Vehicle Radiator Layout for Preserving Coolant Temperature Difference

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing vehicle heat exchange systems suffer from reduced cooling efficiency due to the proximity of high-temperature and low-temperature side radiators, which results in a diminished temperature difference between the cooling liquids passing through them.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates a high-temperature side radiator unit and a low-temperature side radiator unit, each comprising multiple radiators and connection pipes, with the cooling fans generating air flow that optimizes heat transfer between the radiators, allowing for improved circulation and temperature differences between the cooling liquids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the high-temperature side radiator and the low-temperature side radiator are disposed at positions where their inlet and outlet ports face each other, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the temperature difference between the cooling liquids is reduced, resulting in reduced cooling efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidcooling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The radiator system is segmented into high-temperature side radiators and low-temperature side radiators, with each type further divided into first and second units. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each radiator's position and function, enabling the cooling liquid to flow through radiators in a sequence that maintains temperature differences while preserving operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetric arrangement where the first high-temperature side radiator and first low-temperature side radiator are positioned differently from the second high-temperature side radiator and second low-temperature side radiator. This asymmetric configuration ensures that cooling liquid from the high-temperature side does not directly encounter cooling liquid from the low-temperature side, maintaining temperature differences while keeping the system easy to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Device complexity

If the high-temperature side radiator and the low-temperature side radiator are disposed at positions where their inlet and outlet ports face each other, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature difference between the cooling liquids is reduced, resulting in reduced cooling efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidcooling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The radiator system is segmented into high-temperature side radiators and low-temperature side radiators, with each type further divided into first and second units. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each radiator's position and function, enabling the cooling liquid to flow through radiators in a sequence that maintains temperature differences while preserving operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent arranges radiators in a multi-dimensional configuration rather than a simple linear or facing arrangement. By positioning radiators at different spatial locations and orientations, the system maintains temperature differences without requiring complex piping or control mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and cooling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 configuration enhances the cooling efficiency of the vehicle heat exchange system, reducing energy consumption and improving cooling performance while maintaining the cooling liquid within an appropriate temperature range.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of cooling fans for generating a flow of cooling air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 2

a high-temperature side radiator unit configured to transfer heat between a cooling liquid discharged from a high-temperature heat source and the cooling air generated by the plurality of cooling fans

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP4108492B1Vehicle heat exchange system and dump truck
Publication Date: 2025.01.08 HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO LTD
  • EP4108492B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4108492B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4108492B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a technique for improving the cooling efficiency of a vehicle heat exchange system configured to cool a cooling liquid discharged from each of a plurality of heat sources. The vehicle heat exchange system comprises a high-temperature side radiator unit and a low-temperature side radiator unit, the high-temperature side radiator including: a first high-temperature side radiator that faces a first fan and is connected to a high-temperature side discharge pipe; a second high-temperature side radiator that faces a second fan and is connected to a high-temperature side supply pipe; and a high-temperature side connection pipe for supplying the cooling liquid from the first high-temperature side radiator to the second high-temperature side radiator, and the low-temperature side radiator unit including: a first low-temperature side radiator that is arranged to face the second high-temperature side radiator on the upstream side of the cooling air flow, and is connected to a low-temperature side discharge pipe; a second low-temperature side radiator that is arranged to face the first high-temperature side radiator on the upstream side of the cooling air flow, and is connected to a low-temperature side supply pipe; and a low-temperature side connection pipe for supplying the cooling liquid from the first low-temperature side radiator to the second low-temperature side radiator.