Cooling Shroud Partition Layout for Compact Working Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing working machines have a space left around the shroud, which needs to be reduced for more efficient cooling and space optimization.

Innovation Solution

A working machine design that includes a partition plate with an opening to allow the shroud to extend through and be attached to, reducing the space around the shroud and improving cooling efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a shroud is provided to guide cooling air flow for cooling devices, then cooling efficiency is improved, but space is left around the shroud which reduces space utilization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidspace utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The partition plate and shroud are merged into a single integrated structure. The shroud is formed to extend through the partition plate, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and reducing gaps between components. This integration allows the shroud to be positioned closer to the cooling devices while maintaining effective cooling air flow guidance, thus improving space utilization without compromising cooling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shroud is designed to extend through the partition plate in the vertical dimension, creating a three-dimensional configuration that maximizes space utilization. By positioning the shroud to pass through the partition plate rather than being mounted on its surface, the design eliminates wasted space around the shroud while maintaining effective cooling air flow guidance in multiple directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If the shroud is mounted separately from the partition plate, then installation is simplified, but space around the shroud increases reducing compactness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidcompactness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The partition plate and shroud are merged into a single integrated structure where the shroud is formed as part of the partition plate assembly. This integration maintains installation simplicity as the combined structure can be installed as one unit, while simultaneously improving compactness by eliminating gaps and reducing the overall volume occupied by separate mounting components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The design effectively reduces the space around the shroud, enhancing cooling efficiency and optimizing machine layout.

Implementation Method 1

a shroud to guide a cooling air flow for cooling the at least one cooling device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow guidance: Convection

Implementation Method 2

a cooling fan to generate the cooling air flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4570996A1Working machine
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP4570996A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4570996A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4570996A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A working machine (1) includes a machine body (2), a prime mover (23) on the machine body (2), at least one cooling device provided at one side of the prime mover (23), a shroud (57) to guide a cooling air flow for cooling the at least one cooling device, and a partition plate (39) to separate a prime mover room (52) to house the prime mover (23) from an area (56) where the at least one cooling device is provided. The partition plate (39) includes an opening (59) to allow the shroud (57) to extend therethrough and a mounting portion (58) at which the shroud (57), which extends through the opening (59), is attached to the partition plate (39).