Shunt tank for engine cooling systems

Abstract

A shunt tank for an engine cooling system is disclosed. The shunt tank includes a floor portion and four walls, structured and arranged to define a tank interior with a first volume. At least one of a first wall and a second wall is structured proximal to a lateral edge of a radiator frame and includes a gauge attachment portion. A third wall includes a compartment attachment portion. A sight gauge is attached to the gauge attachment portion. A lower compartment is attached to the compartment attachment portion. The lower compartment extends at least partially beyond the floor portion, towards the radiator frame. The lower compartment includes a fluid outlet and defines a second volume. The second volume is substantially less than the first volume. A fluid conduit fluidly connects the shunt tank to a fluid pump of the engine cooling system.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present disclosure relates generally to shunt tanks in engine cooling systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a shunt tank with improved design to minimize cavitation in the coolant circuit.BACKGROUND[0002]Various machines, such as off highway trucks, are commonly known to employ an engine cooling system, to impart desired cooling to an engine. The engine cooling system generally includes a fluid pump, a radiator, and a coolant flowing therethrough. The fluid pump and the radiator are fluidly connected to the engine in a closed-loop manner. The fluid pump circulates the coolant through the engine and the radiator, to cool the engine. Additionally, the engine cooling system employs a tank, to allow for the expansion of the coolant, as it is heated by the engine. Various types of tanks that can accommodate the expansion of coolant may be employed, such as but not limited to, an overflow tank, an expansion tank, and a shunt tank.[0003]The ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent is about a shunt tank for an engine cooling system of a machine. The shunt tank has a floor section that is attached to the radiator frame of the machine. The tank has four walls that form an enclosed space with a first volume. A lower compartment is attached to the tank and is in fluid communication with the tank. The lower compartment has a fluid outlet that connects to the fluid pump. The tank also has a sight gauge that indicates the level of coolant fluid in the tank. The technical effects of this invention include efficient cooling of the engine, improved fluid communication between the tank and the pump, and easy visual monitoring of the coolant level.

Problems solved by technology

This reduces the likelihood of cavitation in the fluid pump, due to excessive negative pressure in the fluid pump.

It may be noted that if the coolant level in the shunt tank is not sufficiently high, the fluid pump may suck air bubbles into the fluid pump, leading to pump failure.

In such situations, the fluid pump is likely to suck air bubbles, resulting in pump failure.

Additionally, the visibility of fluid level within the shunt tank is impaired due to the packaging of the radiator in the machine.

This increases the overall height of the engine cooling system and reduces visibility from an operator cabin, which is positioned behind the engine cooling system.

Although this disclosure discusses a compact front-end structure of the machine, the disclosure fails to provide a solution for prevention of cavitation, when the machine is stationed on an incline.

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