Cooling Package Self-Cleaning via Fan Reversal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning methods for cooling packages on machines, such as asphalt pavers, are inefficient due to difficulty in accessing all areas with air wands and require increased footprint with hinged designs for better access.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a cooling package with a housing, heat exchanger, conduit, and nozzles, where a fan generates airflow to blow debris out of channels defined by fins, allowing for effective cleaning without the need for hinged doors, maintaining a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If air wands are used to clean cooling packages, then cleaning capability is provided, but accessibility to all areas is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling package cleans itself by utilizing its own fan and airflow system. The fan reverses direction to create airflow that blows debris out through the grille, eliminating the need for external cleaning tools and providing complete accessibility to all internal areas including behind the condenser coil.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan serves dual functions: it performs both cooling operation and self-cleaning operation by reversing its rotation direction. This multi-functionality allows the same component to address both the primary cooling need and the secondary cleaning need without requiring separate dedicated cleaning mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If hinged cooling packages are used to improve access, then cleaning accessibility is improved, but footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling package cleans itself by utilizing its own fan and airflow system. The fan reverses direction to create airflow that blows debris out through the grille, eliminating the need for external cleaning tools and providing complete accessibility to all internal areas including behind the condenser coil.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of opening the grille to access the condenser for cleaning (traditional approach), the system inverts the approach by using the fan to blow airflow backward through the condenser and out through the grille, cleaning the condenser from the inside out without requiring grille removal or opening.
3Area of stationary object
If cooling components are disposed in close proximity, then compact design is achieved, but cleaning difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling package cleans itself by utilizing its own fan and airflow system. The fan reverses direction to create airflow that blows debris out through the grille, eliminating the need for external cleaning tools and providing complete accessibility to all internal areas including behind the condenser coil.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of opening the grille to access the condenser for cleaning (traditional approach), the system inverts the approach by using the fan to blow airflow backward through the condenser and out through the grille, cleaning the condenser from the inside out without requiring grille removal or opening.
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
Facilitates efficient removal of debris from cooling package channels, improving cleaning efficiency and maintaining a compact footprint, thus addressing the limitations of existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
The fan may be disposed adjacent to the housing. The fan may be configured to generate fan airflow in a first fan airflow direction from the inlet through the outlet of the housing.
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of nozzles are mounted on the conduit and in fluid communication with the conduit, and are configured to discharge a fluid.
Implementation Method 3
The heat exchanger may include a plurality of fins coupled to and extending outward from the cooler, the plurality of fins defining a plurality of channels.
Implementation Method 4
The cooler is configured to receive a heated machine fluid generated by the machine during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine that includes a cooling package and a method for cleaning debris from the cooling package is disclosed. The cooling package may include a housing, a cooler, a heat exchanger, a conduit, and plurality of nozzles mounted on the conduit. The cooler may be configured to receive heated machine fluid generated by the machine. The heat exchanger may be configured to convey heat away from the cooler and may include a plurality of fins coupled to and extending outward from the cooler. The plurality of fins may define a plurality of channels. The conduit may be disposed between the housing and the plurality of fins. The plurality of nozzles are configured to discharge a fluid on the fins. The fluid may be air or a release agent. In some embodiments, a release agent may be discharged on the fins prior to the discharge of air on the fins.