Front-Axle Cooling Pack Layout for Higher Capacity and Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling packages in machines and vehicles are limited in size and cooling capacity due to their perpendicular orientation to airflow, which is constrained by packaging and operator visibility requirements.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system design that positions the fan system in front of the prime mover and at least partially over the front axle, with a cooling pack oriented to create a space for steering tractive elements, allowing for a three-dimensional arrangement of heat exchangers and enhanced visibility from the cab.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the cooling package is oriented perpendicular to airflow to meet packaging and visibility constraints, then operator visibility and packaging requirements are satisfied, but the sizing and cooling capabilities of the cooling package are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling package is reoriented from a traditional perpendicular arrangement to an arrangement where the cooling pack extends longitudinally along the hood, with heat exchangers positioned at different angles (first heat exchanger at a first angle, second heat exchanger at a second angle greater than the first angle). This dimensional reconfiguration allows the cooling system to achieve greater cooling capacity while maintaining operator visibility by positioning components above the tractive element cloud rather than extending it laterally.
2Temperature
If the cooling package size is increased to improve cooling capacity, then cooling capability is enhanced, but the wheelbase extension and packaging constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing cooling package size by extending the wheelbase or lateral dimensions, the patent utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the cooling pack and heat exchangers above the tractive element cloud. The cooling pack is positioned in front of the fan system such that the cooling pack and fan system cooperatively define a space therebetween, allowing tractive elements to steer behind and into this space. This vertical arrangement enables larger cooling components without extending the wheelbase.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system components are nested within the existing vehicle structure: the cooling pack is positioned in front of the fan system, which is positioned in front of the prime mover. The heat exchangers are arranged at different angles within the cooling pack, with the second heat exchanger extending rearward from the upper end of the first heat exchanger. This nested arrangement maximizes cooling capacity within the available packaging space.
3Volume of stationary object
If the cooling pack is positioned to allow tractive elements to steer behind and into the space between cooling pack and fan system, then cooling component sizing is enhanced, but the complexity of steering coordination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling pack and fan system are positioned in advance to cooperatively define a space therebetween before operation. The heat exchangers are pre-configured at specific angles (first angle and second angle greater than the first angle) to optimize airflow and cooling efficiency. This preliminary arrangement of components creates a predetermined steering path for the tractive elements, reducing the complexity of real-time steering coordination while enabling larger cooling components.
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
Enables larger cooling components without extending the wheelbase and improves operator visibility by positioning the cooling pack in front of the tractive element cloud, facilitating enhanced cooling capacity and visibility.
Implementation Method 1
The cooling system includes a fan and a cooling pack. The fan system is positioned in front of the prime mover... The cooling pack includes a plurality of heat exchangers... The second heat exchanger is configured to extend rearward from an upper end of the first heat exchanger toward the fan system.
Implementation Method 2
The cooling pack includes a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger is configured to be oriented at a first angle. The second heat exchanger is configured to extend rearward from an upper end of the first heat exchanger toward the fan system.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine includes a frame, a front axle coupled to the frame, a pair of front tractive elements coupled to the front axle, a prime mover coupled to the frame, and a cooling system. The pair of front tractive elements are steerable through a range of motion that defines a tractive element cloud. The cooling system includes a fan and a cooling pack. The fan system is positioned in front of the prime mover and at least partially over the front axle. The cooling pack includes a plurality of heat exchangers. The cooling pack is positioned in front of the fan system such that the cooling pack and the fan system cooperatively define a space therebetween. The pair of front tractive elements are configured to be steered behind the cooling pack and into the space such that the cooling pack is positioned in front of the tractive element cloud.