阅读说明：本技术 风扇护罩 (Fan shield ) 是由 扎基尔·法鲁奎伊 埃里克·霍尔朱特 迈克·P·浮士德 卢克·隆亨利 乔尔·克里斯蒂 于 2020-03-13 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于冷却风扇的护罩,风扇可定位在非公路用机械的底盘内。护罩包括入口,出口,与出口相邻定位的椭圆形唇缘段以及延伸穿过椭圆形唇缘段的多个孔。多个孔中的每个孔被定位成与多个孔中的相邻孔相距大于10度。(A shroud for a cooling fan positionable within a chassis of an off-highway machine. The shroud includes an inlet, an outlet, an elliptical lip segment positioned adjacent the outlet, and a plurality of apertures extending through the elliptical lip segment. Each of the plurality of holes is positioned greater than 10 degrees from an adjacent hole of the plurality of holes.)

1. A shroud for a cooling fan positionable within a chassis of an off-highway machine, the shroud comprising:

an inlet having a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side;

an outlet; and

an elliptical lip segment at the outlet, the elliptical lip segment comprising a first plane and a second plane facing away from the first plane, the second plane having a centroid,

wherein a plane coincident with the second plane includes a first axis parallel to the second and fourth sides of the inlet and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, the first and second axes each passing through the centroid, wherein the first and second axes together divide the elliptical lip segment into four quadrants, and

wherein a plurality of apertures extend through the elliptical lip segment, at least one aperture of the plurality of apertures being disposed in each of the four quadrants of the elliptical lip segment.

2. The shroud of claim 1, wherein the apertures of the plurality of apertures are arranged in clusters of apertures, at least some of the clusters of apertures having a "+" configuration, a staggered configuration, a single line configuration, or a double line configuration, and at least one cluster of apertures is disposed in each of the four quadrants of the elliptical lip segment.

3. The shroud of claim 2, wherein the aperture cluster includes:

a first cluster of apertures oriented between about 70 degrees and about 90 degrees relative to the first axis,

a second cluster of apertures oriented between about 130 degrees and about 175 degrees relative to the first axis,

a third aperture cluster oriented between about 160 degrees and about 190 degrees relative to the first axis,

a fourth aperture cluster oriented between about 185 degrees and about 235 degrees relative to the first axis, an

A fifth aperture cluster oriented between about 270 degrees and about 315 degrees relative to the first axis,

wherein the first and fifth clusters of holes are located symmetrically on the elliptical lip segment with respect to the first axis, an

The second, third and fourth hole clusters are located asymmetrically on the elliptical lip segment relative to the first axis.

4. The shroud of claim 2, wherein the bore clusters include a first bore cluster, a second bore cluster, a third bore cluster, a fourth bore cluster, and a fifth bore cluster, the first bore cluster being oriented between about 40 degrees and about 70 degrees relative to the second bore cluster, the second bore cluster being oriented between about 5 degrees and about 35 degrees relative to the third bore cluster, the third bore cluster being oriented between about 50 degrees and about 80 degrees relative to the fourth bore cluster, the fourth bore cluster being oriented between about 40 degrees and about 70 degrees relative to the fifth bore cluster, and the fifth bore cluster being oriented between about 140 degrees and about 180 degrees relative to the first bore cluster.

5. A shroud for a cooling fan positionable within a chassis of an off-highway machine, the shroud comprising:

an inlet;

an outlet;

an elliptical lip segment at the outlet; and

a plurality of holes extending through the elliptical lip segment, each hole of the plurality of holes being spaced greater than 10 degrees from an adjacent hole of the plurality of holes.

6. A shroud as claimed in claim 1 or 5, wherein the apertures are circular.

7. The shroud of claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of holes is positioned no greater than 150 degrees from an adjacent hole of the plurality of holes.

8. The shroud of claim 5,

the inlet further comprises a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side, and wherein the elliptical lip segment comprises a first plane and a second plane facing away from the first plane, the second plane having a centroid,

wherein a plane coincident with the second plane includes a first axis parallel to the second and fourth sides of the inlet and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, the first and second axes each passing through the centroid, wherein the first and second axes together divide the elliptical lip segment into four quadrants, and

wherein the holes of the plurality of holes are arranged into a hole cluster, the hole cluster comprising: a first hole cluster oriented between about 70 degrees and about 90 degrees relative to the first axis, a second hole cluster oriented between about 130 degrees and about 175 degrees relative to the first axis, a third hole cluster oriented between about 160 degrees and about 190 degrees relative to the first axis, a fourth hole cluster oriented between about 185 degrees and about 235 degrees relative to the first axis, and a fifth hole cluster oriented between about 270 degrees and about 315 degrees relative to the first axis,

wherein at least two of the clusters of holes are located symmetrically on the elliptical lip segment with respect to the first axis, an

At least two of the hole clusters are located asymmetrically on the elliptical lip segment relative to the first axis.

9. The shroud of claim 5, wherein the plurality of apertures are arranged in a first aperture cluster, a second aperture cluster, a third aperture cluster, a fourth aperture cluster, and a fifth aperture cluster, the first aperture cluster being oriented between about 40 degrees and about 70 degrees with respect to the second aperture cluster, the second aperture cluster being oriented between about 5 degrees and about 35 degrees with respect to the third aperture cluster, the third aperture cluster being oriented between about 50 degrees and about 80 degrees with respect to the fourth aperture cluster, the fourth aperture cluster being oriented between about 40 degrees and about 70 degrees with respect to the fifth aperture cluster, and the fifth aperture cluster being oriented between about 140 degrees and about 180 degrees with respect to the first aperture cluster.

10. The shroud of claim 1 or 5,

the plurality of holes are configured to at least partially mitigate a pressure gradient created by a portion of the elliptical lip segment.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to off-highway machines, and in particular to fan shrouds for off-highway machines.

