Resilient Hot Air Deflector Panel for Articulated Work Machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Work machines with articulated steering mechanisms face challenges in directing engine hot air away from the operator station, especially when moving components obstruct the airflow, leading to discomfort and potential overheating for the operator.
Innovation Solution
An engine hot air deflector with a resilient panel is mounted to the main body of the work machine, featuring an upper and lower panel portion and a panel slot to accommodate the hitch link, allowing it to conform to the shape of the moving components and prevent hot air from passing through, thereby redirecting the airflow away from the operator station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a rigid hot air deflector is installed to block hot air flow, then hot air is effectively blocked, but the deflector interferes with the movement of the hitch link and articulated frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a resilient (flexible) deflector panel instead of a rigid structure. This flexible panel can conform to the moving hitch link and articulated frame during rotation, allowing the steering mechanism to move freely while still maintaining a barrier against hot air flow. The flexibility enables the deflector to adapt its shape dynamically without interfering with the mechanical movement of the steering components.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector is designed as a dynamic structure that changes its configuration during operation. As the articulated frame rotates and the hitch link moves, the resilient panel dynamically adjusts its position and shape to accommodate these movements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain both its protective function against hot air and its compatibility with the moving steering mechanism.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the deflector is positioned to block hot air at the open end, then hot air is diverted away, but the hitch link movement through the open end is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient deflector panel is positioned at the open end of the main body to block hot air, yet its flexibility allows it to deform and accommodate the passage of the hitch link. The panel can temporarily yield to the moving hitch link and then return to its original position, ensuring both effective hot air diversion and unobstructed movement of the steering mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible deflector panel acts as an intermediary between the hot air flow and the hitch link movement. It provides a compromise solution by allowing the hitch link to pass through while still maintaining sufficient barrier function against hot air. The panel mediates between the conflicting requirements of hot air blocking and mechanical movement freedom.
3Device complexity
If a fixed deflector structure is used to redirect hot air, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to the changing position of the hitch link during steering
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient deflector panel provides an adaptive solution without requiring complex mechanisms. The flexibility of the panel allows it to naturally conform to the changing shape and position of the hitch link during steering operations. This simple yet effective approach achieves adaptability through material properties rather than complex mechanical structures, maintaining both simplicity and versatility.
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 engine hot air deflector effectively reduces the amount of hot air entering the operator station, enhancing operator comfort and safety by ensuring efficient heat dissipation without interfering with the movement of the articulated frame.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient hot air deflector panel configured to be mounted to the main body proximate the open end. The deflector panel may include an upper panel portion, a lower panel portion and a panel slot there between configured to receive the hitch link there through so that the upper panel portion and the lower panel portion conform to the shape of the hitch link
Data Source
AI summary
An engine hot air deflector for a work machine having an articulated frame pivotally coupled to a main body by a hitch assembly having a hitch link includes a resilient hot air deflector panel mounted proximate to and overlaying an open end of the main body. The deflector panel includes upper and lower panel portions separated by a panel slot. The panel slot receives the hitch link so that the panel portions conform to the shape of the hitch link as it moves within the deflector opening during rotation of the articulated frame to substantially prevent hot air from the internal combustion engine from passing through the deflector opening. The deflector may also include a support bracket mounting the deflector panel to the main body.