Rearward Hydraulic Cooling System for Heavy Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic cooling systems for heavy-equipment machines, such as skid-steer loaders, face inefficiencies when using high oil flow demand attachment tools, as primary cooling systems are inadequate, leading to overheating, and secondary cooling systems positioned on the cab inhibit movement, airflow, and maintenance access.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic cooling system with a main housing and cooling assembly housed within, extending rearward from the cab, incorporating a radiator and fans for efficient oil cooling, and an attachment assembly for secure mounting, allowing for efficient airflow and reduced profile to enhance maneuverability and maintenance access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a secondary cooling system is positioned on top of the cab, then cooling capacity is improved, but overhead clearance is inhibited and maneuverability is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is repositioned from a vertical orientation (extending above the cab) to a horizontal orientation (extending rearward from the cab). This dimensional change allows the cooling system to maintain its cooling capacity while reducing vertical height and improving overhead clearance for maneuverability in confined spaces.
2Temperature
If a secondary cooling system is positioned on the cab, then cooling capacity is improved, but air flow through the system is inhibited, decreasing cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
By extending the cooling system rearward from the cab rather than positioning it on top, the design creates unobstructed vertical space above the cooling components. This allows air to flow freely through the system, improving heat dissipation efficiency and cooling performance.
3Temperature
If a secondary cooling system is positioned on the cab, then cooling capacity is improved, but maintenance access is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Positioning the cooling system to extend rearward from the cab places maintenance components in a more accessible location. Operators can easily reach the cooling system from the ground level at the rear of the machine, eliminating the need to work from elevated positions or remove other components for access.
4Temperature
If a secondary cooling system is added, then cooling capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is integrated with the existing cab structure and hydraulic system. The cooling assembly is mounted to the cab frame and connected to the hydraulic oil circuit, combining multiple functions into a unified system that reduces overall complexity compared to separate independent cooling and hydraulic systems.
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 system effectively cools hydraulic oil during high-demand operations, improves airflow efficiency, reduces profile for enhanced maneuverability, and facilitates easier maintenance by positioning the cooling system rearward from the cab, addressing overheating and accessibility issues of previous systems.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling assembly housed at least partly within the main housing. The cooling assembly is configured to reduce a temperature of hydraulic oil flowing through the hydraulic cooling system
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic cooling system for a heavy-equipment machine, with the heavy-equipment machine including a frame supported on the ground by a ground-drive assembly, a cab extending upward from the frame, and an attachment tool for performing work. The hydraulic cooling system comprises a main housing and a cooling assembly housed at least partly within the main housing, with the cooling assembly being configured to reduce a temperature of hydraulic oil flowing through the hydraulic cooling system. The hydraulic cooling system further comprises an attachment assembly for attaching the main housing to the cab of the heavy-equipment machine. The main housing is configured to extend rearward from the cab.