example panel in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 8 is a second perspective view of the panel of FIG. 7.

[0013] FIG. 9 is a first perspective view of an example housing in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 10 is a second perspective view of the housing of FIG. 9.

[0015] FIG. 11 is a top view of the housing of FIG. 9.

[0016] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the housing of FIG. 9.

[0017] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an example housing in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an example housing with several walls removed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 15 is an illustrative example of a sound path within the housing of FIG. 13 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [0020] FIG. 16 is an illustrative example of sound travelling through the sound path of FIG. 15 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 17 is a schematic example of sound traveling through an example housing in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 18 is a schematic example of attaching an example panel system to an example generator in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims.

[0024] FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example generator 100 with a panel system 200 attached. The panel system 200, in general, is used to mitigate noise produced by the running generator 100. The panel system 200 acts as a noise baffle for the generator 100. During operation of the generator 100, noise emanates from the generator 100. The noise produced by the generator 100 is most significant in areas where there are generator openings between an exterior 110 of the generator 100 and an interior of the generator 100. The panel system 200 covers at least some of the generator 100 openings. In certain examples, the panel system 200 includes two panel assemblies 400. In certain examples, the panel system 200 further includes a noise cover 300. In certain examples, the panel system 200 is attached to the generator 100 during manufacture of the generator 100 and forms part of the generator exterior 110. In other examples, panel system 200 is attached as a replacement to existing panels on the generator 100. Parts of the panel system 200 will be discussed below.

[0025] The noise cover 300 is designed to fit over an access area 130 of the generator 100. The access area 130 may be for access to an alternator inlet duct or various other components of the generator 100. An example noise cover 300 is shown in FIG. 3. The noise cover 300 includes a shell 310, a plurality of atachment structures 320, and a sound reducing member 330.

[0026] The shell 310 provides exterior containment of the sound reducing member 330. An example shell 310 is shown in FIG. 4. The shell 310 may take any shape suitable for covering the access area 130 of the generator 100. In the present example, the shell 310 forms a cavity 311 with a base 312 and four walls surrounding a perimeter of the base 312. The cavity 311 may be a right rectangular prism shape. The walls include a top wall 315, a bottom wall 316, and two side walls 317. The side walls 317 extend normal to the base 312 and along opposite ends of the base 312 between the top and bottom walls 315, 316. The depth of the cavity 311 may vary to accommodate different sizes of sound reducing member 330 or extremities extending from the access area 130. The plurality of attachment structures 320 may be integral to the shell 310. FIGS. 3 and 4 show two example attachment structures 320a, 320b. The attachment structures 320a are designed for fasteners to engage the generator 100 and hold the noise cover 300 to the generator 100. The attachment structures 320a may be tabs. As shown, attachment structures 320a include a first portion 321 that extends toward the generator 100 and away from the base 312, and a second portion 322 that extends away from and normal to side walls 317 and parallel the base 312. For each side wall 317, one of the attachment structures 320a connects to a first end 318 of the side wall 317 and another attachment structure 320a connects to the side wall 317 near a second end 319 a majority of a length between the first end 318 and second end 319 towards the second end 319. The attachment structures 320a further include an aperture 323 designed for the shaft of a fastener to pass through. The apertures 323 are sized such that the head of a fastener would not pass through. The attachment structures 320a are designed to engage the head of a fastener and such that the attachment structure 320a would be pulled toward the generator 100 as the fastener drives into the generator 100.

[0027] The attachment structures 320b are designed to latch or hook onto the generator 100. The atachment structures 320b may be latches. The attachment structures 320b extend from the top wall 315, extending away from and normal to the top wall 315 and parallel the base 312. The top wall 315 includes a cutout portion 313 between the atachment structures 320b. The attachment structures 320b are connected to the top wall 315 near opposite ends. The attachment structures 320b are smaller than attachment structures 320a. In some cases, the generator 100 may have a corresponding feature to receive the attachment structure 320b.

