Load Implement Air Channels for On-Demand Electric Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Working machines propelled by electric motors lack a viable method for heating their load implement bodies, as they do not have exhaust gases to utilize for temperature control, posing environmental concerns with existing heating solutions.

Innovation Solution

A material transportation system with an air blowing device, air flow channels, and a control unit that directs pressurized air to heat-insulated and heat-transfer channels to maintain a desired temperature, using electric power from regenerative braking or the vehicle's battery, reducing the need for combustion-based heating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If exhaust gases are used for heating the load implement body, then the heating function is achieved, but this solution is not applicable to electrically propelled working machines which do not have exhaust gases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload implement body temperatureVSAvoidapplicability to different propulsion systems
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the heating function from the exhaust gas system and separates it from the propulsion system. By using an independent heating device that can be coupled to either an internal combustion engine or an electric motor, the heating function is made portable and adaptable to different propulsion systems without being dependent on exhaust gases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating device is designed with multi-functionality to work with both internal combustion engines and electric motors. The device can be coupled to different propulsion systems and can utilize different heat sources (exhaust gases when available, or direct electric heating), making it universally applicable to various working machine configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If heating solutions are implemented for electrically propelled machines, then temperature control is achieved, but environmental concerns arise from combustion-based heating alternatives

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload implement body temperatureVSAvoidenvironmental impact of heating
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The heating device utilizes waste heat from the propulsion system when available (exhaust gases from internal combustion engines), effectively using a resource that would otherwise be wasted. This self-service approach converts a byproduct into a useful heating source, reducing the need for additional energy consumption and minimizing environmental impact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the heating parameter from combustion-based to electric-based when operating with electric motors. By switching to electric resistance heating or heat pump technology, the system eliminates exhaust gas emissions while maintaining effective heating, thus adapting the heating method to the propulsion system being used.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If continuous heating is provided to prevent material from getting cold and sticky, then material flow is maintained, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial flow capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption for heating
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system operates periodically rather than continuously by using waste heat from the propulsion system when available and supplementing with active heating only when needed. The system monitors temperature and activates heating only when the load implement body temperature approaches the threshold where material becomes sticky, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 system efficiently heats the load implement body only when needed, maintaining a precise temperature while being environmentally friendly by eliminating the reliance on exhaust gases, and can dynamically adjust based on ambient conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The air blowing device is preferably arranged to pressurize and heat the ambient air before the air is exhausted from the air blowing device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression heating: Adiabatic Heating

Implementation Method 2

each air flow channel of the set of heat insulated air flow channels comprises a heat insulating structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

a set of heat transfer channels, wherein the load implement body is heated by the pressurized air flowing through the set of heat transfer channels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection heat transfer: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4163146B1A material transportation system
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
  • EP4163146B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4163146B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4163146B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a material transportation system for a working machine. The material transportation system comprises a load implement body with a plurality of air flow channels. The air flow channels comprise a set of heat insulated air flow channels, and a set of heat transfer channels, wherein each air flow channel of the set of heat insulated airflow channels comprises a heat insulating structure. When the temperature level of the load implement body is below a predetermined threshold limit, pressurized air is directed to the set of heat transfer channels.