Nebraska Patent of the Month – December 2022
Lawn mowers, aerators, and other grounds maintenance equipment are often built with internal combustion (IC) engines. These IC engines generate heat during operation and need to be cooled down to maintain efficiency. Unfortunately, most coolant systems can be blocked by grass clippings, dirt, and other debris. Considering the prevalence of this debris in lawn maintenance, Exmark Manufacturing Company Inc. set out to cool engines more reliably.
Exmark has been innovating and advancing lawn care for over thirty years. Their commitment has produced tools and equipment that support improved durability and comfort without risking quality. Their newly patented parallel engine cooling system falls in line with this mission.
Their solution equips each engine with multiple cooling systems that operate in parallel, ensuring cooling isn’t stopped by debris. Two cooling systems are integrated into the engine cavity. Each cooling system includes an airflow pathway and engine shroud. The first cooling system cools the engine while the second cools the engine oil. A heat exchanger helps to cool air as it passes through the airflow pathway into the engine shroud. A screen covers the airflow opening, preventing any debris from passing into the enclosure. However, the duality of the coolant system ensures that, should a screen become blocked, the engine will remain cooled by the second cooling system.
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