Angled Heat Exchanger Layout for Compact Loader Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction machinery such as Skid steers and Compact tracked loaders face challenges in cooling their power sources efficiently due to increasing horsepower and hydraulic power within a limited frame size, while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system comprising a fan, a plenum, a first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger placed within the plenum, forming an acute angle with each other and spaced apart to create a symmetrical gap, with a blocking member placed in the gap to enhance airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If horsepower and hydraulic power are increased within a limited frame size, then power output is improved, but cooling capacity becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchangers are arranged in an acute angle configuration rather than traditional inline or stacked arrangements, utilizing two-dimensional space more effectively within the limited frame size to increase cooling capacity without expanding the machine footprint
2Area of stationary object
If frame size is kept unchanged, then cost is reduced, but cooling performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging heat exchangers at an acute angle and utilizing the gap space between them, the design maximizes the use of available three-dimensional space within the fixed frame boundaries, enabling enhanced cooling performance without increasing overall machine size
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is divided into multiple heat exchanger units positioned at angles to each other, allowing each unit to contribute to overall cooling capacity while fitting within the constrained frame space
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional inline or stacked cooler arrangement is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but airflow efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchangers are positioned at an acute angle to each other rather than in symmetric inline or stacked configurations, creating an asymmetric arrangement that optimizes airflow paths and enhances cooling efficiency while remaining manufacturable
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration improves airflow through the heat exchangers, enhancing cooling performance and capacity without the need for machine size changes or additional hydraulic motors, thus maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a fan and a plenum... The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are placed within the plenum
Implementation Method 2
a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger placed within the plenum... to cool the power source
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system to cool a power source of a work machine. The cooling system comprises a fan, a plenum, a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger. The heat exchangers are placed within the plenum. A plane defined normal to the fan surface and along the length of the vehicle. The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are placed either side of the plane and form an acute angle with the plane.