Tractor Console Venting Layout for Cooling Auto-Driving Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
The internal temperature of a console in a working vehicle rises due to heat generated by electrical devices, leading to potential malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
The console is designed with an air flow port and a divided structure into first and second consoles, allowing air to flow through and release heat, while also incorporating a cover portion to prevent water and dust ingress, and utilizing a steering cover portion with a blow-out port for conditioned air to enhance heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the console houses electrical devices, then the console provides functional integration, but the internal temperature rises causing potential malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The console is divided into a first console and a second console disposed adjacent to each other, forming an air flow port between them. This segmentation allows the console to maintain its housing function while creating a dedicated pathway for heat dissipation, resolving the contradiction between functional integration and temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat dissipation function is extracted from the enclosed console structure by creating an air flow port. This allows hot air to be removed from the console interior, preventing temperature buildup while the console continues to house electrical devices, thus resolving the temperature issue without sacrificing functional integration.
2Temperature
If the console is divided into first and second consoles to form an air flow port, then heat dissipation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The console is segmented into two adjacent consoles that form the air flow port between them. This segmentation approach achieves heat dissipation by creating a natural airflow path without requiring complex active cooling systems, thereby improving heat dissipation while keeping the structural complexity relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The air flow port serves multiple functions: it enables heat dissipation, provides structural support through the adjacent console arrangement, and can be integrated with the overall console design. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, offsetting the complexity introduced by the divided structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the air flow port is formed at a lower position, then water intrusion is reduced, but the heat release efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow port is positioned at a specific location (lower position) with local characteristics optimized for both water intrusion prevention and heat release. The local quality of the air flow port's position and orientation allows it to leverage natural convection currents while remaining below the electrical devices, thus preventing water intrusion while maintaining heat release efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The air flow port is oriented in a specific direction (front-rear direction) rather than simply being positioned at the bottom. This dimensional consideration allows the port to capture rising hot air currents while remaining at a lower position to prevent water intrusion, effectively resolving the contradiction through spatial optimization.
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 effectively prevents malfunctions of electrical devices by maintaining a cooler internal temperature and protecting against moisture and debris, while also improving the console's design aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
heat in the console can be released through the air flow port
Implementation Method 2
the temperature inside the console rises, and there is a possibility that the use ambient temperature of the electrical device is not satisfied
Implementation Method 3
a cover portion that covers the air flow port from a side
Implementation Method 4
the conditioned air from the blow-out port easily enters the console from the air flow port. For example, by introducing cold air from the blow-out port into the console, the heat in the console can be effectively released
Data Source
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AI summary
A tractor includes an automatic driving device disposed in a cabin, and a left console that houses the automatic driving device and has an air flow port through which air can flow. In addition, the left console includes a lower console and an upper console disposed adjacent to the lower console and forming the air flow port between the upper console and the lower console.