[0028] The attachment structures 320 offset the cavity 311 away from the generator 100 by the length of the first portion 321 of attachment structure 320a. The offset may be used to provide airflow to the access area 130, or to provide space for components that extend outward from the generator 100. The shell 310 may be made of a plastic or metal material. In certain examples, the shell 310 and attachment structures are formed from a bent or stamped piece of material. In certain examples, the shell 310 is made of a material designed to reflect or absorb sound.

[0029] The sound reducing member 330 is designed to fit within the cavity 311 of the shell 310. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the sound reducing member 330 is a right rectangular prism, with a thickness about the same as a length between the base 312 and the first portion 321 of attachment structure 320a. The length between the base 312 and the first portion 321 of attachment structure 320a is the same as a length between the base and the cutout portion 313. The sound reducing member 330 may be made of any number of different sound absorbing materials or acoustic insulators. Examples of sound absorbing materials include porous materials, resonant materials, and composite materials. Porous materials generally reduce sound by absorbing sound within the porous structure and converting the sound waves to heat. Resonant materials generally reduce sound by vibrating in response to sound waves, which also converts sound to heat.

[0030] An example panel assembly 400 is shown on FIGS. 5 and 6. As shown, the panel assembly 400 includes a panel 410, a housing 440, and at least one sound member 470 positioned within the housing 440.

[0031] The panel 410 forms about a perimeter of the housing 440. The panel 410 is designed to connect the panel assembly 400 to the generator 100. The panel 410 may connect to the generator 100 in a variety of ways. In certain examples, the panel 410 is connected to the generator 100 by one or more of fasteners, rivets, latches, interlocking joints, adhesives, press fits, etc. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the panel 410 includes a first end 411 and a second end 412. The panel 410 has a length extending between the first end 411 and the second end 412. The first end 411 includes a first surface 416 and the second end 412 includes a second surface 417. The first and second surfaces 416, 417 extend between a first side 414 and a second side 415. In the example shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first surface 416 is flat about an axis 420 extending between the generator 100 and the housing 440. The first surface 416 is shaped to match the shaped aesthetics of the generator 100. An exterior edge of the first surface 416 forms a curved shape with a center portion running nearly parallel to the generator 100 and end portions sharpening the curve to turn inward toward the generator 100.

[0032] The first surface 416 includes a first generator attachment structure 419. The first generator attachment structure 419 includes an opening for fastener attachment to the generator 100. In certain examples, there may be more openings for fastener attachment, and there may also be different attachment structures as described previously. FIGS. 7 and 8 show the first surface 416 includes two first generator attachment structures 419. In the example shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the second surface 417 is flat about the axis 420 extending between the generator 100 and the housing 440. The second surface 417 is shaped to match the shaped aesthetics of the generator 100. An exterior edge of the second surface 417 forms a curved shape with a center portion running nearly parallel to the generator 100 and end portions sharpening the curve to turn inward toward the generator 100. The second surface 417 includes a second generator attachment structure 421. The second generator attachment structure 421 includes an opening for fastener attachment to the generator 100. In certain examples, there may be more openings for fastener attachment, and there may also be different attachment structures as described previously. FIGS. 7 and 8 show the second surface 417 with five second generator attachment structures 421.

[0033] The first side 414 extends between the first and second ends 411, 412. As shown in FIGS. 7 an 8, the first side 414 includes a curved surface 423 that matches the shape of and connects the end portions of the first and second surfaces 416, 417. The first side 414 may also include a third generator attachment structure 425. In the example shown, The third generator attachment structure 425 extends a majority of the length between the first end 411 and the second end 412. The third attachment structure 425 is designed to latch or hook onto the generator 100. The second side 415 extends between the first and second ends 411, 412. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the second side 415 includes a curved surface 424 that matches the shape of and connects the end portions of the first and second surfaces 416, 417. The second side 415 may also include a fourth generator attachment structure 426. In the example shown, the fourth generator attachment structure 426 extends the length between the first end 411 and the second end 412. The fourth generator attachment structure is designed to clasp or snap onto the generator 100.

