Cooling Fan Reverse Rotation for Heat Exchanger Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction machines require manual operation or predetermined time-based reverse rotation of cooling fans to prevent debris accumulation on heat exchangers, which can lead to inefficient cooling due to operator forgetfulness or excessive debris accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A construction machine with a controller that automatically rotates the cooling fan in reverse after a predetermined time or upon operator input, incorporating a timer and reverse rotation signal switch to ensure timely debris removal without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the reverse rotation of the cooling fan is operated manually by operating a reverse rotation switch, then the operator can control the timing of debris removal, but it becomes troublesome for the operator to periodically operate the switch and may lead to operator forgetfulness
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs reverse rotation automatically based on accumulated operating time without requiring manual intervention. The controller monitors the operation time of the cooling fan and autonomously initiates reverse rotation when the predetermined time threshold is reached, making the system self-servicing and eliminating operator burden while ensuring consistent debris removal
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a timer to continuously monitor and accumulate the operating time of the cooling fan. This feedback mechanism provides the controller with real-time information about fan operation duration, enabling automatic decision-making for reverse rotation timing based on actual usage conditions rather than fixed schedules
2Ease of operation
If the reverse rotation is operated at every predetermined time period by a controller, then operator intervention is eliminated, but in construction sites with large amounts of debris, debris may adhere to the heat exchanger unit before the predetermined time period elapses
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the reverse rotation timing based on actual operating conditions. Rather than using a fixed predetermined time interval, the controller accumulates actual fan operation time and triggers reverse rotation when the accumulated time reaches the threshold. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond appropriately to varying debris conditions and fan usage patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameter from a fixed time interval to an accumulated operation time threshold. This parameter transformation allows the reverse rotation to be triggered based on actual fan usage intensity and duration, enabling timely debris removal in high-debris environments while avoiding unnecessary reverse rotation in low-debris conditions
3Reliability
If reverse rotation is performed frequently to ensure debris removal in high-debris environments, then cooling efficiency is maintained, but the operation time of the cooling fan is reduced and operator time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the optimal reverse rotation timing based on accumulated fan operation time, eliminating the need for operators to monitor and manually initiate reverse rotation. This self-service approach prevents cooling efficiency deterioration while minimizing operator time investment to zero for this specific function
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
Reduces operator burden and reliably prevents cooling efficiency deterioration by automatically rotating the cooling fan in reverse when needed, ensuring effective debris removal and maintaining heat exchanger efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling fan configured to supply cooling air to the heat exchanger unit during a forward rotation thereof
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a construction machine capable of reducing the time and labor of an operator and reliably preventing deterioration of cooling efficiency of a heat exchanger unit. A construction machine includes a heat exchanger unit having a plurality of heat exchangers, a cooling fan configured to supply cooling air to the heat exchanger unit during a forward rotation thereof, a controller configured to control an operation of the cooling fan, a timer configured to count an operation time period of forward rotation of the cooling fan, and a reverse rotation signal output switch configured to output to the controller a reverse rotation signal for causing the cooling fan to rotate in the reverse direction in response to an applied manual operation. The controller causes the cooling fan to rotate in the reverse direction for a second predetermined time period and resets the timer at the time of finishing the reverse rotation of the cooling fan, if the operation time period of forward rotation counted by the timer reaches a first predetermined time period, and controller causes the cooling fan to rotate in the reverse direction for the second predetermined time period when the reverse rotation signal is output from the reverse rotation signal output switch, and resets the timer at the time of finishing the reverse rotation of the cooling fan, even if the operation time period of forward rotation counted by the timer has not reached the first predetermined time period.