Hybrid Fan Drive Layout for Compact Vehicle Radiator Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fan control apparatuses for vehicle radiators face inefficiencies due to eddy currents from electrical connections, large dimensions, and inability to handle radiator blockages, particularly in vehicles with limited engine compartment space and during extreme temperature conditions.
Innovation Solution
A compact fan control apparatus with an electromagnetic friction coupling and electric motor, where the electronic drive and control unit are housed radially inside, reducing eddy currents and allowing for adjustable speed and cleaning functionality, utilizing a dual support flange configuration for easier assembly and reduced radial dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electronic drive and control unit are positioned radially outside the friction coupling, then the apparatus has larger radial dimensions, but the electronic connections are more accessible and easier to install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the electronic drive and control unit radially inside the friction coupling instead of outside. This inversion reduces the radial footprint while maintaining electrical connection accessibility through the hollow fixed sleeve that passes through the assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic drive and control unit are nested within the hollow fixed sleeve, which itself is positioned within the friction coupling assembly. This nested arrangement allows compact integration of multiple components in a limited radial space while maintaining functional accessibility.
2Reliability
If electrical connections are positioned at a distance from the electric motor, then eddy currents interfere with control apparatus operation, but the apparatus structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electronic drive and control unit from the conventional external positioning and relocates them internally within the hollow fixed sleeve. This extraction eliminates the problematic long electrical connections that generate eddy currents while integrating the control system into the existing assembly structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow fixed sleeve acts as an intermediary structure that houses the electronic drive and control unit, providing a protected pathway for electrical connections while maintaining close proximity to the electric motor. This intermediary arrangement reduces eddy current interference without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
3Temperature
If the fan operates at high speed, then cooling efficiency increases, but energy consumption and mechanical stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic speed control through the electromagnetic friction coupling that allows the fan to operate at variable speeds based on cooling requirements. The coupling enables smooth transition between different rotational speeds, optimizing the balance between cooling efficiency and energy consumption rather than operating at fixed high speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic friction coupling changes the operational parameters of the fan by controlling the friction between the driving surface and driven surface. By adjusting the electromagnetic force, the system can vary the fan speed and torque, allowing efficient operation at lower speeds when full cooling capacity is not required.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the fan operates at zero speed, then energy consumption decreases, but cooling capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic friction coupling enables dynamic operation where the fan can be completely stopped (zero speed) when cooling is not required, eliminating energy consumption. When cooling is needed, the coupling smoothly transitions the fan to the required speed, providing flexible response to varying thermal conditions.
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 apparatus efficiently controls fan speed, reduces eddy currents, and enables self-cleaning of radiators, ensuring effective cooling and compactness suitable for various vehicle types, including agricultural tractors and off-road vehicles, without requiring manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetically controlled friction coupling arranged between the fan and means for generating the rotational movement
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor (20) which is able to generate the rotational movement
Implementation Method 3
said fan, when it is rotated, forcing air onto the radiator and causing the heat to be transferred from the cooling fluid to the external environment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Apparatus for controlling the rotation about a longitudinal axis (X-X) of a fan (1) for cooling the cooling fluid contained in the radiator of a vehicle, comprising : - a fixed support sleeve (3), internally hollow and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (X-X) of rotation of the fan; - a bell member (la) for supporting the fan, mounted on the outer race (2a) of a bearing (2), the inner race (2b) of which is keyed onto the support sleeve (3); - an electromagnetic friction coupling (10) arranged between the bell member (la) and movement receiving means (4) suitable for connection to the driving shaft of the vehicle; - an electric motor (20) for generating a rotational movement independent of the driving shaft of the vehicle, comprising a stator (21) and a rotor (22); - a first rear flange (3a) integral with the sleeve (3) and designed to support an electromagnet (12) of the electromagnetic friction coupling; a second front flange (40) integral with the sleeve (3) and designed to support the stator (21) of the electric motor (20) and a unit (30; 130) for controlling and electronically driving the electric motor (20), arranged in a position radially on the inside of the bell member (1a) for supporting the fan.