[0034] A housing opening 413 is formed between the first and second ends 411, 412 and between the first and second sides 414, 415. The housing opening extends through the panel about the axis 420. The housing opening 413 is designed to connect panel 410 to the housing 440 such that the housing 440 may be connected to the generator 100. A perimeter 418 of the housing opening 413 connects to a corresponding perimeter 451 of the housing 440. A plurality of connection locations 422 surround perimeter 418 and are configured to connect the housing 440 to the panel 410. In certain examples, the panel 410 includes generator apertures 430 that are designed to allow access to button or components on the generator 100. The example shown on FIGS. 7 and 8 includes three generator apertures 430. Any of the generator attachment structures 419, 421, 425, or 426 may further include a locking mechanism which prevents opening of a generator lid 120. The locking mechanism may be accessible through one of the generator apertures 430.

[0035] The housing 440 is designed to provide an interior space for sound and air to pass through that reduces noise levels while also accommodating the air intake/outtake needs of the generator 100. FIGS. 9-11 show an example housing 440. The housing 440 includes first and second side walls 442, 444 that extend between a front wall 446 and a rear wall 448 . The housing 440 also includes a top wall 450 and a bottom wall 452. The first side wall 442 extends from the bottom wall 452 and continues toward the top wall 450. The first side wall 442 does not extend all the way to the top wall 450. A first opening 454 is formed between a first end 441 of the first side wall 442 and the top wall 450. The second side wall 444 extends from the top wall 450 and continues toward the bottom wall 452. The second side wall 444 may not extend all the way to the bottom wall 452. A second opening 456 is formed between a second end 447 of the second side wall 444 and the bottom wall 452. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the second opening 456 is a cutout from the second side wall 444 and from the bottom wall 452 such that a portion of the second side wall 444 and the bottom wall 452 continues to a comer near the front wall 446 and near the rear wall 448. In certain examples, the second opening 456 includes a screen or fdter covering the second opening 456. The screen or filter is designed to prevent debris, insects, etc. from entering the housing 440.

[0036] The housing walls 442, 444, 446, 448, 450, 452 may be connected to each other in any number of ways. For example, fasteners, rivets, latches, interlocking joints, adhesives, press fits, etc. may be used. In certain examples, rivets are used. Each housing wall includes engagement locations 443 for attaching neighboring walls. In the example shown on FIGS. 9-12, the bottom wall 452 connects to the front and rear walls 446, 448 at three engagement locations 443 each. The bottom wall 452 connects to the first side wall 442 at four engagement locations 443. The top wall 450 include flaps 445 that overlap with the neighboring walls (the second side wall 444 and front and rear walls 446, 448). The second side wall 444 connects to the top wall 450 at four engagement locations 443. The front and rear walls 446, 448 connect to the top wall 450 at three engagement locations 443. In certain examples, the housing walls 442, 444, 446, 448, 450, 452 are unitary or integral to each other. In certain examples, groups of housing walls may be formed by a single piece of material.

[0037] Together, the first and second side walls 442, 444, the front and rear walls 446, 448, and the top and bottom walls 450, 452 form an interior 458 of the housing 440. As seen in FIG. 11, the front and rear walls 446, 448 are not parallel with each other. The top wall forms a trapezoidal shape, such that the top of the trapezoid is the intersection with the second side wall 444 and the base of the trapezoid is the intersection with the first side wall. In certain examples, the shape and angle of each wall is varied to match aesthetic features of the generator 100. The first and second openings 454, 456 extend from an exterior of the housing 440 to the interior 458. The first opening 454 is designed to be nearest the generator 100 when the panel system 200 is attached to the generator 100. The first opening 454 may provide inlet air for the generator 100 or take outlet air from the generator 100 such that air either travels from the second opening 456 to the first opening 454, or from the first opening 454 to the second opening 456. In general, a generator will have one side that includes an inlet and another side that includes an outlet. The panel system 200 is designed to work on both the inlet and outlet sides of the generator 100. The second opening 456 extends to an exterior of the panel system and the exterior 110 of the generator 100.

