Work Machine Fan Control for Rear Detection Cooling and Dust Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collision suppression systems in work machines, such as wheel loaders, face performance deterioration due to high temperatures or dust accumulation on rear-mounted obstacle detection devices, which affect their detection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A work machine with a fan system that controls air intake and exhaust based on the state of the obstacle detection device, using temperature sensors or imaging devices to adjust fan direction for temperature regulation or dust removal, ensuring optimal performance of the detection device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the obstacle detection device is installed on the rear end side of the vehicle relative to the fan, then the detection device can detect obstacles in the rear, but high-temperature air from the engine room hits the detection device causing temperature to exceed operating range and detection performance to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fan rotation direction is dynamically changed based on the state of the obstacle detection device. When the detection device temperature exceeds the operating range, the controller reverses the fan rotation direction to intake air from the front, directing cool air toward the detection device to lower its temperature and restore proper operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the fan (rotation direction) in response to temperature conditions. By detecting when the obstacle detection device temperature exceeds the operating range, the controller switches the fan from exhaust mode to intake mode, fundamentally changing the air flow parameter to protect the detection device.
2Temperature
If the fan is configured to cool at the time of intake, then external air can cool the engine room, but external dust or the like may adhere to the surface of the detection device deteriorating detection performance
Solution Approach 1:
The fan rotation direction is dynamically adjusted based on whether the primary need is cooling or dust removal. When dust accumulation is detected on the obstacle detection device, the controller reverses the fan direction to exhaust mode, which blows dust away from the detection device surface while still providing cooling to the engine room.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing fan structure to serve dual purposes: cooling the engine room and removing dust from the detection device. By changing the fan rotation direction, the same fan performs both functions without requiring separate dust removal mechanisms.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If the fan continuously operates in exhaust mode to cool the engine room, then engine cooling is maintained, but the obstacle detection device is continuously exposed to high-temperature air causing performance deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The fan operates in periodic cycles, alternating between exhaust mode for engine cooling and intake mode for detection device cooling. The controller monitors the obstacle detection device temperature and periodically switches the fan direction when temperature thresholds are exceeded, creating a rhythmic operation pattern that balances both cooling needs.
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 effectively suppresses performance deterioration by cooling the detection device when temperatures rise or removing dust, maintaining reliable obstacle detection.
Implementation Method 1
a fan 31, The fan exchanges air between an inside and an outside of the vehicle body through an opening provided toward a rear of the vehicle body
Implementation Method 2
using temperature sensors or imaging devices to adjust fan direction for temperature regulation
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine including a vehicle body configured to travel, a fan, an obstacle detection device, and a controller. The fan is configured to exchange air between an inside and an outside of the vehicle body through an opening provided toward a rear of the vehicle body. The obstacle detection device is installed behind the fan. The obstacle detection device is configured to detect an obstacle in the rear of the vehicle body. The controller is configured to control intake and exhaust of the fan based on a state of the obstacle detection device.