Rotating EV Radiator Assembly for Cab-Clear Service Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial vehicles, particularly heavy-duty electric vehicles, face challenges in accessing components due to spatial constraints, making traditional service and maintenance methods ineffective, especially for thermal management systems which require multiple parts and larger components.
Innovation Solution
A radiator assembly design featuring a stationary and rotating assembly with an actuation system that allows the radiator to rotate relative to the stationary assembly in multiple directions, enabling access to components without interfering with the vehicle cab, and includes a strap assembly for manual actuation to facilitate service configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vehicle cab is rotated away from the chassis to expose components, then accessibility to components is improved, but this solution is ineffective when large thermal management components near the front of the cab physically interfere with the cab during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The radiator assembly is divided into a stationary assembly (fan assembly, fan frame) and a rotating assembly (radiator frame, support frame). The rotating assembly can be independently actuated to rotate away from the stationary assembly, allowing component access without requiring the entire cab to rotate. This segmentation resolves the interference issue by isolating the rotating components from the cab structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiator assembly transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic configuration where the rotating assembly can be actuated to rotate relative to the stationary assembly. An actuation assembly with a strap mechanism enables manual rotation of the radiator components away from the cab, providing adaptability for maintenance while avoiding the interference problems of full cab rotation.
2Ease of operation
If traditional cab rotation is used to access components, then component accessibility is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the radiator assembly into stationary and rotating portions, the patent reduces the complexity of the actuation mechanism compared to rotating the entire cab. Only the necessary radiator components need to be actuated, reducing the mass and complexity of the rotation mechanism while maintaining component accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation assembly with the strap mechanism serves as an intermediary between the operator and the radiator assembly. The strap wraps around the radiator frame and attaches to the cab, providing a simple mechanical means to rotate the radiator components without requiring complex motors, hydraulics, or electronics.
3Ease of operation
If the radiator assembly is designed as a complete rotating unit, then component access is improved, but the weight and size of the actuation mechanism increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radiator assembly is segmented into a heavy stationary portion (fan assembly, fan frame anchored to chassis) and a lighter rotating portion (radiator frame with heat exchangers). This segmentation reduces the weight of the rotating assembly, making it feasible to rotate with a simple strap-based actuation mechanism rather than requiring heavy-duty rotation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows the radiator assembly to transition from a static heavy unit to a dynamic system where only the necessary rotating components are actuated. The stationary fan assembly remains anchored while the radiator frame rotates, optimizing the weight distribution and reducing the actuation mechanism weight.
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 design allows for efficient access to critical components, reducing maintenance complexity and conserving space for other vehicle systems by minimizing the actuation mechanism's size and weight, while ensuring adequate cooling and serviceability of thermal management systems.
Implementation Method 1
a fan assembly coupled to a fan frame assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a radiator assembly that includes a stationary assembly that includes a fan assembly coupled to a fan frame assembly, a rotating assembly that includes a radiator frame assembly and a support frame assembly coupled to the radiator frame assembly, and an actuation assembly coupled to the rotating assembly. The rotating assembly may be rotatably coupled to the stationary assembly and configured to rotate relative to the stationary assembly in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. The actuation assembly may be configured to enable and limit rotation of the rotating assembly relative to the stationary assembly in the first direction and the second direction.