Working Machine Cooling Fan Control for Noise and Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing working machines, such as excavators, face challenges in noise reduction, power consumption, and excessive cooling due to the lack of effective methods for controlling radiator and oil cooler fans.
Innovation Solution
A working machine equipped with an electric motor, a cooler, a temperature detector, and a controller that adjusts the fan rotational speed based on the cooling target temperature and the operation locker's position, using multiple fan control maps to optimize fan operation during enabling and disabling positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the cooling fan operates at high speed continuously to ensure adequate cooling, then the cooling performance is improved, but noise increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic fan speed control by switching between multiple fan control maps (first map for disabling position, second map for enabling position) based on the operation locker state. The controller dynamically adjusts fan rotational speed according to real-time cooling target temperature and operational context, replacing continuous high-speed operation with adaptive speed adjustment. This resolves the contradiction by providing adequate cooling only when necessary while reducing noise during idle or non-critical periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the cooling fan by implementing different control characteristics (control maps) depending on the operation locker position. The first control map applies when the operation locker is in the disabling position, and the second control map applies when it is in the enabling position. This parameter change approach allows the system to optimize fan speed based on operational context, reducing noise while maintaining cooling performance when needed.
2Temperature
If the cooling fan operates at high speed continuously to ensure adequate cooling, then the cooling performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts fan speed based on the operation locker state and cooling target temperature. When the operation locker is in the disabling position, the first control map is used which typically employs lower fan speeds. When in the enabling position, the second control map is used which may allow higher speeds if cooling is required. This dynamic adjustment ensures power is consumed only when adequate cooling is necessary for active operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by switching between different control maps that define different fan speed characteristics. The first control map for the disabling position and the second control map for the enabling position create distinct operational parameter sets. This allows the system to minimize power consumption during non-operational periods while maintaining adequate cooling performance during active operations.
3Reliability
If the cooling fan operates continuously to prevent overheating, then the reliability is improved, but excessive cooling occurs causing energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameters based on operation locker position, implementing context-aware cooling. The first control map (disabling position) and second control map (enabling position) define different fan speed characteristics appropriate to each operational state. This prevents excessive cooling by adjusting fan operation to match actual operational needs, maintaining reliability while avoiding energy waste from unnecessary cooling during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the operation locker state and cooling target temperature to adjust fan operation. The controller continuously monitors the operation locker position and selects the appropriate control map accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures cooling is provided at appropriate levels based on actual operational context, preventing both overheating and excessive cooling, thereby avoiding energy waste while maintaining reliability.
4Device complexity
If a single fan control map is used for all operation states, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different operational conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that automatically switches between the first control map and second control map based on the operation locker position. This dynamic adaptation provides different cooling strategies for different operational states without requiring complex manual intervention. The system maintains relatively simple device architecture while achieving high adaptability through automated context-aware control map selection.
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 solution reduces noise, minimizes power consumption, and prevents excessive cooling by dynamically controlling the fan speed according to temperature and operational states, enhancing the machine's performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature detector to detect a cooling target temperature that is a temperature of a cooling target to be cooled by the cooler
Implementation Method 2
a cooler including an electric cooling fan, wherein the cooling fan is configured to cool the cooling target
Data Source
AI summary
A working machine includes an electric motor, a working device driven by power of the electric motor, an operation device to operate the working device, an operation locker switchable between an enabling position at which an operation of the working device by the operation device is enabled and a disabling position at which the operation is disabled, a cooler including an electric cooling fan, a temperature detector to detect a cooling target temperature, which is the temperature of a cooling target to be cooled by the cooler, and a controller to control a fan rotational speed, which is the rotational speed of the cooling fan, in accordance with the cooling target temperature detected by the temperature detector. The controller changes a characteristic of the fan rotational speed with respect to the cooling target temperature depending on whether the operation locker is in the enabling position or in the disabling position.