Hinged Cooler Heat Exchangers for Easier Compressor Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air compressor systems face challenges in effectively cleaning heat exchangers due to limited access and difficulty in maneuvering cleaning tools within the fan shroud, leading to inefficient and time-consuming maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A hinged cooler system is introduced, where heat exchangers are designed to swing out of the compressor envelope for easy access, allowing thorough cleaning and maintenance, with a centrally located hinge facilitating rotation and a removable frame for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If heat exchangers are fixed inside the enclosure, then structural integrity is maintained, but access for cleaning is limited and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchangers are converted from fixed to movable components through the hinge mechanism, allowing them to swing between a closed position (inside the enclosure) and an open position (outside for cleaning). This dynamic configuration enables easy access for cleaning while maintaining structural integrity when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling assembly is segmented into movable heat exchanger components that can be independently manipulated via the hinge, separating the cleaning function from the operational function. This allows the heat exchangers to be accessed for cleaning without disassembling the entire enclosure.
2Ease of operation
If clean-out panels are provided in the fan shroud, then some access to heat exchangers is achieved, but effective cleaning of debris and wash water remains difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing limited access through clean-out panels, the heat exchangers themselves are made movable, allowing them to be swung completely outside the enclosure for cleaning. This eliminates the constraints of panel access and enables thorough cleaning of both sides of the heat exchangers.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchangers are extracted from the enclosed space during cleaning operations, removing them completely from the enclosure to allow unrestricted access for cleaning tools and wash water, rather than attempting to clean them through limited panel openings.
3Ease of operation
If heat exchangers are made movable with a hinge, then cleaning access is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single hinge mechanism is used to convert the fixed heat exchangers into movable components, enabling them to swing between operational and cleaning positions. This simple dynamic element provides full cleaning access without requiring complex disassembly procedures or multiple moving parts.
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 hinged cooler design enhances cleaning efficiency by providing full access to both sides of the heat exchangers, reducing cleaning time and preventing debris accumulation within the machine, while maintaining structural integrity and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
an oil cooler, an aftercooler... a first heat exchanger disposed inside the enclosure for cooling a first fluid by the cooling fluid, a second heat exchanger disposed inside the enclosure for cooling a second fluid by the cooling fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A hinged cooler includes an enclosure in which a cooling fluid flows, a first heat exchanger disposed inside the enclosure for cooling a first fluid by the cooling fluid, a second heat exchanger disposed inside the enclosure for cooling a second fluid by the cooling fluid, and a hinge located between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger rotates 2024/085909 around the hinge, in a first direction, from a first closed position that covers the enclosure to a first open position in which the first heat exchanger moves to an outside of the enclosure. The second heat exchanger rotates around the hinge, in a second direction opposite to the first direction, from a second closed position that covers the enclosure to a second open position in which the second heat exchanger moves to the outside of the enclosure.