Disclosure of Invention

One embodiment includes a shroud for a cooling fan that may be positioned within a chassis of an off-highway machine. The shroud includes: an inlet having a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side; and an outlet. An elliptical lip segment is located at the outlet and includes a first plane and a second plane facing away from the first plane. The second plane has a centroid. The shield also includes a plane coincident with the second plane. The plane includes a first axis parallel to the second and fourth sides of the inlet and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. Both the first axis and the second axis pass through the centroid. The first axis and the second axis together divide the elliptical lip segment into four quadrants, and a plurality of apertures extend through the elliptical lip segment. At least one of the plurality of apertures is disposed in each of the four quadrants of the elliptical lip segment.

Another embodiment includes a shroud for a cooling fan positionable within a chassis of an off-highway machine. The shroud includes: an inlet; an outlet; an elliptical lip segment at the outlet; and a plurality of apertures extending through the elliptical lip segment. Each of the plurality of holes is spaced greater than 10 degrees from an adjacent hole of the plurality of holes.

Another embodiment includes a shroud for a cooling fan that can be positioned within a chassis of an off-highway machine. The shroud includes: an inlet; an outlet; and an elliptical lip segment at the outlet, the elliptical lip segment comprising a first plane and a second plane facing away from the first plane. The second plane has a centroid. The shield also includes a plane coincident with the second plane. The plane includes a first axis parallel to the second and fourth sides of the inlet and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. Both the first axis and the second axis pass through the centroid. A plurality of holes extend through the elliptical lip segment and are configured to at least partially mitigate a pressure gradient created by a portion of the elliptical lip segment.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an off-highway machine.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an engine having a cooling assembly, a fan, and a shroud inside a chassis of the off Highway machine of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the chassis taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

Fig. 4 is a schematic view of the airflow through the cooling assembly, fan and shroud of fig. 2 in one direction.

Fig. 5 is a schematic view of the airflow through the cooling assembly, fan and shroud of fig. 2 in another direction.

Fig. 6 is a side view of the shroud shown in fig. 2.

Fig. 7 is a rear view of one face of the shroud of fig. 6.

FIG. 8 is a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation of airflow through the shroud of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a shroud according to one embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a rear view of the shroud of fig. 9.

FIG. 11 is a CFD simulation of airflow through the shroud of FIG. 9.

Fig. 12 is a rear view of a shroud according to another embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a shroud according to another embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a side view of the shroud of fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a rear view of the shroud of fig. 13.

FIG. 16 is a CFD simulation comparing airflow through the shroud of FIG. 6 with airflow through the shroud of FIG. 14.

Fig. 17 is a side view of a shroud according to another embodiment.

Fig. 18 is a rear view of the shroud of fig. 17.

Fig. 19 is a side view of a shroud according to another embodiment.

Fig. 20 is another side view of the shroud of fig. 19.

Fig. 21 is a rear view of the shroud of fig. 19.

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a shroud according to another embodiment.

Fig. 23 is a side view of the shroud of fig. 22.

Fig. 24 is a rear view of the shroud of fig. 22.

Detailed Description

Before the embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Further, the term "substantially" is understood by those of ordinary skill to refer to a reasonable range outside of the given values, e.g., general tolerances or resolution associated with the manufacture, assembly, and use of the embodiments and components described herein. Further, as used herein, the term "about" means plus or minus 5 degrees.

FIG. 1 illustrates an off-highway machine, such as an excavator 10, having an undercarriage 14 and traction members 18 (e.g., track mechanisms or tracks) for supporting and propelling the undercarriage 14 and, thus, the machine 10 along a ground surface. Traction members 18 are oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis A of chassis 14 that coincides with a direction of travel of machine 10 during operation. In the illustrated embodiment, each track mechanism 18 includes a drive sprocket 42, an undercarriage frame 46, and a track 50. Drive sprocket 42 is driven by prime mover 54 and engages track 50. The tracks 50 are driven in an endless manner around the drive sprocket 42 and the undercarriage frame 46. Machine 10 also includes a cab 22 and a tool or work attachment (e.g., a bucket 30) supported on one end of an arm 32.

Although off-highway machine 10 is illustrated and described as an excavator, it should be appreciated that off-highway machine 10 may take various forms, such as a loader, a dozer, a motor grader, a shovel, or another type of construction, mining, agricultural, or utility machine. Further, while the work attachment is illustrated and described as a bucket, it is understood that the work attachment may have different forms, such as augers, crushers, rippers, grapples, or other types of attachments for mining, breaking, handling, transporting, dumping, or otherwise engaging earth or other materials. Additionally, the work attachment may be separate from the arm 32 to allow another type of work attachment to be coupled to the arm 32.

As shown in fig. 2-3, the chassis 14 houses an engine 62. The engine 62 includes the prime mover 54, the cooling assembly 60, the fan 64, and the shroud 68, which are aligned along an axis B that is transverse to the longitudinal axis a (fig. 1). The cooling assembly 60 includes one or more heat exchangers or coolers 76. Other engine compartment components (i.e., filters, pumps, conduits, accumulators, sensors, batteries, valves, etc.) may also form part of the overall engine 62.

The schematic diagrams in fig. 4-5 illustrate that the fan 64 may be operated in either a suction mode or a blower mode. In the air-intake mode shown in FIG. 4, airflow enters cooling assembly 60 through chassis 14, then flows to fan 64 and through various portions of engine 62. In the blower mode shown in fig. 5, the airflow enters the fan 64 after flowing through portions of the engine 62 and passes over and through the cooling assembly 60 and exits via the chassis 14.

