Vehicle Cooling Fan Reverse Rotation for Radiator Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle cooling systems face inefficiencies when wading through contaminated water, as debris and contaminants can lodge in radiators, reducing cooling efficiency over time, and existing solutions either stop the fan or change speed, which may not effectively clear contaminants without compromising cooling.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle control system that operates the cooling fan in reverse direction for a short period after emerging from water to blow out contaminants, with optional driver input and water level sensing, ensuring effective cleaning without compromising engine temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the cooling fan operates in forward direction during wading, then cooling is maintained, but contaminants are thrown around the engine compartment and lodge in the radiator

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidcontaminant deposition in radiator

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies reverse rotation of the cooling fan to achieve a different function. During wading, the fan rotates in reverse to prevent throwing water and contaminants into the engine compartment. After wading, the fan rotates in reverse to blow contaminants out of the radiator, then switches to forward rotation for normal cooling operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic changes in fan rotation direction based on wading conditions. The control system monitors water level sensors and automatically switches the fan between forward and reverse rotation at appropriate times: reverse during wading to prevent contaminant entry, reverse after wading to clear contaminants, and forward for normal cooling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the cooling fan stops during wading, then contaminants are prevented from being thrown around, but engine cooling is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontaminant dispersalVSAvoidengine temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of stopping the fan or rotating it forward during wading, the patent rotates the fan in reverse direction. This maintains fan operation and airflow for cooling while preventing the fan from throwing water and contaminants into the engine compartment and radiator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the rotation direction parameter of the cooling fan based on operating conditions. The control system switches the fan rotation direction from forward to reverse when wading is detected, and changes the rotation speed to appropriate levels to balance cooling requirements with contaminant prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the fan operates in reverse continuously, then contaminants are effectively removed from the radiator, but cooling efficiency is reduced during forward operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiator cleanlinessVSAvoidcooling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic reverse rotation of the fan only when needed for contaminant removal after wading, rather than continuous reverse operation. The control system uses water level sensors to detect when the vehicle has exited water and triggers a limited duration reverse rotation sequence to clear contaminants, then switches to forward rotation for normal cooling operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary contaminant removal by operating the fan in reverse immediately after the vehicle exits water, before contaminants can dry and lodge firmly in the radiator. This timing ensures effective cleaning while minimizing the duration of reverse operation and associated cooling efficiency loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Effectively removes contaminants from the radiator, maintaining cooling efficiency and preventing engine overheating by operating the fan in reverse for a controlled duration after water exit, balancing cleaning and cooling needs.

Implementation Method 1

operate a vehicle cooling fan in a reverse direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirflow generation:

Implementation Method 2

circulates water through and around an engine to extract heat therefrom

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

an air cooled radiator positioned towards the font of the vehicle such that air is passed thereover

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3077639B1Vehicle cooling system

Publication Date: 2022.04.06 JAGUAR LAND ROVER LTD

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AI summary

Aspects of the present invention relate to a vehicle control system, a vehicle, a method and a program configured to, in response to a signal indicative that at least the front of the vehicle is no longer substantially submerged in water, to operate a vehicle cooling fan in a reverse direction, optionally for a predetermined time period. The system may include sensors that determine the water level about the vehicle and automatically operate a vehicle cooling fan in a reverse direction based on said determined water level.