[0038] The front wall 446, rear wall 448, top wall 450, and bottom wall 452 form a housing perimeter 451 that connects to panel 410. A plurality of connection locations 453 are located about the housing perimeter 451 and correspond to the connection locations 422 of the panel 410. The panel 410 and housing 440 may be connected to each other any number of ways. For example, fasteners, rivets, adhesives, etc. may be used. In one example, rivets are used to connect the housing 440 with the panel 410. As shown, the curved surfaces 423, 424 of the panel each include four connection locations 422. Similarly, the front and rear wall 446, 448 of the housing 440 each include four corresponding connection locations 453. In certain examples, the housing 440 and panel 410 are integral to each other, such that no connection is required.

[0039] Within the interior 458 is a sound path. An example sound path 460 is shown in FIG. 15. The sound path 460 is designed to direct and reduce noise moving out of the generator at the first opening 454. While noise may travel throughout the entirety of the interior 458 and escape from both the housing 440 and other portions of the generator 100, the sound path 460 is designed to reduce the total noise escaping the generator 100 by interfacing with the loudest regions of the generator 100. In general, the loudest regions of the generator are the regions that are open to the exterior, such as the inlet and outlet of a typical generator.

[0040] Within the interior 458 of the housing 440 is a first sound member 470 that defines a portion of the sound path 460. The first sound member 470 may be any device or object designed to interact with and mitigate sound. For example, the first sound member 470 may absorb, contain, transform, or redirect sound. As an example, FIG. 13 shows a cross section of the housing 440 that shows the first sound member 470. The first sound member 470 extends between the front and rear walls 446, 448. A first surface 472 of the first sound member 470 is angled relative the axis 420. In the example shown, the first surface is angled at approximately 45 degrees relative the axis 420. The first sound member 470 is positioned below the opening 454. As seen in FIG. 14, the first sound member 470 is shaped as a right rectangular prism with a thickness T. In certain examples, the thickness T is 1 inch, 1.5 inches, 2 inches, or 3 inches. [0041] The first sound member 470 is attached to a first riser 480. The first riser 480 positions the first sound member 470 such that the first surface 472 of the first sound member 470 is angled relative the axis 420. A second surface 474 of the first sound member 470 contacts the first riser 480 at an upper portion 482 of the first riser 480. A lower portion 484 of the first riser 480 is angled relative the upper portion 482. In the example shown, the upper portion 482 and lower portion 484 are angled at approximately 90 degrees relative to each other. Both a first end 486 and a second end 488 of the first riser 480 are attached to the second side wall 444 at a number of union locations 481. The first riser 480 may attach to the second side wall 444 any number of ways. For example, fasteners, rivets, latches, interlocking joints, adhesives, press fits, etc. may be used. In certain examples, rivets are used. In the example shown, the upper portion 482 of the first riser 480 is angled at 45 degrees relative to second side wall 444 and the lower portion 484 of the first riser 480 is angled at 45 degrees relative to the second side wall 444, such that a right isosceles triangle is formed between the upper portion 482, the lower portion 484, and the second side wall 444 when viewed from the front, as shown in FIG. 13. A first space 457 represented by the area of this right isosceles triangle is part of the interior but not part of the sound path 460. The first end 486 is attached to the second side wall 444 at a height at or below the first end 441 of the first side wall 442 relative a length extending between the top wall and the bottom wall. The second end 488 is attached to the second side wall 444 near the second opening 456. The first sound member 470 attaches to the first riser 480 at attachment locations 477. The first sound member 470 may attach to the first riser 480 in any number of ways. For example, fasteners, rivets, latches, interlocking joints, adhesives, press fits, etc. may be used. In the example shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the first sound member 470 is attached to the first riser 480 by rivets. As shown in FIG. 14, the first sound member 470 includes three attachment locations, separated such that there is an attachment location near each upper corner of the first sound member 470 and near the bottom center of the first sound member 470.