In either flow configuration, the performance of the fan 64 is affected by its position between the cooling package 60 and the engine 62. Specifically, the fan 64 is subjected to upstream and downstream loads. For example and referring back to FIG. 3 (for example), when the fan 64 is installed near the engine 62, the flow of air from the cooling assembly 60 and through the fan 64 is immediately impeded by the engine block and other engine compartment components.

Fig. 6-7 illustrate a conventional shroud 68. The shroud 68 includes a body 90, the body 90 including an inlet 94 and an outlet 98 opposite the inlet 94. The body 90 defines a breathing segment 100, a converging segment 110, a platform segment 120, a diverging segment 130, and a lip segment 140. Relative to the orientation of FIG. 4, the breathing zone 100 collects air exiting the cooling assembly 60 and provides a stable region of weaker pressure gradient to simplify the flow transition between the surface of the cooling assembly 60 and the surface of the converging section 100. The respiratory segment 110 is approximately rectangular and has a first side 104a, a second side 104b, a third side 104c, and a fourth side 104 d. The length of the breathing segment 100 (in the direction of length B) may be in the range of about 25mm to about 100mm, depending on the total length of the shroud based on the engine type. The converging section 110 accelerates the larger rectangular form air from the breathing section 100 to the smaller circular cross-section in which the fan 64 is located. The converging section 110 reduces flow separation and turbulence by controlling the acceleration of the air sufficiently slow to avoid turbulent transitions of boundary layer air. The length of the convergent section 110 may range from about 150mm to about 400 mm. The platform section 120 transitions the shroud 68 between the converging section 110 and the diverging section 130, the diverging section 130 containing and decelerating the airflow after it passes through the fan 64 and before it is released on the engine block of the engine 62. The length of the platform segment 120 may be from about 5 millimeters to about 20 millimeters. The lip segment 140 extends radially at the outlet 98 and presents opposing first and second faces 144, 148 having a common perimeter or outer contour or boundary 152. The lip segment 140 may be used to mount a finger guard. In the embodiment shown in fig. 6-7, the lip segments 140 are circular and have a radial distance of between 35mm and 80 mm. The lip segments 140 may have other suitable shapes and radial distances. For example, the lip segment 140 may be elliptical with a non-zero offset rate or have any other suitable arcuate or curved shape.

With further regard to fig. 6, the outlet 98, which may also be represented by a lip segment 140, is off-center with respect to the inlet (i.e., the breathing segment 100). That is, the shroud 68 defines a centroid or geometric center C of the lip segment 140 that is offset from the centroid or geometric center C of the breathing segment 100. Further, a plane 160 is defined coincident with the second face 148, in which second face 148 a first axis D and a second axis E perpendicular to the first axis D are also defined. The first axis D is perpendicular to the first and third sides 104a, 104c of the respiratory segment 100 and parallel to the second and fourth sides 104b, 104D of the respiratory segment 100. The second axis E is parallel to the first and third sides 104a, 104c of the respiratory segment 100 and perpendicular to the second and fourth sides 104b, 104d of the respiratory segment 100.

The lip segment 140 of fig. 6 and 7, by extending radially from the diffuser segment 130, creates a high pressure region that reduces the overall airflow through the shroud, particularly when associated with airflow restrictions due to proximity to the engine 62 (e.g., in the orientation of fig. 4). Effectively, referring to fig. 8, the lip segment 140, as in fig. 6-7, facilitates the formation of a pressure concentration region 186 and a low pressure region 188, as shown in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations of the shroud 68 during operation. Notably, the lip segment 140 of fig. 6-7 is a non-fastening surface and is solid or continuous about the centroid C (i.e., no holes or notches are formed in or completely or partially through the first or second faces 144, 148).

Fig. 9-10 illustrate a shroud 268 according to one embodiment. The shroud 268 of fig. 9-10 is similar to the shroud 68 of fig. 6-7 discussed above, and therefore similar structures will be identified with the same reference numerals increased by 200. In particular, the shroud 268 of fig. 9-10 includes a breathing segment 300, a converging segment 310, a platform segment 320, a diverging segment 330, and a lip segment 340 as described above.

With further regard to fig. 10, a plane 360 is defined coincident with the second face 348 and defines a first axis D and a second axis E that are perpendicular to each other. The first axis D is perpendicular to the first and third sides 304a, 304c of the respiratory segment 300 and parallel to the second and fourth sides 304b, 304D of the respiratory segment 300. The second axis E is parallel to the first and third sides 304a, 304c of the respiratory segment 100 and perpendicular to the second and fourth sides 304b, 304d of the respiratory segment 100. The lip segment 340 also includes one or more apertures (i.e., openings) 404 extending therethrough. That is, the aperture 404 extends between the faces 344, 348 of the lip segment 340. In the embodiment shown in fig. 9-10, the aperture 404 is symmetrical about axis D. In addition, axis D, E defines four quadrants W, X, Y, Z of lip segment 340, with one hole 404 in each of the four quadrants W, X, Y, Z. In the embodiment shown in fig. 10, the lip segment 340 is circular, such that each quadrant W, X, Y, Z includes the 90 degree arc length of the lip segment 340. In other or additional embodiments, the lip segments may have other shapes, and thus each quadrant W, X, Y, Z may include other arc lengths. For example, the lip segment 340 may be elliptical with a non-zero offset rate or have any other suitable arcuate or curvilinear shape. Furthermore, since the centroid C of the lip segment 340 is offset (in the view of fig. 10) relative to the centroid C' of the breathing segment 300, quadrant Z (i.e., the quadrant defined in the upper left portion of the lip segment 340 in the view of fig. 10) is closest to the intersection of the first and fourth sides 304a, 304d of the inlet or breathing segment 330.

