Mechanical Fan Speed Control via Movable Pulleys

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mechanisms for adjusting and controlling the rotation speed of engine cooling fans in farm tractors are complex and expensive, requiring precise electronic systems for fan speed adjustment, which is costly and difficult to produce.

Innovation Solution

A device using identical pulleys with movable half-pulleys and a belt system, where the distance between the pulleys is adjusted by a combination of springs and cams driven by a motor reducer, allowing for easy and precise control of fan speed without the need for complex electronic systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If complex electronic systems are used to adjust fan speed, then precise control of fan rotation speed is achieved, but device complexity and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefan speed control precisionVSAvoidelectronic system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with a purely mechanical adjustment mechanism. The variable speed drive uses a belt transmission system with movable pulleys that can be mechanically repositioned along the shaft to change the transmission ratio, thereby controlling fan speed without electronic components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic pulley positions that can be adjusted during operation. The movable pulleys allow the transmission system to adapt its geometry, changing the effective radius ratio between drive and driven pulleys to achieve variable speed control mechanically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If complex electronic systems are used to adjust fan speed, then precise control of fan rotation speed is achieved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefan speed control precisionVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses simple, inexpensive mechanical components such as standard belt, pulleys, and springs instead of expensive electronic control systems. These mechanical parts are easier to manufacture and replace, reducing both initial production cost and maintenance expenses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

By substituting electronic control mechanisms with mechanical adjustment systems, the patent eliminates the need for expensive electronics, sensors, and control units, thereby significantly reducing production costs while maintaining functional effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If fan speed is reduced for noise reduction or heating, then cooling requirements are adjusted, but fan control mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise reductionVSAvoidfan speed adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a straightforward mechanical belt-driven system with movable pulleys to achieve variable fan speeds for noise reduction and heating modes, avoiding complex electronic control while providing sufficient speed variation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The pulley system is divided into movable and fixed components, allowing independent adjustment of the belt position to achieve different speed ratios. This segmentation enables simple mechanical control of fan speed for different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution simplifies the mechanism, reduces production costs, and enables fast and easy control of fan speed, ensuring efficient cooling while minimizing noise and complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a second half-pulley (21B) movable in a two-way direction (F) by the elastic action of a spring (SP1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Belt (CNG) has two sloping sides which, in use, press on equally sloping inner surfaces of pulleys 21, 31

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2143904B1Device for adjusting and controlling the rotation speed of an engine cooling fan
Publication Date: 2014.01.15 CNH IND ITALIA SPA
  • EP2143904B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2143904B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2143904B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device (10) for adjusting and controlling the rotation speed of an engine cooling fan (VNT). The device (10) has an actuating device (40) which, on command, axially pushes a movable half-pulley (31B) of a device (30) with a pulley (31), to vary the velocity ratio between a drive shaft (AM) and a driven shaft (AC) fitted with the fan (VNT). The actuating device (40) has two cams (CM1, CM2) rotated by a motor reducer (MTR), and which, on command, axially move an axial bearing (41), on which the movable half-pulley (31B) is mounted, to vary the velocity ratio between the drive shaft (AM) and the driven shaft (AC) fitted with the fan (VNT).