Working Machine ECU Layout With Partitioned Heat Isolation

Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic control units in working machines, when placed near the prime mover, are susceptible to heat damage and malfunction due to the heat generated by the prime mover and its auxiliary equipment.

Innovation Solution

The working machine design includes a partition wall system with a second partition wall and a separation wall to create separate rooms for the prime mover and electronic control unit, with heat insulation and air cooling systems to mitigate heat exposure, and a sealing mechanism for wires connecting them.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electronic control unit is provided near the prime mover, then the workability in routing of the wire is improved and the likelihood of disconnection is reduced, but the electronic control unit is affected by heat generated by the prime mover which may cause breakage or malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidheat exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The machine room is divided into a prime mover room and a unit room by a second partition wall, separating the electronic control unit from the prime mover's heat source while maintaining proximity for wiring. This spatial segmentation resolves the contradiction by creating distinct thermal zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A wire passage is provided in the second partition wall to allow wires to pass through while blocking heat transfer. This intermediary structure enables electrical connection while preventing thermal interference, resolving the contradiction between proximity and heat protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the electronic control unit is provided away from the machine room, then the likelihood of breakage and malfunction is reduced, but the workability in routing of the wire deteriorates and the likelihood of disconnection increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat exposureVSAvoidwiring workability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The machine room is divided into a prime mover room and a unit room by a second partition wall, separating the electronic control unit from the prime mover's heat source while maintaining proximity for wiring. This spatial segmentation resolves the contradiction by creating distinct thermal zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A wire passage is provided in the second partition wall to allow wires to pass through while blocking heat transfer. This intermediary structure enables electrical connection while preventing thermal interference, resolving the contradiction between proximity and heat protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a partition wall is provided to separate the operator's seat from the prime mover, then the operator is protected from heat and noise, but the space for routing wires and installing control units is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat and noise exposureVSAvoidavailable space

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The machine room is divided into a prime mover room and a unit room by a second partition wall, separating the electronic control unit from the prime mover's heat source while maintaining proximity for wiring. This spatial segmentation resolves the contradiction by creating distinct thermal zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partition wall system extends in multiple dimensions with the second partition wall perpendicular to the first partition wall, creating a three-dimensional space arrangement. This allows separation of operator and prime mover while providing adequate space for wiring and control unit installation through vertical and lateral dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 reduces the risk of heat-related malfunctions in the electronic control unit, ensuring reliable operation and improved durability.

Implementation Method 1

a heat insulation body on a surface of the second partition wall that faces toward the prime mover room, the heat insulation body being configured to prevent or reduce heat transfer from the prime mover room toward the unit room

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS20260002335A1Working machine

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 KUBOTA CORP

AI summary

Example embodiments of the present invention include a machine body including a frame, an operator's seat supported by the frame, a prime mover room to house a prime mover supported by the frame, the prime mover room and the operator's seat being arranged in a first direction, a unit room to house an electronic control unit to control the prime mover, the unit room and the prime mover room being arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a first partition wall to divide a space above the frame into the prime mover room and an operator's seat-side space on the same side of the prime mover room as the operator's seat such that they are arranged in the first direction, and a second partition wall, including an edge portion in close contact with the first partition wall, to separate the prime mover room from the unit room.