Working Vehicle Cooling System with Reversing Fan and Angled Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems in working vehicles are inefficient in removing heat from engines and often fail to effectively clear debris from the filter elements, leading to reduced performance and increased maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system comprising a rotating fan apparatus and a cooling assembly with a heat exchanger, filter structure, and seal structures, where the filter element is angled and the fan can reverse direction to blow debris off, and seal structures are used to prevent air leaks and ensure efficient heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the fan continuously blows air through the radiator to remove heat, then heat removal efficiency is improved, but debris accumulates on the filter element reducing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The fan operates in periodic cycles, alternating between a first direction for heat removal and a second direction for debris removal. The control system switches the fan direction based on operational cycles, allowing the filter to be cleaned periodically without continuous interruption of cooling function.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan direction is reversed periodically to blow debris off the filter element. By inverting the airflow direction, the system accomplishes debris removal using the same fan mechanism, eliminating the need for separate cleaning apparatus.
2Reliability
If the fan reverses direction to blow debris off the filter, then filter cleanliness is improved, but cooling function is temporarily interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic cycling between cooling mode and debris removal mode. The control system manages the timing and duration of each phase to maintain overall system productivity while ensuring periodic filter maintenance.
3Device complexity
If the filter element is positioned parallel to the heat exchanger, then airflow path is simple, but debris cannot be effectively removed from the filter
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is positioned at an angle relative to the heat exchanger rather than parallel, creating an asymmetric configuration. This angular positioning allows debris to be effectively blown off the filter surface when the fan reverses direction, while still maintaining an acceptable airflow path.
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 system effectively removes heat from the engine, maintains filter cleanliness, and enhances overall vehicle performance by ensuring efficient airflow and debris removal, thereby improving the vehicle's operational efficiency and reducing maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger for transferring energy in the form of heat from a coolant fluid to air passing through the heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
air forced through the heat exchanger by the fan apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling assembly is provided for use in a work vehicle. The cooling assembly may comprise a heat exchanger for transferring energy in the form of heat from a coolant fluid to air passing through the heat exchanger, filter structure positioned adjacent a first side of the heat exchanger to filter the air before the air passes through the heat exchanger, and a fan shroud positioned adjacent a second side of the heat exchanger.