Cooler Fan Housing Recess for Integrated Control and Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coolers face high constructional complexity and assembly challenges due to separate components like temperature sensors and control units, leading to potential leaks and inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
Integrating the control unit and sensor unit within the fan housing, eliminating the need for data cables and simplifying assembly by using the fan housing walls as part of the control and sensor unit housings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the control unit and sensor unit are arranged separately from the fan housing, then they can be independently serviced and replaced, but the constructional complexity increases and assembly becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit and sensor unit are integrated into the fan housing, merging previously separate components into a unified structure. This reduces the number of separate parts, simplifies assembly, and eliminates the need for additional mounting brackets and connection cables, directly addressing the contradiction between ease of manufacture and device complexity
2Reliability
If separate data cables are used to connect the sensor unit to the control unit, then signal transmission is reliable, but the wiring complexity and potential leak points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit and control unit are positioned in direct spatial proximity within the fan housing, eliminating the need for data cables. This direct integration maintains signal transmission reliability while completely removing wiring complexity and potential leak points associated with separate cable connections
3Ease of repair
If the control unit is arranged outside the fan housing, then it can be accessed more easily for maintenance, but the overall assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fan housing is designed with a modular structure where the control unit is integrated into a specific compartment. This segmentation allows the control unit to be accessed and replaced by removing only the relevant housing section, maintaining ease of repair while reducing overall assembly complexity through integrated design
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 integration results in a structurally simplified, cost-effective design with reduced wiring and enhanced operational efficiency by direct connection to the heat exchanger, allowing precise control of the fan's operating state.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger for dissipating heat from a medium, for example oil
Implementation Method 2
a fan having a fan housing, a fan wheel and a motor
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a cooler having: a heat exchanger for dissipating heat from a medium, for example oil, a fan having a fan housing, a fan wheel and a motor, a control unit for controlling the motor, a sensor unit for detecting an operating parameter of the heat exchanger and/or of the fan, the sensor unit being connected to the control unit in order to set an operating state of the cooler, the fan housing having a recess in which the control unit is arranged together with the sensor unit.