[0042] A second sound member 490 is located within the interior 458 and defines another portion of the sound path 460. In certain examples, the second sound member 490 is the same shape and size as the first sound member 470. In other examples, the second sound member 490 shares the same shape but is larger than the first sound member 470. The second sound member 490 may have the same thickness T as the first sound member 470. The second sound member 490 is angled relative the first sound member 470. In the example shown on FIGS. 13 and 14, the second sound member 490 is angled 90 degrees between the first surface 472 of the first sound member 470 and a first surface 492 of the second sound member 490. The second sound member 490 is separated from the first sound member 470 and the sound path 460 extends between them. The second sound member 490 is nearer the bottom wall than the first sound member 470. The first surface 492 of the second sound member 490 faces toward the top wall 450 and the second side wall 444. The first surface 472 of the first sound member 470 faces towards the top wall 450 and the first side wall 442. The first surface 472 of the first sound member 470 and the first surface 492 of the second sound member 490 are perpendicular to each other.

[0043] The second sound member 490 extends between the front wall 446 and the rear wall 448 and is connected to a second riser 500. The second riser 500 connects at a first end 506 to the first side wall 442 and at a second end 508 to the bottom wall 452 at union locations 501. The second riser 500 may attach to the bottom wall 452 and the first side wall 442 any number of ways. For example, fasteners, rivets, latches, interlocking joints, adhesives, press fits, etc. may be used. In certain examples, rivets are used. The second riser 500 is angled relative to the first side wall 442 and to the bottom wall 452. In the example shown, the second riser 500 is angled at 45 degrees relative to both the first side wall 442 and to the bottom wall 452, such that a right isosceles triangle is formed between the three components when viewed from the front, as shown in FIG. 13. A second space 459 represented by the area of this right isosceles triangle is part of the interior 458 but not part of the sound path 460. The second sound member 490 attaches to the second riser 500 at attachment locations 507. The second sound member 490 may attach to the second riser 500 in any number of ways. For example, fasteners, rivets, latches, interlocking joints, adhesives, press fits, etc. may be used. In the example shown on FIGS. 13 and 14, the second sound member 490 is attached to the second riser 500 by rivets. As shown in FIG. 14, the second sound member 490 includes three attachment locations 507, separated such that there is an attachment location near each upper corner of the second sound member 490 and near the bottom center of the second sound member 490. [0044] The sound path 460 is formed by the first and second sound members 470, 490, as well as other portions of the housing 440. As an example, as shown in FIG. 15, the sound path 460 includes parts of the housing 440 and the first riser 480. The sound path 460 is further defined by an inner side 551 of the top wall 450, the inner side 551 of the top wall 450 spanning the entirety of the interior 458 of the housing 440 about the top wall 450. The sound path 460 is further defined by an upper portion 552 of the second side wall 444 and a lower portion 553 of the second side wall 444 on an inner side 554, the inner side 554 of the second side wall 444 spanning the entirety of the interior 458 of the housing 440 about the second side wall 444. The upper portion 552 extends about the inner side 554 of the second side wall 444 from the top wall 450 to the first sound member 470. The lower portion 553 of the second side wall 444 extends about the inner side 554 of the second side wall 444 from the second end 488 of the lower portion 484 of the first riser 480 to the second opening 456. The sound path 460 is further defined by an upper portion 555 of the first side wall 442 on an inner side 556, the inner side 556 of the first side wall 442 spanning the entirety of the interior 458 of the housing 440 about the first side wall 442. The upper portion 555 extends about the inner side 556 of the first side wall 442 from the first end 441 of the first side wall 442 to the second sound member 490. The sound path 460 is further defined by the lower portion 484 of the first riser 480.

[0045] In certain examples, any or all portions of the sound path 460 include sound members, like the first sound member 470 and the second sound member 490. In certain examples, portions of the sound path 460 are designed to at least partially reflect sound. In certain examples, portions of the sound path 460 are designed to at least partially absorb sound. In certain examples, the first and second sound members 470, 490 are designed to at least partially absorb sound. In certain examples, the housing walls 442, 444, 446, 448, 450, 452 are designed to at least partially reflect sound. In certain examples, the first and second risers 480, 500 are designed to at least partially reflect sound.