The aperture 404 can also be described as being oriented according to an arc of a circle about the lip segment 340 relative to the axis D (or the second face 348). Specifically, first aperture 404a is oriented between about 70 degrees and about 90 degrees relative to axis D (starting at and looking clockwise from proximal-most side 304a in fig. 10), and more specifically, first aperture 404a is oriented at about 75 degrees relative to axis D. Second bore 404b is oriented between about 130 degrees and about 175 degrees with respect to axis D, and more specifically, second bore 404b is oriented at about 140 degrees with respect to axis D. The third hole 404c is oriented between about 185 degrees and about 235 degrees relative to the axis D, and more specifically, the third hole 404c is oriented at about 220 degrees relative to the axis D. Fourth aperture 404D is oriented between about 270 degrees and about 315 degrees with respect to axis D, and more specifically, fourth aperture 404D is oriented at about 285 degrees with respect to axis D.

The holes 404 may also be described with respect to one another. In the embodiment shown in fig. 9-10, the apertures 404 are oriented at least 30 degrees away from each other. The first aperture 404a is oriented between about 30 degrees and about 90 degrees relative to the second aperture 404b, and more specifically, the first aperture 404a is oriented at about 70 degrees relative to the second aperture 404 b. Thus, the arc length distance between the first and second apertures 404a, 404b measures approximately 495mm, even though in additional or alternative embodiments, the arc length may measure between approximately 210mm and approximately 640 mm. Second aperture 404b is oriented between about 30 degrees and about 90 degrees with respect to third aperture 404c, and more specifically, second aperture 404b is oriented at about 70 degrees with respect to third aperture 404 c. Accordingly, the arc length distance between the second and third apertures 404b, 404c measures approximately 495mm, although in additional or alternative embodiments, the arc length may measure between approximately 210mm and approximately 640 mm. Third bore 404c is oriented between about 30 degrees and about 90 degrees with respect to fourth bore 404d, and more specifically, third bore 404c is oriented at about 70 degrees with respect to fourth bore 404 d. Thus, the arc length distance between the third and fourth apertures 404c, 404d measures approximately 495mm, and even in additional or alternative embodiments, the arc length may measure between approximately 210mm and approximately 640 mm. Fourth aperture 404d is oriented between about 140 degrees and about 180 degrees with respect to first aperture 404a, and more specifically fourth aperture 404d is oriented at about 150 degrees with respect to first aperture 404 a. Thus, the arc length distance between the first and fourth apertures 404a, 404d measures approximately 1060mm, even though in additional or alternative embodiments, the arc length may be measured between approximately 990mm and approximately 1280 mm.

The embodiment of fig. 10 includes a substantially circular aperture 404, although as discussed in more detail herein, the aperture 404 may be any suitable shape. In addition, the embodiment of FIG. 10 includes apertures 404 that are substantially the same size, although in other embodiments, the apertures may have any suitable size. In the illustrated embodiment, the size of the aperture measures approximately 25.0mm, while in other or further embodiments, the size of the aperture may measure between approximately 20.0mm and approximately 30.0 mm.

In one embodiment, the apertures 404 of the shroud 268 of FIGS. 9-10 are approximately aligned with the pressure concentration zones 186 previously described with respect to FIG. 8. The CFD results shown in fig. 11 show that: during operation, the pressure distribution at the same downstream planar location of the shroud 268 (i.e., near the planes 160 and 360) as that shown in fig. 8 with respect to the shroud 68. The size and overall strength of the pressure concentration zone 386 is significantly less intense due to the presence of the holes 404. In addition, the low pressure area 388 in front of the fan 64 is also reduced in strength. Overall, the pressure distribution in front of the fan 64 is more uniform, as shown by the reduced areas 386, 388. Additionally, the reduced pressure area 386 indicates that the airflow is more effectively channeled through the shroud 268 and the cooling assembly 60, which results in more effective cooling of the engine 62.

Fig. 12 shows a shield 468 according to another embodiment. The shield 468 of fig. 12 is similar to the shield 268 of fig. 9-10 discussed herein, and therefore similar structures will be designated with the same reference numerals increased by 200. The shield 468 includes a lip segment 540 having a plurality of apertures 604' that are symmetrical with respect to axis D and a plurality of apertures 604 "that are asymmetrical with respect to axis D. Further, axis D, E defines four quadrants W, X, Y, Z of lip segment 540, with a plurality of apertures 604 in each of the four quadrants W, X, Y, Z.

The aperture 604 may also be described as being oriented according to a degree of a circular arc relative to the axis D. In particular, the first aperture 604a is oriented between about 10 degrees and about 20 degrees relative to the axis D (starting at the proximal-most side 504a and looking in a clockwise direction therefrom), and more particularly, the first aperture 604a is oriented at about 15 degrees relative to the axis D. Second bore 604b is oriented between about 40 degrees and about 50 degrees with respect to axis D, and more specifically, second bore 604b is oriented at about 45 degrees with respect to axis D. The third bore 604c is oriented between about 60 degrees and about 70 degrees relative to the axis D, and more specifically, the third bore 604c is oriented at about 75 degrees relative to the axis D. Fourth aperture 604D is oriented between about 100 degrees and about 110 degrees with respect to axis D, and more specifically, fourth aperture 604D is oriented at about 105 degrees with respect to axis D. Fifth bore 604e is oriented between about 130 degrees and about 140 degrees with respect to axis D, and more specifically, fifth bore 604e is oriented at about 135 degrees with respect to axis D. Sixth bore 604f is oriented between about 160 degrees and about 170 degrees with respect to axis D, and more specifically, sixth bore 604f is oriented at about 165 degrees with respect to axis D. The seventh aperture 604g is oriented between about 170 degrees and about 180 degrees relative to the axis D, and more specifically, the seventh aperture 604g is oriented at about 175 degrees relative to the axis D. Eighth hole 604h is oriented at about 180 degrees and about 190 degrees with respect to axis D, and more specifically, is oriented at about 185 degrees with respect to eighth hole 604h with respect to axis D. The ninth aperture 604i is oriented between about 190 degrees and about 200 degrees with respect to the axis D, and more specifically, the ninth aperture 604i is oriented at about 195 degrees with respect to the axis D. Tenth aperture 604j is oriented between about 200 degrees and about 210 degrees with respect to axis D, and more specifically, tenth aperture 604j is oriented at about 205 degrees with respect to axis D. The eleventh hole 604k is oriented between about 210 degrees and about 220 degrees with respect to the axis D, and more specifically, the eleventh hole 604k is oriented at about 215 degrees with respect to the axis D. The twelfth bore 6041 is oriented between about 220 degrees and about 230 degrees with respect to the axis D, and more specifically, the twelfth bore 6041 is oriented at about 225 degrees with respect to the axis D. The thirteenth aperture 604m is oriented between about 250 degrees and about 260 degrees relative to the axis D, and more specifically, the twelfth aperture 604m is oriented at about 255 degrees relative to the axis D. Fourteenth hole 604n is oriented between about 280 degrees and about 290 degrees with respect to axis D, and more specifically fourteenth hole 604n is oriented at about 285 degrees with respect to axis D. The fifteenth aperture 604o is oriented between about 310 degrees and about 320 degrees with respect to the axis D, and more specifically, the fifteenth aperture 604o is oriented at about 315 degrees with respect to the axis D. The sixteenth aperture 404p is oriented between about 340 degrees and about 350 degrees with respect to the axis D, and more specifically, the sixteenth aperture 604p is oriented at about 345 degrees with respect to the axis D.

