Working Machine Thermal Management via Partition Plate

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Solution Overview

Problem

In hybrid excavators, the existing cooling methods for heat-sensitive electric devices are inefficient due to the mixing of devices on the same plane, leading to reduced performance and lifespan, especially in limited spaces where heat from other devices is not effectively managed.

Innovation Solution

A stand with a top plate for installing heat-sensitive devices is designed, where the devices are positioned away from other heat-generating hydraulic devices, using heat insulating members and heat shield plates to protect against thermal influences, and ventilation ports for efficient air cooling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If electric devices and hydraulic devices are arranged on the same plane in limited space, then device concentration is achieved, but cooling effect deteriorates and thermal influence increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice arrangementVSAvoidcooling effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar arrangement to three-dimensional spatial arrangement by positioning electric devices on the upper surface and hydraulic devices on the lower surface of a partition plate, effectively utilizing the vertical dimension to separate heat sources from heat-sensitive components while maintaining compact overall footprint

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the device mounting space into distinct segments using a partition plate, creating separate zones for electric devices and hydraulic devices. This segmentation prevents thermal interference by isolating heat-generating hydraulic components from heat-sensitive electric components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If electric devices are positioned close to hydraulic devices for compact arrangement, then space utilization improves, but thermal protection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidthermal influence
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The partition plate creates vertical separation between electric devices positioned above and hydraulic devices positioned below, utilizing the third dimension (height) to achieve thermal isolation while maintaining horizontal compactness

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

Solution Approach 2:

The partition plate acts as an intermediary thermal barrier between hydraulic devices and electric devices, blocking heat transmission from the hydraulic side to the electric side while allowing both device types to coexist in close proximity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 ensures effective cooling and protection of heat-sensitive devices, maintaining their performance and lifespan while allowing for compact and efficient arrangement of multiple devices, reducing thermal interference and enhancing maintenance accessibility.

Implementation Method 1

a heat insulating member for protecting the electric device installed on the top plate against heat from the hydraulic device accommodated in the space is provided

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

ventilation ports for efficient air cooling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2256258B1Working machine
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 KOBELCO CONSTR MASCH CO LTD
  • EP2256258B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2256258B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2256258B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A plurality of supports (24) and a top plate (25) attached to between upper ends of the supports (24) are provided, and a power storage device (17) and a controller (18) are installed on the both upper and lower sides of the top plate (25) respectively. Meanwhile, a hydraulic pump (15) and a control valve (16) are accommodated in space for hydraulic devices (S) on the lower side of the top plate (25), and a heat insulating member (32,33) and heat shield plates (34-37) are provided as heat shield means for protecting the power storage device (17) and the controller (18) against heat from the exterior including heat of the hydraulic pump (15) and the control valve (16).