Tractor Air Duct with Shutter Control for Engine Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional engine compartment venting technologies do not effectively adjust to vehicle speed and temperature, leading to under-venting or over-venting, and occupy valuable space, while also not improving aerodynamics.

Innovation Solution

An air duct system with shutters that adjusts airflow based on tractor speed, temperature, and cross-wind, using a controller to optimize venting by positioning shutters to face a low-pressure zone behind the fender, reducing drag and improving aerodynamics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional ducts with side vents are installed to vent the engine compartment, then hot air can escape from the engine compartment, but the ducts protrude into the engine compartment occupying valuable space and do not improve aerodynamics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine compartment temperatureVSAvoidengine compartment space

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The air duct outlet is positioned on the outer surface of the tractor fender rather than protruding into the engine compartment, utilizing the lateral dimension to route exhaust air outward. This dimensional repositioning allows the duct body to pass through the fender structure, keeping the engine compartment space clear while maintaining effective venting functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Temperature

If conventional ducts with side vents are installed to vent the engine compartment, then hot air can escape from the engine compartment, but the ducts do not improve aerodynamics and increase drag

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine compartment temperatureVSAvoidaerodynamic drag

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The duct outlet is positioned to face a low pressure zone that forms downstream of the fender during vehicle operation. By utilizing this naturally occurring low pressure area, the system converts the aerodynamic flow pattern into a beneficial force that enhances exhaust air extraction without increasing drag, effectively turning the vehicle's motion into a venting assistance mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The outlet is positioned on the outer surface of the fender rather than on the engine hood, redirecting exhaust flow laterally away from the vehicle's longitudinal axis. This dimensional change in outlet positioning reduces interference with the main airflow over the vehicle, improving aerodynamics while maintaining venting effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Temperature

If conventional ducts operate based on predetermined pressure values, then venting occurs when pressure exceeds certain thresholds, but the system does not adjust to vehicle speed or temperature resulting in under-venting or over-venting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine compartment temperatureVSAvoidventing adjustment to speed and temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The shutter mechanism is made dynamically adjustable based on real-time operating conditions. The shutter position changes in response to vehicle speed and engine compartment temperature, allowing the venting system to adapt its opening degree to match actual thermal and aerodynamic conditions, thereby preventing both under-venting and over-venting scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor vehicle speed and engine compartment temperature to dynamically adjust shutter position. This closed-loop control ensures the venting system responds appropriately to changing operating conditions, optimizing the balance between engine cooling and aerodynamic efficiency across various driving scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 system enhances engine cooling and reduces drag by optimizing airflow according to speed and wind conditions, while maintaining a clutter-free engine compartment and improving access by melting snow or ice on cabin steps.

Implementation Method 1

the outlet faces a low pressure zone that is downstream of the fender, and wherein a pressure in the low pressure zone depends on a speed of the tractor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the shutters allow or restrict the flow of air at least in part based on a pressure in the low pressure zone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10953741B2Air ducts for airflow management, and associated systems and methods

Publication Date: 2021.03.23 PACCAR INC

AI summary

Air ducts for airflow management of the engine compartment, and associated methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an air duct for venting an engine compartment of a tractor includes an inlet that faces the engine compartment, an outlet at an outer surface of a tractor fender, a body of the duct configured generally inside the fender, and one or more shutters that restrict flow of air at the inlet. In some embodiments, the outlet faces a low pressure zone that is downstream of the fender, and a pressure in the low pressure zone depends on a speed of the tractor.