The holes 604 may also be described with respect to one another. In the embodiment shown in fig. 12, each hole 604 'is oriented at least 30 degrees from an adjacent hole 604', and each hole 604 "is oriented at least 10 degrees from an adjacent hole 604". Thus, the arc length distance between adjacent holes 604' measures approximately 185mm, even though in additional or alternative embodiments, the arc length may measure between approximately 125mm to approximately 250 mm. The arc length distance between adjacent holes 604 "measures approximately 60mm, even though in additional or alternative embodiments, the arc length may measure approximately 30mm to approximately 95 mm. Further with respect to fig. 12, the first aperture 604a is oriented between about 20 degrees and about 40 degrees relative to the second aperture 604b, and more particularly, the first aperture 604a is oriented at about 30 degrees relative to the second aperture 604 b. The second aperture 604b is oriented between about 20 degrees and about 40 degrees relative to the third aperture 604c, and more specifically, the second aperture 604b is oriented at about 30 degrees relative to the third aperture 604 c. Third bore 404c is oriented between about 20 degrees and about 40 degrees with respect to fourth bore 604d, and more specifically third bore 404c is oriented at about 30 degrees with respect to fourth bore 604 d. Fourth aperture 604d is oriented between about 20 degrees and about 40 degrees relative to fifth aperture 604e, and more specifically fourth aperture 604d is oriented at about 30 degrees relative to fifth aperture 604 e. The fifth aperture 604e is oriented between about 20 degrees and about 40 degrees relative to the sixth aperture 604f, and more specifically, the fifth aperture 604e is oriented at about 30 degrees relative to the sixth aperture 604 f. Sixth aperture 604f is oriented between about 5 degrees and about 15 degrees with respect to seventh aperture 604g, and more specifically, sixth aperture 604f is oriented at about 10 degrees with respect to seventh aperture 604 g. Seventh aperture 604g is oriented between about 5 degrees and about 15 degrees with respect to eighth aperture 604h, and more specifically, seventh aperture 604g is oriented at about 10 degrees with respect to eighth aperture 604 h. Eighth aperture 604h is oriented between about 5 degrees and about 15 degrees with respect to ninth aperture 604i, and more specifically, eighth aperture 604h is oriented at about 10 degrees with respect to ninth aperture 604 i. Ninth aperture 604i is oriented between about 5 degrees and about 15 degrees with respect to tenth aperture 604j, and more specifically ninth aperture 604i is oriented at about 10 degrees with respect to tenth aperture 604 j. The tenth aperture 604j is oriented between about 5 degrees and about 15 degrees relative to the eleventh aperture 604k, and more specifically, the tenth aperture 604j is oriented at about 10 degrees relative to the eleventh aperture 604 k. The eleventh aperture 604k is oriented between about 5 degrees and about 15 degrees relative to the twelfth aperture 6041, and more specifically, the eleventh aperture 604k is oriented at about 10 degrees relative to the twelfth aperture 6041. The twelfth hole 6041 is oriented between about 20 degrees and about 40 degrees with respect to the thirteenth hole 604m, and more specifically, the twelfth hole 6041 is oriented at about 30 degrees with respect to the thirteenth hole 604 m. The thirteenth hole 604m is oriented between about 20 degrees and about 40 degrees with respect to the fourteenth hole 604n, and the thirteenth hole 604m is oriented at about 30 degrees with respect to the fourteenth hole 604 n. Fourteenth aperture 604n is oriented between about 20 degrees and about 40 degrees with respect to fifteenth aperture 604o, and more specifically, fourteenth aperture 604n is oriented at about 30 degrees with respect to fifteenth aperture 604 o. The fifteenth hole 604o is oriented between about 20 degrees and about 40 degrees with respect to the sixteenth hole 604p, and more specifically, the fifteenth hole 604o is oriented at about 30 degrees with respect to the sixteenth hole 604 p. The sixteenth aperture 604p is positioned between about 20 degrees and about 40 degrees relative to the first aperture 604a, and more specifically, the sixteenth aperture 604p is oriented at about 30 degrees relative to the first aperture 604 a.

