Tractor Cooling Arrangement with Vertical Radiator Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural vehicle cooling systems face challenges with high air flow resistance and overheating due to the arrangement of radiators in series under the bonnet, which restricts the dimensions of the radiator sub-assembly and hampers heat dissipation, especially with increasing drive power.
Innovation Solution
An extended fan shroud with a mounting plate that guides air from the fan to the radiator, forming a complete air channel and providing a mounting surface, while maintaining a narrow and low bonnet profile to optimize air flow and reduce the need for larger fans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If radiators are arranged in series under the bonnet, then heat dissipation capacity is improved, but air flow resistance increases and bonnet dimensions are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal series arrangement of radiators to a vertical stacked arrangement. This dimensional change allows multiple radiators to be positioned one above another, utilizing the vertical space within the bonnet rather than consuming horizontal space. The mounting plate with stepped configuration enables this vertical stacking while maintaining effective heat dissipation surface area, thereby improving heat dissipation capacity without excessively increasing air flow resistance or bonnet dimensions.
2Temperature
If radiators are arranged in series, then heat dissipation is improved, but bonnet width and height must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate creates a vertical stacking arrangement where radiators are positioned at different heights rather than spread horizontally. This utilizes the vertical dimension within the bonnet's height constraints, allowing multiple radiators to be accommodated without significantly increasing bonnet width or overall height. The stepped mounting plate structure optimizes space utilization within the available vertical clearance.
3Speed
If a larger fan is used to overcome air flow resistance, then air flow through radiators is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the air flow resistance problem by redesigning the radiator arrangement geometry. By stacking radiators vertically on a stepped mounting plate, the design reduces air flow resistance compared to horizontal series arrangement. This extraction of the resistance problem allows the use of a smaller fan while maintaining adequate air flow through the radiators, thereby reducing device complexity and space requirements.
4Ease of operation
If bonnet is kept narrow and low for better visibility and steering, then maneuverability is improved, but radiator heat dissipation capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical stacking arrangement on the stepped mounting plate allows the bonnet to remain narrow and low, preserving good driver visibility and tight steering capability. Meanwhile, the vertical arrangement maximizes the use of available vertical space within the bonnet to accommodate multiple radiators, thereby maintaining adequate heat dissipation capacity without compromising maneuverability or visibility.
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 configuration enhances air flow through the radiators, improving heat dissipation without increasing radiator size, thus addressing the limitations of space and heat management in agricultural vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a fan, a radiator or radiators, and a mounting plate... the cooling arrangement comprising a fan... air from a fan positioned at the front of the vehicle drives air through the series of radiators
Implementation Method 2
Agricultural vehicles, such as agricultural tractors require a number of radiators in order to cool working media, such as a water cooler for the engine, a transmission oil cooler
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
AI summary
A cooling arrangement on an agricultural vehicle comprising a radiator and a fan with a fan shroud located in a bonnet having a pivotable hood. When the bonnet is closed a part of the fan shroud defines a first and second air compartment under the bonnet.