Segmented Hood Assembly for Radiator Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hood assemblies in mobile machines require cumbersome and time-consuming procedures to access and clean radiators due to large hoods that need to be raised and pivoted, limiting efficient debris removal from both sides of the radiator.
Innovation Solution
A hood assembly with a first and second hood interconnected by hinges allowing selective rotation about two parallel axes, enabling a fully closed, fully open, and radiator hood open configurations, allowing simultaneous access to both sides of the radiator without raising the entire hood.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large engine hood is used to cover the engine and radiator, then the engine and radiator are well protected, but accessing the radiator for cleaning becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The hood assembly is divided into two separate hoods: a first hood covering the engine and a second hood covering the radiator. This segmentation allows the second hood to be opened independently for radiator cleaning without requiring the entire hood assembly to be opened, thus reducing maintenance time while maintaining protection when both hoods are closed
2Ease of operation
If the entire engine hood is raised to clean the radiator, then access to the radiator is obtained, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The hood assembly is segmented into a first hood and a second hood that can operate independently. The second hood is pivotally connected to allow it to be opened separately from the first hood, providing direct access to the radiator without the need to raise the entire hood assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The second hood is extracted as a separate movable component from the main hood assembly. This allows the radiator access function to be separated from the engine cover function, enabling quick access to the radiator by opening only the second hood while the first hood remains closed
3Ease of operation
If a powered actuator is used to open the hood, then the hood can be opened with less manual effort, but the cleaning process becomes even more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The hood assembly is segmented so that the second hood can be opened manually through a small arc movement without requiring a powered actuator. This segmentation allows the lightweight second hood to be operated quickly by hand, eliminating the time penalty associated with powered actuators while still providing adequate access for radiator cleaning
4Ease of operation
If the hood is tilted to an open position, then access to one side of the radiator is improved, but access to the other side remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The second hood is extracted as a separate component that can be opened independently to provide access to the radiator. When opened, it allows operators to access and clean both sides of the radiator efficiently, as the hood design incorporates features that facilitate cleaning from multiple angles without requiring the entire hood assembly to be tilted
Data Source
AI summary
A hood assembly includes a first hood and a second hood. The second hood is selectively rotatable with respect to the first hood to provide rapid access to components enclosed by the second hood, such as a radiator. The first and second hoods are selectively rotatable together to provide access to components enclosed by the first and second hoods, such as an engine.