Work Vehicle Coolant Branch Path for Reducing Agent Thawing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In work vehicles, the introduction of engine coolant into a reducing agent tank for preventing freezing can lead to insufficient air release, reducing the efficiency of heat exchange due to a longer circulation path and potential thermostat operation, which delays coolant supply.
Innovation Solution
A work vehicle system with a branch path for heat exchange between engine coolant and the reducing agent tank, including a valve and fan control unit to manage air release and coolant supply, ensuring sufficient air release and preventing thermostat operation, thereby maintaining efficient heat exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If engine coolant is introduced into a reducing agent tank through a branch path, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but air release becomes insufficient due to the longer circulation path
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs air release operations before the coolant circulation path is fully established. The control unit detects when the thermostat is in the closed state (before coolant flows through the radiator path) and activates the air release valve to expel air from the branch path in advance, ensuring that air does not remain when coolant circulation begins
2Temperature
If the thermostat operates to open when coolant temperature reaches prescribed level, then coolant cooling is improved, but the circulation path length increases causing delayed coolant supply
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation system is segmented into two separate paths: a short direct path through the branch to the reducing agent tank for rapid heat exchange, and a long path through the radiator for coolant cooling. The thermostat controls flow to the radiator path, while the branch path remains available for immediate coolant supply, thus separating the cooling function from the heat exchange function
3Adaptability or versatility
If a branch path is added to the coolant circulation system, then heat exchange with reducing agent is enabled, but the overall path length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The branch path is nested within the existing coolant circulation system, drawing coolant from an intermediate point in the circulation loop. This allows the branch path to utilize the pressure and flow already established in the main circulation system, minimizing the additional path length required while still providing effective heat exchange capability
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 ensures sufficient air release in the coolant supply path, preventing delays and maintaining heat exchange efficiency, ensuring the reducing agent is effectively thawed and preventing freezing.
Implementation Method 1
heat exchange between the engine coolant and the reducing agent in the reducing agent tank
Implementation Method 2
The fan generates cooling wind in an engine room. The radiator cools the engine coolant with the cooling wind.
Data Source
AI summary
A work vehicle includes an engine, an exhaust gas purification apparatus, a reducing agent tank, an engine coolant circuit, a branch path, a valve, an accepting portion, a valve control unit, a fan, a radiator, a thermostat, and a fan control unit. The valve control unit gives an instruction for an opening operation of the valve in response to the operation instruction from the operator accepted by the accepting portion. The fan generates cooling wind in an engine room. The radiator cools the engine coolant with the cooling wind. The thermostat is provided between the circulation path and the radiator and operates to open for supplying the engine coolant to the radiator when a temperature of the engine coolant is equal to or higher than a prescribed temperature. The fan control unit increases the number of rotations of the fan in response to the operation instruction.