Ladder Motor-Pump Cooling and Grounding for Overheat Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for large machines, such as large track type tractors, face overheating issues with electric motors and hydraulic pumps due to insufficient cooling and grounding, leading to frequent repairs and premature component failure.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a hydraulic fluid tank, a hydraulic pump, an electric motor, and a hydraulic fluid circuit that routes pressurized hydraulic fluid back to the tank to mix with unpressurized fluid for cooling, and provides additional electrical grounding through conductors connected to the motor and pump housings, with a thermal switch to cut off power when the motor exceeds a threshold temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the hydraulic pump is operated continuously to pressurize hydraulic fluid, then the productivity is improved, but the temperature of the hydraulic fluid and motor increases causing overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful thermal energy into useful work by routing hot pressurized hydraulic fluid through the motor housing, where it serves as a cooling medium for the motor while simultaneously being cooled by the hydraulic fluid in the tank, thus eliminating waste heat and improving overall system efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cooling function into the hydraulic fluid circuit by routing the hot hydraulic fluid through the motor housing and back to the tank, combining the hydraulic system and thermal management system into a single integrated circuit that performs both actuation and cooling functions
2Productivity
If the electric motor is overloaded to maintain productivity, then the ladder operation capability is improved, but the electric motor overheats and may fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful overheating condition into a useful cooling mechanism by allowing hot hydraulic fluid to flow through the motor housing, absorbing excess heat from the motor and converting it into thermal energy that is subsequently dissipated in the hydraulic tank, thereby protecting the motor from thermal damage while maintaining continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces hydraulic fluid as an intermediary cooling medium between the electric motor and the hydraulic tank, using the fluid to transfer thermal energy from the motor to the tank where it can be dissipated, thus protecting the motor from direct thermal exposure
3Force
If the hydraulic pump pressurizes hydraulic fluid to high pressure, then the ladder actuation force is improved, but the temperature and thermal stress on components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful high-temperature high-pressure hydraulic fluid into a beneficial cooling agent by routing it through the motor housing, where it absorbs excess heat from the motor while maintaining its pressurized state, thus eliminating thermal stress on components without reducing the available actuation force
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
This solution effectively reduces the temperature of pressurized hydraulic fluid, minimizing thermal stress on components and preventing overheating-related failures, while ensuring sufficient electrical grounding to prevent burnout.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic fluid circuit fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic fluid tank and configured to route the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic fluid tank, mix the pressurized hydraulic fluid with unpressurized hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic fluid tank, and reduce the temperature of the pressurized hydraulic fluid
Implementation Method 2
wherein the electric motor includes a thermal switch configured to cut off power to the electric motor when internal temperature of the electric motor exceeds a preselected threshold temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A ladder motor pump system comprises a hydraulic fluid tank that holds hydraulic fluid, a hydraulic pump that draws and pressurizes the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid tank, a one-way electric motor that drives the hydraulic pump, a hydraulic ladder actuator that actuates a ladder in first and second patterns, a hydraulic fluid circuit that routes the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic ladder actuator to the hydraulic fluid tank, and a regulator that routes the pressurized hydraulic fluid from an outlet of the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic fluid tank when a pressure of the pressurized hydraulic fluid exceeds a preselected threshold pressure, mixing the pressurized hydraulic fluid with the unpressurized hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic fluid tank and reducing temperature of the pressurized hydraulic fluid. The electric motor and the pump include bosses providing increased ground connections to the electrical ground, thereby reducing electrical resistance and heat generated.