The embodiment of fig. 12 includes a substantially circular aperture 604, although as discussed in more detail herein, the aperture 604 may be any suitable shape. In addition, the embodiment of fig. 12 includes apertures 604 that are substantially the same size, although in other embodiments, the apertures may have any suitable size. In the illustrated embodiment, the size of the aperture measures approximately 25.0mm, although in other or further embodiments, the size of the aperture may be approximately 20.0mm to approximately 30.0 mm.

Fig. 13-15 illustrate a shield 668 according to another embodiment. The shield 668 of fig. 13-15 is similar to the shield 268 of fig. 9-10 discussed above and therefore similar structure will be indicated by the same reference numerals increased by 400 to include the presence of axis D and axis E. In the embodiment shown in fig. 13-15, the apertures 804 are arranged in clusters 816. In particular, the lip segment 740 has: a first cluster 816a having five apertures 804 in quadrant W; a second cluster 816b that includes six apertures 804 in quadrant X; a third cluster 816c that includes two apertures 804 in quadrant X; a fourth cluster 816d that includes three apertures 804 in quadrant Y; a fifth cluster 816e that includes five apertures 804 in quadrant Z. The first and fifth clusters 816a, 816e are symmetric about axis D, and the second, third and fourth clusters 816b, 816c and 816D are asymmetric about axis D.

The holes 804 may also be described as being oriented according to an arc relative to the axis D. In particular, first tuft 816a is centered between about 70 degrees and about 90 degrees relative to axis D (starting at proximal-most side 704a and looking in a clockwise direction therefrom), and more particularly, first tuft 816a is centered at about 75 degrees relative to axis D. Second tuft 816b is centered between about 130 and about 175 degrees with respect to axis D, and more specifically, second tuft 816b is centered at about 140 degrees with respect to axis D. The third tuft 816c is centered between about 160 degrees and about 190 degrees with respect to axis D, and more specifically, the third tuft 816c is centered at about 165 degrees with respect to axis D. Fourth tuft 816D is centered between about 185 degrees and about 235 degrees with respect to axis D, and more specifically fourth tuft 816D is centered at about 225 degrees with respect to axis D. Fifth tuft 816e is centered between about 270 degrees and about 315 degrees with respect to axis D, and more specifically fifth tuft 816e is centered at about 285 degrees with respect to axis D.

The holes 804 may also be described with respect to one another. In the embodiment shown in fig. 13-15, the centers of the clusters 816 are oriented at least 10 degrees from each other. That is, the center of first tuft 816a is oriented between about 40 degrees and about 70 degrees relative to the center of second tuft 816b, and more specifically, the center of first tuft 816a is oriented at about 65 degrees relative to the center of second tuft 816 b. Thus, the arc length distance between the centers of the first and second clusters 816a, 816b measures approximately 460mm, although in additional or alternative embodiments, the arc length may measure approximately 280mm to approximately 500 mm. The center of second cluster 816b is oriented between about 5 degrees and about 35 degrees relative to the center of third cluster 816c, and more specifically, the center of second cluster 816b is oriented at about 15 degrees relative to the center of third cluster 816 c. Accordingly, the arc length distance between the centers of the second and third clusters 816b, 816c measures approximately 105mm, although in additional or alternative embodiments, the arc length may measure between approximately 35mm and approximately 250 mm. The center of the third cluster 816c is oriented between about 50 degrees and about 80 degrees relative to the center of the fourth cluster 816d, and more specifically, the center of the third cluster 816c is oriented at about 60 degrees relative to the center of the fourth cluster 816 d. Thus, the arc length distance between the centers of the third and fourth clusters 816c, 816d measures approximately 425mm, although in additional or alternative embodiments, the arc length may be measured between approximately 350mm and approximately 570 mm. The center of the fourth cluster 816d is oriented between about 40 degrees and about 70 degrees relative to the center of the fifth cluster 816e, and more specifically, the center of the fourth cluster 816d is oriented at about 60 degrees relative to the center of the fifth cluster 816 e. Thus, the arc length distance between the centers of the fourth and fifth clusters 816d, 816e measures approximately 460mm, although in additional or alternative embodiments, the arc length may be measured between approximately 280mm and approximately 500 mm. The center of the fifth tuft 816e is oriented between about 140 degrees and about 180 degrees relative to the center of the first tuft 816a, and more specifically, the center of the fifth tuft 816e is oriented at about 150 degrees relative to the center of the first tuft 816 a. Accordingly, the arc length distance between the centers of the first and fifth tufts 816a, 816e measures approximately 1065mm, although in additional or alternative embodiments, the arc length may measure between approximately 990mm and approximately 1280 mm.

In addition, the embodiment of fig. 13-15 includes the clusters 816 arranged in a "+" configuration (i.e., first and fifth clusters 816a, 816e), a single line configuration (i.e., third and fourth clusters 816c, 816d), and a double line configuration (i.e., third cluster 816 c). The apertures 804 may have other shapes, sizes, and tuft configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, the apertures of the clusters 816a-816e measure approximately 9.0mm in size. Further, the width and height (measured between the centers of the holes) of the clusters 816a, 816e measured approximately 11.0 mm. Alternatively, the apertures of clusters 816b-816d may be hexagonal. In particular, the hexagonal apertures may be 120 degree equilateral hexagons with an edge length measuring approximately 4.5 mm. The hexagonal holes are spaced apart from each other by a gap of about 4.5 mm. The apertures of the tufts 816a-816e are spaced approximately 6.0mm from the inner edge of the lip segment 740.

Similar to the apertures 404 of the shroud 268, the apertures 804 of the shroud 668 reduce the pressure concentration zone formed by the lip segment 740 and increase the airflow. As shown in Table 1 below, the shield 668 shown in FIGS. 13-15 having the configuration of apertures 804 and tufts 816 discussed above provides increased airflow as compared to the shield 68 of FIGS. 6-7 without apertures.

