Forklift Radiator Cooling via Flow Regulating Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forklift designs do not effectively manage airflow to the radiator, leading to suboptimal cooling performance, especially under high temperatures, and do not consider the upstream air flow, resulting in inefficient radiator operation.
Innovation Solution
A forklift configuration that includes a flow regulating member positioned between the engine and hydraulic pipe insertion plate to direct air flow towards the air delivery fan, enhancing airflow to the radiator while avoiding interference with the hydraulic pipe, and potentially integrating the flow regulating member with the vehicle body cross plate for structural reinforcement and cost savings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If no flow regulating member is provided, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the airflow to the radiator is insufficient and cooling performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A flow regulating member is introduced as an intermediary component between the engine and radiator to control and direct airflow. This mediator component regulates the air flow path to ensure sufficient cooling air reaches the radiator without requiring complex system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The flow regulating member is designed with multiple segments including a first member and a second member that can be positioned independently. This segmentation allows for optimized airflow control at different locations while keeping each individual component relatively simple in structure
2Productivity
If the flow regulating member is positioned to maximize airflow to the radiator, then cooling performance improves, but interference with the hydraulic pipe may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The flow regulating member is designed with locally differentiated structures where the first member and second member have different geometries and positions. This allows the structure to optimize airflow in the upstream region while maintaining clear passages for the hydraulic pipe in the downstream region, preventing interference
Solution Approach 2:
The airflow regulation is achieved by utilizing the vertical dimension and lateral positioning rather than simply blocking the horizontal flow path. The flow regulating members are positioned to redirect air flow in three-dimensional space, allowing hydraulic pipes to pass through unobstructed while still achieving effective airflow control to the radiator
3Temperature
If a large radiator is used to ensure sufficient cooling, then cooling performance is maintained, but the forklift size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Airflow is regulated and directed in advance before reaching the radiator through the flow regulating members. This preliminary action ensures that cooling air is efficiently channeled to the radiator, allowing the radiator to operate at optimal efficiency with reduced size compared to unregulated airflow systems
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 improved airflow increases radiator cooling performance, reduces energy consumption by allowing for lower fan power usage, and enables radiator downsizing, while also providing design flexibility and structural reinforcement.
Implementation Method 1
an air delivery fan which is provided in front of the radiator and sends air to the radiator
Implementation Method 2
a radiator which is mounted behind the engine
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A forklift configured so that an increased amount air flows into a radiator. A forklift is provided with a front axle (1) functioning as the drive shaft for front wheels, a rear axle functioning as the rotation shaft for rear wheels, an engine (2) for generating driving force of the front axle (1), a transmission (3) for transmitting power from the engine (2) to the front axle (1), a radiator (4) mounted behind the engine (2), a hydraulic pipe insertion plate (5) provided below the radiator (4) and having formed therein a through-hole for a hydraulic pipe, and a shroud-equipped air delivery fan (6) provided in front of the radiator (4) and sending air to the radiator (4). A flow regulating member (10) is provided on the front surface side of the hydraulic pipe insertion plate (5), and the flow regulating member (10) is mounted so as not to interfere with the hydraulic pipe and causes air which flows rearward of the vehicle body when the engine is operated to flow toward the shroud-equipped air delivery fan (6).