Working Machine Cooling System with Segmented Radiator and Oil Cooler
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing configuration of working machines, where a radiator, oil cooler, and condenser are arranged in a specific order, leads to degraded heat exchange efficiency due to warmed air being used for cooling and blockages causing further inefficiency, especially when the oil cooler is clogged.
Innovation Solution
The configuration is modified to arrange the radiator and oil cooler above the engine with a fan generating air flow downward, and a shroud with air vent holes to improve airflow and accessibility for maintenance, while the condenser is tilted upward for better positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the condenser, oil cooler, and radiator are arranged in series from above the engine, then the cooling system is compact, but the heat exchange efficiency of the radiator degrades due to warmed air being used for cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into parallel paths: the oil cooler and radiator are arranged side-by-side rather than in series, allowing independent airflow paths. This segmentation enables the radiator to receive cooler air directly from the fan while the oil cooler handles a separate airflow, preventing the degradation of radiator efficiency caused by warmed air from the oil cooler.
2Volume of moving object
If the condenser, oil cooler, and radiator are arranged in series, then the structure is compact, but the system becomes vulnerable to blockages that further degrade radiator performance
Solution Approach 1:
The series arrangement is segmented into parallel branches with the oil cooler and radiator positioned side-by-side. This creates redundant airflow paths where blockage in one component does not necessarily block the other, enhancing system robustness while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The parallel arrangement of oil cooler and radiator provides a built-in backup path that cushions against the harmful effects of blockages. If one component becomes clogged, the other can continue to function, preventing catastrophic failure and maintaining cooling performance under degraded conditions.
3Device complexity
If the support member extends horizontally to stride over the housing frame, then the fan motor is supported, but access to cooling devices is blocked making maintenance difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support member configuration is changed from a horizontal extension that blocks access to a vertical or overhead support structure. By moving the support function to a different spatial dimension (above rather than across the housing frame), the cooling devices remain accessible from the sides for maintenance while the fan motor is still properly supported.
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 improves heat exchange efficiency by using relatively low-temperature air for the radiator and prevents degradation due to oil cooler clogging, while allowing easier maintenance access to cooling devices.
Implementation Method 1
a fan arranged above the motor, the fan being configured to generate an air flow downward from above
Implementation Method 2
a radiator arranged above the fan
Implementation Method 3
an oil cooler arranged in parallel to the radiator
Data Source
AI summary
A working machine includes a machine body including a motor room, a motor mounted on the machine body and housed in the motor room, a fan arranged above the motor, the fan being to generate an air flow downward, a radiator arranged above the fan, an oil cooler arranged above the fan, and a shroud disposed around the fan. The shroud includes an opening rim portion forming an air inlet to take air from the motor room.