Table 1:

shield design	Air flow [ m ] through the shield3/min]
		Shroud 68 of fig. 6-7	290.134
The shield 668 of FIGS. 13-15	298.913

The airflow of table 1 was generated by a simulation that defined a fan speed of 1893RPM, which is the maximum rated speed during normal operation.

As shown in FIG. 16, the pressure and velocity fields near the shroud outlets 98, 698 were also analyzed for both the prior art shroud 68 shown in FIGS. 6-7 and the shroud 668 shown in FIGS. 13-15. In comparing the CFD results in fig. 16, in the shroud 668 in fig. 13-15, the high speed vortices 182, 782 in the upper region and the low speed vortices 182, 782 in the lower region of the shrouds 68, 668 are suppressed compared to the shroud 68 in fig. 6-7.

Fig. 17-18 illustrate a shroud 868 according to another embodiment. The shroud 868 of fig. 17-18 is similar to the shroud 268 of fig. 9-10 discussed above, and therefore similar structure will be indicated by the same reference numerals increased by 600. The lip segment 940 has a first cluster 1016a including five holes 1004, a second cluster 1016b including a plurality of holes 1004, and a third cluster 1016c including five holes 1004. The first cluster 1016a is located in quadrant W and the third cluster 1016c is located in quadrant Z. The second cluster 1016b extends in and between quadrants X and Y. As shown in fig. 18, the first and third clusters 1016a, 1016c are symmetric about the axis D.

The holes 1004 may also be described as being oriented according to an arc relative to the axis D. In particular, the first cluster 1016a is centered between about 70 degrees and about 90 degrees relative to the axis D (starting at the proximal-most side 904a and looking in a clockwise direction therefrom), and more particularly, the first cluster 1016a is centered at about 75 degrees relative to the axis D. The second cluster 1016b is centered between about 170 degrees and about 190 degrees relative to the axis D, and more specifically, the second cluster 1016b extends between about 130 degrees and about 235 degrees relative to the axis D. The third cluster 1016c is centered between about 270 degrees and about 315 degrees with respect to the axis D, and more specifically, the third cluster 1016c is centered at about 285 degrees with respect to the axis D.

The holes 1004 may also be described with respect to one another. In the embodiment shown in fig. 17-18, the clusters 1016 are oriented at least 30 degrees from each other. That is, the center of the first cluster 1016a is oriented between about 90 degrees and about 110 degrees with respect to the center of the second cluster 1016b, and more specifically, the center of the first cluster 1016a is oriented at about 105 degrees with respect to the center of the second cluster 1016 b. Further, the center of the first cluster 1016a is oriented at about 52 degrees relative to the edge of the second cluster 1016 b. Thus, the arc length distance between the center of the first cluster 1016a and the edge of the second cluster 1016b measures approximately 370mm, although in additional or alternative embodiments, the arc length may measure between approximately 295mm and approximately 440 mm. The center of the second cluster 1016b is oriented between about 90 degrees and about 110 degrees with respect to the center of the third cluster 1016c, and more particularly, the center of the second cluster 1016b is oriented at about 105 degrees with respect to the center of the third cluster 1016 c. In addition, the edges of the second cluster 1016b are oriented at approximately 52 degrees with respect to the center of the third cluster 1016 c. Thus, the arc length distance between the edge of the second cluster 1016b and the center of the third cluster 1016c measures approximately 370mm, although in additional or alternative embodiments, the arc length may measure between approximately 295mm and approximately 440 mm. The center of the third cluster 1016c is oriented between about 140 degrees and about 180 degrees with respect to the center of the first cluster 1016a, and more specifically, the center of the third cluster 1016c is oriented at about 150 degrees with respect to the center of the first cluster 1016 a. Accordingly, the arc length distance between the centers of the first and third clusters 1016a, 1016c measures approximately 1065mm, although in additional or alternative embodiments, the arc length may measure between approximately 990mm to approximately 1280 mm.

The embodiment of fig. 17-18 includes a substantially circular hole 1004. Further, the embodiment of fig. 17-18 includes the clusters 1016 arranged in a "+" shaped configuration (i.e., first and third clusters 1016a, 1016c) and in a staggered configuration (i.e., second cluster 1016 b). The holes 1004 may have other shapes, sizes, and tuft configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, the size of the apertures of the clusters 1016a, 1016c measures approximately 9.0 mm. Further, the width and height (measured between the centers of the holes) of the clusters 1016a, 1016c measure approximately 11.0 mm. The size of the apertures of cluster 1016b measures approximately 9.0 mm. Furthermore, the distance between the holes in the same row (measured center to center) was measured to be approximately 20.0 mm. Further, the holes are positioned at an angle of 60 degrees relative to each other.

Fig. 19-21 illustrate a shield 1068 according to another embodiment. The shield 1068 of fig. 19-21 is similar to the shield 268 of fig. 9-10 discussed above, and therefore similar structure will be indicated with the same reference numerals increased by 800. In the embodiment shown in fig. 19-21, the lip segment 1140 has a first cluster 1216 comprising a plurality of apertures 1204 and a second cluster 1016b having five apertures 1204. A first cluster 1216a is located in and extends between quadrants X and Y, and a second cluster 1216b is located in quadrant Z. In the embodiment of fig. 19-21, the diffuser segment 1130 also has apertures 1204 arranged in a third cluster 1232.

