Remote Vehicle Cooling Fan Drive Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle cooling systems face inefficiencies due to close proximity of the fan and radiator to the engine, leading to restricted airflow and reduced cooling capacity, as well as potential relative movement between the fan and shroud, which decreases performance.
Innovation Solution
The cooling system is reconfigured with the radiator and fan positioned remotely from the prime mover, using a connecting shaft to drive the fan and alternator, and a common support structure to minimize relative movement between the fan and shroud, creating an airgap that enhances airflow and cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the fan and radiator are positioned close to the engine, then the cooling system structure is compact, but the airflow is restricted and cooling capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the fan and radiator in a different spatial dimension - forward of the cab - rather than close to the engine. The long connecting shaft transmits power across this extended distance, allowing the cooling components to be located where airflow is unobstructed while maintaining engine proximity for thermal management. This dimensional repositioning resolves the contradiction between compactness and cooling capacity.
2Device complexity
If the fan is directly coupled to the engine, then the drive system is simple, but relative movement between fan and shroud decreases performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cooling system into independent components - the fan assembly mounted on the chassis and the engine positioned separately - connected by a long connecting shaft. This segmentation allows the fan and shroud to maintain fixed relative positions independent of engine movement, eliminating the performance degradation caused by relative movement while keeping the drive system relatively simple through the direct shaft connection.
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 increases the cooling capacity and performance of the prime mover by minimizing fan tip clearance and allowing unobstructed airflow, resulting in improved thermal management and increased horsepower output.
Implementation Method 1
a fan positioned to provide a cooling operation to a radiator of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a radiator and fan positioned remotely from the prime mover
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a chassis, a cab coupled to the chassis, a prime mover coupled to the chassis and positioned at least one of beneath or behind the cab, and an accessory drive. The accessory drive includes an accessory and connecting shaft. The accessory is positioned forward of a front of the cab such that the accessory is spaced from the prime mover. The connecting shaft extends from the prime mover, past the front of the cab, and to the accessory. The connecting shaft is positioned to facilitate driving the accessory with the prime mover.