Construction Machine Cooling Airflow via Exhaust Device Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing construction machines face reduced cooling efficiency due to disturbance in the cooling air flow path caused by the installation of exhaust gas after-treatment devices, such as diesel particulate filters, which are not designed to consider the cooling air flow path, leading to inefficient discharge of cooling air.

Innovation Solution

The exhaust gas after-treatment device is strategically positioned on the cooling air flow path, acting as a wind-guiding plate to ensure smooth airflow through upper and lower outlets, improving the cooling efficiency by maintaining an unobstructed flow path and guiding cooling air effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If exhaust gas after-treatment device is installed in engine compartment, then exhaust emission is reduced, but cooling air flow path is disturbed and cooling efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexhaust emissionVSAvoidcooling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The exhaust gas after-treatment device, which initially disturbs the cooling air flow path, is strategically positioned to act as a wind-guiding plate. This converts the harmful effect of flow disturbance into a beneficial effect by guiding cooling air smoothly toward the outlets, thereby improving cooling efficiency while maintaining exhaust treatment functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The exhaust gas after-treatment device serves dual functions: (1) treating exhaust gas to reduce particulate matter, and (2) acting as a wind-guiding plate to optimize cooling air flow. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the same component beneficial for both exhaust emission control and cooling system performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If exhaust gas after-treatment device is installed on separated member from engine, then engine vibration is prevented from conducting to after-treatment device, but cooling air flow path is disturbed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration isolationVSAvoidcooling air flow

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The separated installation of the exhaust gas after-treatment device, which initially causes cooling air flow disturbance, is optimized by positioning it to function as a wind-guiding plate. This converts the potential harm of flow disturbance into a benefit by directing cooling air efficiently toward the outlets, while maintaining vibration isolation from the engine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Adaptability or versatility

If cooling air flow path is disturbed, then cooling air cannot be smoothly discharged through outlets, but exhaust gas after-treatment device must be installed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexhaust treatment capabilityVSAvoidcooling air discharge efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The exhaust gas after-treatment device, whose installation necessarily disturbs the cooling air flow path, is positioned to convert this disturbance into a beneficial flow guidance effect. This resolves the contradiction by improving cooling air discharge efficiency through strategic placement that utilizes the device's presence to direct airflow toward outlets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the positional parameters of the exhaust gas after-treatment device within the engine compartment, the design optimizes both exhaust treatment capability and cooling air discharge efficiency. The specific positioning transforms the device into a flow-guiding element that enhances rather than hinders cooling performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances cooling efficiency by ensuring smooth airflow and discharge through designated outlets, increasing the wind amount passing through the cooling unit by approximately 5% compared to conventional designs, while preventing external contaminants from entering the engine compartment.

Implementation Method 1

The cooling fan blows cooling air for cooling the engine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 2

The cooling core exchanges heat with the cooling air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat Exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS8857384B2Construction machine

Publication Date: 2014.10.14 KOMATSU LTD

AI summary

A construction machine includes a main body portion that has an engine compartment formed therein, a cooling unit arranged in the engine compartment, an inlet formed as opening in a side surface of the main body portion so that the cooling air is drawn into the engine compartment by the cooling fan through the inlet, an exhaust gas after-treatment device arranged on an upper side relative to the engine on the downstream side relative to the cooling fan on a flow path of the cooling air, an engine hood that covers the exhaust gas after-treatment device, and an upper outlet arranged immediately above the exhaust gas after-treatment device and formed in at least one of a top surface of the engine hood and a side surface of the engine hood in a front-and-rear direction of the main body.