Road construction machine with nebuliser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of road construction machines, such as pavers and feeder vehicles, face extreme heat stress due to high temperatures of asphalt and outdoor conditions, with existing cooling solutions like atomizer devices failing to effectively reduce temperatures around the control stations without impairing visibility.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system with a tank and flushing device generates a mist above the operator's station, typically at least 1.7 m above the tread surface, utilizing evaporative cooling to maintain a cooler environment and improve visibility by positioning the spray device higher than the ground level, which can be modular and powered by the machine's electrical supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a coolant atomizing device is positioned close to the ground to bind aerosols, then operator protection from rising aerosols is improved, but operator visibility is impaired due to mist spread
Solution Approach 1:
The spray device is positioned at height (at least 1.7m above the platform) to spray coolant horizontally or downward, changing the spatial dimension of mist generation from ground level to elevated position. This dimensional shift allows the mist to cover the operator area without spreading across the ground level where it would obstruct visibility.
2Ease of operation
If an enclosed cabin with air conditioning is used to protect operators from heat, then operator comfort is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential cooling function from the enclosed cabin structure. Instead of providing full enclosure with air conditioning, only the necessary coolant atomization function is implemented, achieving thermal comfort without the complexity of enclosed cabin structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant atomizing device uses the machine's existing electrical system for power and can utilize the machine's movement to distribute the mist, reducing the need for additional dedicated cooling infrastructure.
3Illumination intensity
If the spray device is positioned at higher height to improve visibility, then mist coverage area is improved, but mist dilution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spray device can be positioned to spray horizontally or downward rather than upward, dynamically adjusting the mist distribution pattern. This directional control allows the mist to cover the operator area effectively from an elevated position without excessive dilution, as the spray follows the natural airflow and gravity toward the operator zone.
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 solution significantly reduces operator fatigue and improves concentration by providing effective evaporative cooling, binding particles like dust, and enhancing visibility without the need for active cooling or closed cabins, while being adaptable and energy-efficient.
Implementation Method 1
The cooling system is designed to generate the mist in the area of the operator's station... the mist is generated above the operator's platform and remains in the area of the platform for a comparatively long time. The mist cools the surroundings through evaporative cooling (adiabatic cooling).
Implementation Method 2
Furthermore, the invention has the positive effect of binding particles such as dust with the mist.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A road construction machine (1) in the form of a road paver (2) or material handling vehicle (30) comprises an operator platform (9, 13) with a floor surface (12, 12') as a walking surface and a cooling system (K) for generating a mist from a coolant (16). The cooling system (K) comprises a tank (15) for receiving the coolant and a spray device (18) for atomizing the coolant into a mist. The cooling system (K) is configured to generate the mist in the area of the operator platform (9, 13); the spray device (18) is arranged at a height of at least 1.7 m above the walking surface (12, 12').