[0046] The first and second sound members 470, 490 may be made from various materials for sound absorbing or sound reflecting purposes. In one example, the first and second sound members 470, 490 are made from an acoustic foam designed to absorb sound. The housing walls 442, 444, 446, 448, 450, 452 and first and second risers 480, 500 may be made from various materials for sound absorbing or sound reflecting purposes. In one example, the housing walls 442, 444, 446, 448, 450, 452 and first and second risers 480, 500 are made from sheet metal or plastic and are designed to reflect sound.

[0047] An illustrative example of how sound may travel through the sound path 460 is shown in FIG. 16. In the example, the first and second sound members 470, 490 are designed to absorb sound and the housing walls 442, 444, 446, 448, 450, 452 and first and second risers 480, 500 are designed for absorbing sound. Each time a sound wave contacts the first and second sound members 470, 490, the reflected sound wave is dampened. As the sound wave reflects off certain surfaces and partially absorbs on other surfaces, the sound wave escaping at the second opening 456 is dampened compared to the sound wave entering the first opening 454. This example illustrates how sound dampens as the sound travels a tortious path, the sound path 460. This example does not illustrate sound leakage. [0048] An example operation 600 dampening sound travelling from the generator 100 and through the sound path 460 is shown in FIG. 16. The operation 600 includes a first operation 610 of receiving a sound from the generator 100 at the first opening 454 of the housing 440 attached to the generator 100. A second operation 620 includes directing the sound through the first opening 454 to a first portion of the sound path 460 within the housing 440. The first portion of the sound path 460 includes the first sound member 470 configured to dampen sound and reflect a portion of the sound. A third operation 630 includes receiving the sound at the first sound member 470. A fourth operation 640 includes dampening the sound within the first sound member 470. A portion of the sound is eliminated, but another portion is reflected. The fourth operation 640 further includes reflecting a portion of the sound down the sound path 460 and toward the second opening 456 of the housing 440. A fifth operation 650 includes outputting a portion of the sound at the second opening 456.

[0049] In certain examples, the panel system 200 replaces an existing generator panel in order to reduce noise of an already purchased generator 100. In certain examples, the panel system 200 is installed using the first, second, and third attachment structures 419, 421, and 425. An example operation 700 for adding a panel system 200 to a generator 100 is shown in FIG. 18. The operation 700 includes a first operation 710 of removing an existing panel on the generator 100 and thereby exposing a generator opening. A second operation 720 includes attaching the first generator attachment structure 419 of the panel system 200 to the generator 100. The first generator attachment structure 419 is located on the first end 411 of the panel system 200. The first attachment structure 419 may include a hole for a fastener or rivet. A third operation 730 includes attaching the second generator attachment structure 421 of the panel system 200 to the generator 100. The second generator attachment structure 421 is located on an opposite second end 412 of the panel system 200. The second generator attachment structure 421 may be structurally the same as the first generator attachment structure 419. A fourth operation 740 includes attaching the third generator attachment structure 425 of the panel system 200 to the generator 100. The third generator attachment structure 425 is located on the first side 414 of the panel system 200. The first side 414 extends between the first and second ends 411, 412. The third generator attachment structure 425 may be structurally different from the first and second generator attachment structures 419, 421. The third attachment structure 425 may include a latch or clasp feature. In certain examples, there may be a fourth generator attachment structure 426 located on the opposite second side 415 of the panel system 200. The fourth generator attachment structure 426 may be structurally different from the first, second, and third generator attachment structures.

[0050] The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the full scope of the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A panel system for a generator comprising: a panel assembly comprising: a panel including a generator attachment structure configured to attach the panel assembly to the generator; a housing attached to the panel, the housing defining an interior having opposite first and second side walls extending between a front wall and a rear wall and partially between a top wall and a bottom wall, the front wall and the rear wall extending between the top wall and the bottom wall, the housing including first and second openings extending between the interior and an exterior of the housing, the first opening formed between a first end of the first side wall and the top wall and between the front wall and the rear wall, the second opening formed between a second end of the second side wall and the bottom wall and between the front wall and the rear wall; and a first sound member within the interior of the housing, the first sound member forming a portion of a sound path, the sound path defining a portion of the interior and extending between the first opening and the second opening.

