CVT Cooling via Side Panel Intake Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for continuously variable transmissions (CVT) in utility vehicles increase the complexity and manufacturing cost of the vehicle body panel due to the integration of air inlet portions within the panel.
Innovation Solution
A CVT cooling system with an intake chamber formed between the inner and outer walls of an exterior side panel, utilizing an intake hose to introduce ambient air, which can be manufactured using blow molding techniques without increasing panel complexity, allowing for efficient air feeding and design flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the air inlet portion is incorporated in the vehicle body panel, then the cooling system can be integrated, but the complexity and manufacturing cost of the vehicle body panel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air inlet portion is extracted from the vehicle body panel and positioned separately, allowing the panel to maintain its structural integrity and aesthetic appearance while still providing the necessary air intake function through dedicated openings
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is segmented into distinct components: the vehicle body panel with openings, the air inlet portion positioned separately, and the duct connecting them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for manufacturing and assembly
2Ease of manufacture
If the air inlet portion is incorporated in the vehicle body panel, then integration is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air inlet portion is extracted from the vehicle body panel structure, allowing the panel to be manufactured as a standard component while the air inlet system can be independently designed and positioned to meet various cooling requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle body panel serves its primary structural and aesthetic functions while incorporating simple openings for air intake. The air inlet portion and duct system provide the cooling function, allowing the panel to maintain its universal applicability across different vehicle configurations
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 solution reduces manufacturing costs and complexity while ensuring effective air intake for the CVT, maintaining aesthetic appeal and preventing foreign object intrusion, with the added benefit of reduced engine heat influence on the intake area.
Implementation Method 1
Such intake chamber can be readily made by the blow molding technique
Implementation Method 2
an intake opening portion provided in the exterior side panel for introducing ambient air present around the exterior side panel to the intake chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A utility vehicle has a CVT, an engine providing power to the CVT, a CVT case accommodating the CVT, front and rear wheels supporting the vehicle body frame on the ground surface and an exterior side panel supported to the vehicle body frame. The exterior side panel includes an inner wall located inside a vehicle cabin and an outer wall located outside the vehicle cabin. An intake chamber is formed between the inner wall and the outer wall of the exterior side panel. An intake opening portion is provided in the exterior side panel for introducing ambient air present around the exterior side panel to the intake chamber. The intake chamber and the CVT case are connected and communicated to each other via an intake hose.