Inline Fan Reverser for Radiator Debris Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for vehicles with water-cooled engines and radiators face inefficiencies due to debris clogging the radiator fins, leading to overheating issues, and existing fan controllers are complex, costly, and difficult to install.
Innovation Solution
A micro-electronic, programmable inline fan reverser that periodically reverses the fan direction to clear debris from the radiator, using a control circuitry to manage voltage polarity and direction, allowing for easy installation and effective debris removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the fan operates continuously in forward direction to cool the radiator, then cooling efficiency is maintained, but debris accumulates on the radiator fins reducing cooling capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The fan operation is divided into periodic cycles: forward rotation for cooling (e.g., 5-10 minutes), followed by reverse rotation for debris removal (e.g., 30-60 seconds). This periodic switching maintains cooling efficiency while periodically clearing debris that would otherwise accumulate and reduce radiator capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan direction is periodically reversed from the normal forward cooling direction to a reverse direction. This inversion causes the fan to push air and debris in the opposite direction, effectively blowing debris off the radiator fins while maintaining the same rotational speed and power consumption.
2Measurement precision
If complex fan controllers with temperature sensors and multiple speed settings are used to manage cooling, then cooling control precision is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the existing thermostat switch in the vehicle's cooling system to trigger fan operation. The thermostat naturally opens/closes based on temperature, automatically controlling when the fan runs without requiring additional temperature sensors or complex control electronics. The reverser simply responds to the thermostat's switching action.
Solution Approach 2:
The reverser device performs multiple functions with a single component: it controls both the timing of fan operation (by responding to thermostat signals) and the direction of rotation (by switching polarity). This consolidates what would otherwise require separate temperature sensing, timing control, and direction control systems into one universal device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing fan controllers with separate battery connections and multiple sensors are installed, then fan control functionality is achieved, but installation cost and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reverser extracts only the essential control function needed for fan operation from complex control systems. By using the existing thermostat switch as the trigger and eliminating the need for separate battery connections, multiple sensors, and complex wiring harnesses, the installation is reduced to simply replacing the fan connector, dramatically simplifying the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The reverser combines the functions of the thermostat response, timing control, and direction switching into a single integrated device that interfaces with the existing fan connector. This merging eliminates the need for separate components and their associated wiring, reducing installation complexity while maintaining full fan control functionality.
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 solution ensures the radiator remains clean and cool by automatically reversing the fan direction to blow debris away, maintaining efficient cooling without requiring additional sensors or complex connections, and can be easily integrated into existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor that turns the fan... outputting a reverse polarity voltage on the electrical outputs during a cleaning period to turn the electric motor and fan connected thereto in a reverse cleaning direction
Data Source
AI summary
An inline fan reverser (100) and related method for clearing away debris from a radiator (20) by programmatically reversing a vehicle's radiator fan (30). The fan reverser (100) electrically connects, inline, with the conductors that normally drive the electric motor (32) that turns the fan (31) in order to pull cooling air through the radiator (20) The fan reverser (100) includes a microcontroller that initially clears the radiator (20) of debris by pushing or blowing for a short period of time (e.g. 10 seconds) and then enters a main loop where the fan reverser repeatedly transitions between a cooling phase and a cleaning phase. In the cooling phase, the reverser pulls air through the radiator for a long period of time (e.g. 10 minutes). In the cleaning phase, the reverser periodically clears the radiator (20) of debris by pushing or blowing for a short period of time (e.g. 10 seconds). The reverser also provides for short OFF periods (e.g. 5 seconds) after each forward or reverse phase where power is removed from the fan (30) in order to allow the fan to slow down, or stop, before reversing direction.