Work Vehicle Control Unit Layout for Engine Heat Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

In lawnmowers, the ambient temperature of the engine control device rises due to the engine's operation, leading to potential malfunctions.

Innovation Solution

The engine control device is positioned behind the hydraulic pump, which blocks hot air from the engine, and is mounted on a bracket that disperses vibrations and allows for airflow to cool it, preventing excessive temperature increases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the engine control device is disposed near the engine to simplify the overall structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ambient temperature of the engine control device rises causing potential malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall structureVSAvoidambient temperature of engine control device
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the engine control device in the rear portion of the vehicle body, behind the hydraulic pump, creating a spatial separation along the longitudinal axis. This dimensional arrangement allows the control device to be close to the engine for structural simplicity while simultaneously positioning it in a cooler zone behind the hydraulic pump to avoid excessive temperature rise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Temperature

If the engine control device is disposed behind the hydraulic pump to suppress temperature rise, then the temperature control is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveambient temperature of engine control deviceVSAvoidcomponent arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic pump serves dual functions: it transmits power from the engine to the vehicle wheel and simultaneously acts as a thermal barrier protecting the engine control device from engine heat. This multi-functionality allows the control device to be positioned behind the hydraulic pump for temperature control without significantly increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively suppresses the ambient temperature of the engine control device, preventing malfunctions and ensuring reliable operation.

Implementation Method 1

The hydraulic pump (13a) is disposed behind the engine (4) and transmits power of the engine (4) to the vehicle wheel (32). The control device (100) is disposed behind the hydraulic pump (13a) and controls the engine (4).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

The control device (100) is mounted on a bracket that disperses vibrations and allows for airflow to cool it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3900968B1Work vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 ISEKI & CO LTD
  • EP3900968B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3900968B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3900968B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

To provide a work vehicle capable of suppressing a rise in the ambient temperature of an engine control device. A work vehicle according to one aspect of an embodiment includes a traveling vehicle body, a mower device (3), a driver's seat (20), an engine (4), a hydraulic pump (13a), and a control device. The traveling vehicle body has a vehicle wheel (31). The mower device is provided on the traveling vehicle body. The driver's seat (20) is provided in front of the traveling vehicle body. The engine (4) is provided in the rear part of the traveling vehicle body. The hydraulic pump (13a) is disposed behind the engine (4) and transmits power of the engine to the vehicle wheel (1). The control device is disposed behind the hydraulic pump (13a) and controls the engine (4).