2. The panel system of claim 1, wherein the interior of the housing includes a second sound member forming another portion of the sound path, the second sound member angled relative to the first sound member.

3. The panel system of claim 1, wherein the first sound member is connected to the second side wall by a riser.

4. The panel system of claim 1, wherein the first sound member is positioned entirely below the first opening about an axis extending between the top wall and the bottom wall.

5. The panel system of claim 2, wherein the second sound member extends between the bottom wall and the first side wall.

6. The panel system of claim 2, wherein the first sound member is perpendicular to the second sound member and wherein the sound path extends between the first sound member and the second sound member.

7. The panel system of claim 2, wherein the second sound member is connected to the bottom wall and to the first side wall by a riser.

8. The panel system of claim 1, wherein the panel attaches to the housing about a perimeter of the housing, the perimeter formed by the first end of the front wall, the first end of the top wall, the first end of the rear wall, and the first end of the bottom wall.

9. The panel system of claim 1, wherein the first sound member is a sound absorbing member, the sound absorbing member configured to absorb at least a portion of sound travelling through the sound path.

10. The panel system of claim 1, wherein the sound path includes sound absorbing portions and sound reflecting portions.

11. The panel system of claim 10, wherein the sound path is configured to mitigate sound such that sound entering the first opening is dampened as it travels through the sound path and out the second opening.

12. The panel system of claim 1, wherein the panel includes a plurality of apertures configured for generator controls.

13. The panel system of claim 1, wherein the panel system includes a second panel assembly.

14. The panel system of claim 1, wherein the panel system includes a noise cover configured to cover an access area of the generator and mitigate sound leaving the access area of the generator.

15. An electric generator comprising: a panel assembly comprising: a panel including a generator attachment structure configured to attach the panel assembly to the generator; a housing attached to the panel, the housing including an interior with a first opening adjacent the panel on a first side, and a second opening away from the panel on an opposite second side; and a first sound member within the interior of the housing, the first sound member forming a portion of a sound path, the sound path defining a portion of the interior and extending between the first opening and the second opening, the sound path configured to dampen sound entering the housing through the first opening and leaving the housing through the second opening.

16. The electric generator of claim 15, wherein the interior of the housing further includes a second sound member forming another portion of the sound path, the second sound member angled relative to the first sound member.

17. The electric generator of claim 15, wherein the panel system further includes a noise cover configured to cover an access area of the generator and mitigate sound leaving the access area of the generator.

18. The electric generator of claim 15, wherein the first sound member is a sound absorbing member, the sound absorbing member configured to absorb at least a portion of sound travelling through the sound path.

19. The electric generator of claim 15, wherein the sound path includes sound absorbing portions and sound reflecting portions.

20. The electric generator of claim 19, wherein the sound path is configured to mitigate sound such that sound entering the first opening is dampened as it travels through the sound path and out the second opening.

21. A method for dampening sound from a generator comprising: receiving a sound from the generator at a first opening of a housing attached to the generator; directing the sound through the first opening to a first portion of a sound path within the housing, the first portion of the sound path including a first sound member configured to dampen sound and reflect a portion of the sound; receiving the sound at the first portion of the sound path; dampening the sound within the first sound member; reflecting a portion of the sound down the sound path and toward a second opening of the housing; and outputting the portion of the sound at the second opening.

22. A method for adding a panel system to a generator comprising: removing an existing panel on the generator and thereby exposing a generator opening; and attaching the panel system to the generator opening comprising: attaching a first generator attachment structure of the panel system to the generator, the first generator attachment structure located on a first end of the panel system; attaching a second generator attachment structure of the panel system to the generator, the second generator attachment structure located on an opposite second end of the panel system, the second generator attachment structure being structurally the same as the first generator attachment structure; and attaching a third generator attachment structure of the panel system to the generator, the third generator attachment structure located on a first side of the panel system, the first side extending between the first and second ends, the third generator attachment structure being structurally different from the first and second generator attachment structures; wherein the panel system is configured to mitigate generator noise leaving the generator opening.