Cooling Module Submodule Segmentation for Heat Exchanger Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large cooling modules for construction and mining machines, composed of multiple heat exchangers, are difficult to maintain and clean due to complex dismantling and mounting requirements, necessitating a solution for easy assembly and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A cooling module design featuring interconnected submodules with heat exchangers arranged in a plane, connected via a network of passages and manifolds, allowing for simple exchange of individual heat exchangers and easy access for maintenance, with pivotable submodules and releasable fastening means for compact construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If heat exchangers are arranged behind one another in a compact cooling module, then the cooling module achieves a compact structure, but cleaning and maintenance become difficult due to inaccessibility of gaps between heat exchangers
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling module is divided into multiple submodules, each containing one or more heat exchangers. These submodules can be independently removed from the frame, allowing maintenance personnel to access and clean individual heat exchangers without dismantling the entire cooling module. The segmentation enables modular replacement and simplifies maintenance operations while preserving the compact overall structure.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple individual heat exchangers are assembled into a large cooling module, then the cooling capacity is sufficient for large construction and mining machines, but the exchange and replacement of individual heat exchangers requires complicated demounting
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling module is divided into multiple submodules, each containing one or more heat exchangers. These submodules can be independently removed from the frame, allowing maintenance personnel to access and clean individual heat exchangers without dismantling the entire cooling module. The segmentation enables modular replacement and simplifies maintenance operations while preserving the compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is designed with standardized mounting positions and connection interfaces that can accommodate different types and numbers of heat exchangers. This universal design allows the same frame structure to support various cooling configurations, simplifying the replacement process as all heat exchangers follow the same mounting and connection pattern.
3Stability of the object's composition
If heat exchangers are firmly fixed in the cooling module, then the structural stability is improved, but the dismantling and cleaning of individual heat exchangers becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between heat exchangers and the frame is designed to be dynamically adjustable - firmly fixed during operation to ensure structural stability, but easily releasable during maintenance. The fastening means allow the system to transition between a stable operational state and a maintenance-friendly state, providing both structural integrity and ease of access when needed.
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
Enables easy maintenance and replacement of individual heat exchangers without disassembling the entire module, reducing the need for diverse replacement parts and facilitating cleaning by allowing side-by-side access to submodules, resulting in a more efficient and compact cooling system.
Implementation Method 1
at least two heat exchangers (3) arranged in a plane... passages for a cooling medium... interconnected by at least one connecting element (9) through which the medium to be cooled can flow
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cooling module for internal combustion engines, in particular of construction and/or mining machines, having at least one submodule with at least two heat exchangers arranged in a plane, wherein each of the heat exchangers has a network of passages for a medium to be cooled and passages for a cooling medium and manifolds for supplying and discharging the medium to be cooled, wherein the heat exchangers of the at least one submodule are interconnected via at least one connecting element through which the medium to be cooled can flow and the at least one submodule has a frame in which the interconnected heat exchangers are releasably mounted.