Further, the aperture 1204 may also be described as being oriented according to an arc of a circle relative to the axis D. Specifically, first tuft 1216a is centered between about 170 degrees and about 190 degrees (starting at the closest side 1104a and looking clockwise therefrom) with respect to axis D, and more specifically, first tuft 1216a extends between about 110 degrees and about 245 degrees with respect to axis D. Second tuft 1216b is centered between about 270 and 315 degrees with respect to axis D, and more specifically, second tuft 1216b is centered at about 285 degrees with respect to axis D. The diffuser segment 1130 is substantially concentric with the lip segment 1140. Accordingly, third cluster 1232 is centered between about 170 degrees and about 190 degrees relative to axis D, and more specifically, third cluster 1232 extends between about 165 degrees and about 195 degrees relative to axis D. The holes of the third cluster 1232 are hexagonal. The hexagons are spaced apart (center to center) by a distance of approximately 2 mm. Also, the hexagonal apertures are positioned in sets of three and patterned in a two degree offset about the centerline 1233 of the shield. Further, the hexagonal hole has two sides, the dimensions of which measure approximately 3.5mm, and the height between the two sides measures approximately 5.0 mm. That is, the apertures of the third cluster extend approximately 95mm in one direction of centerline 1233 and approximately 100mm in a direction opposite the one direction of centerline 1233. Thus, the apertures of the third cluster 1232 extend approximately 195mm along the arc length of the diffuser segment 1130. The hexagonal apertures of the third cluster 1232 are also located approximately 7.0mm from the edge of the diffuser segment 1130.

The apertures 1204 may also be described with respect to one another. That is, the center of first tuft 1216a is oriented between about 90 degrees and about 110 degrees with respect to the center of second tuft 1216b, and more specifically, the center of first tuft 1216a is oriented at about 105 degrees with respect to the center of second tuft 1216 b. In addition, the edges of first tuft 1216a are positioned at approximately 40 degrees relative to the center of second tuft 1216 b. Accordingly, the arc length distance between the edge of first tuft 1216a and the center of second tuft 1216b measures approximately 280mm, although in additional or alternative embodiments, the arc length may measure between approximately 210mm and approximately 425 mm. The center of second tuft 1216b is oriented between about 240 degrees and about 270 degrees with respect to the center of first tuft 1216a, and more specifically, the center of second tuft 1216b is oriented at about 255 degrees with respect to the center of first tuft 1216 a. In addition, the center of second tuft 1216b is positioned at approximately 185 degrees relative to the edge of first tuft 1216 a. Accordingly, the arc length distance between the center of second tuft 1216b and the edge of first tuft 1216a measures approximately 1310mm, although in additional or alternative embodiments, the arc length may measure between approximately 1240mm to approximately 1385 mm.

The embodiment of fig. 19-21 includes a substantially circular aperture 1204. In addition, the embodiment of fig. 19-21 includes tufts 1216 arranged in a "+" shaped configuration (i.e., second tufts 1216b) and in a staggered configuration (i.e., first and third tufts 1216a, 1232). The apertures 1204 may have other shapes, sizes, and tuft configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, the size of the apertures of tuft 1216b measures approximately 9.0 mm. Further, the width and height (measured between the centers of the holes) of tuft 1216b measured approximately 11.0 mm. The size of the holes of tuft 1216a measured approximately 9.0mm, and the distance between adjacent holes (measured center-to-center distance) measured approximately 11.0 mm. The hole is located in the center of the lip segment 1140 and is at least 10.0 millimeters from the inner and outer edges of the lip segment 1140.

22-24 illustrate a shroud 1268 according to another embodiment. The shroud 1268 of fig. 22-24 is similar to the shroud 268 of fig. 9-10 discussed above, and therefore similar structure will be designated with the same reference numeral increased by 1000. In addition, the shroud 1268 has the same hole 1404 and tuft 1016 configuration as the shroud 668 of FIGS. 13-15, except that the fourth tuft 1416d has eight holes 1404 instead of three, and thus has a double line configuration instead of a single line configuration. That is, the arc length distance between the centers of the first and fifth tufts 1416a, 1416e measures approximately 1065mm, although in additional or alternative embodiments, the arc length may measure between approximately 990mm and approximately 1280 mm. Also, the edges of the second tuft 1416b are spaced approximately 225mm from the first axis D, the edges of the third tuft 1416c are spaced approximately 105mm from the first axis D, and the edges of the fourth tuft 1416D are spaced approximately 280mm from the first axis D. The second and third tufts 1416b, 1416c are located on one side of the first axis D, while the fourth tuft 1416D is located on the opposite side of the first axis D. Additionally, in the embodiment of fig. 22-24, the lip segment 1340 has an angled portion that is oriented at an angle 1436 relative to a plane 1360 that coincides with the face 1348 of the lip segment 1340. The angled portion promotes air flow to the bottom of the engine. In the illustrated embodiment, the second, third and fourth tufts 1416b, 1416c, 1416d are located on the angled portion of the lip segment 1340. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle 1436 is approximately 30 degrees, although in other or additional embodiments, the angle 1436 may range between approximately 15 degrees and approximately 30 degrees.

In addition, the embodiment of fig. 22-24 includes the clusters 1416 arranged in a "+" shaped configuration (i.e., first and fifth clusters 1416a, 1416e), a single line configuration (i.e., third cluster 1416c), and a double line configuration (i.e., second and fourth clusters 1416b, 1416 d). The apertures 1404 can have other shapes, sizes, and tuft configurations.

The shrouds 268, 468, 668, 868, 1068, 1268 of fig. 9-10, 12-15, and 17-24 are discussed with reference to the inspiratory mode of operation illustrated in fig. 4. In addition, the shrouds 268, 468, 668, 868, 1068, 1268 of fig. 9-10, 12-15, and 17-24 create a more favorable pressure gradient to further increase the airflow through the heat exchangers of the cooling assembly 60, resulting in more heat being transferred from the cooling circuit fluid and the hot engine compartment components to the air. Thus, the preferred hole and tuft locations discussed above depend on the downstream shielding location and the escape path of the airflow from the shroud outlet. In other words, the primary purpose of the additional apertures and clusters discussed herein is to facilitate movement of fluid flow through and out of the respective shrouds. As described above, the holes may be circular or hexagonal, although in other embodiments the holes may be rectangular or triangular.

Various features of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims.