Aerostatic Thrust Bearing for Oil-Free Scroll Compressor Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scroll compressors face challenges in effectively supporting the non-fixed scroll member against thrust loads without causing misalignment or contact with internal components, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage, as existing solutions like oil-based thrust bearings and aerodynamic air bearings suffer from friction losses and contact issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an aerostatic thrust bearing that uses a gas distributing structure to form a layer of pressurized gas between the non-fixed scroll member and a fixed supporting member, providing support without solid-to-solid contact and minimizing friction, allowing the scroll compressor to operate efficiently even during starting and stopping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If oil-based thrust bearings are used to support the non-fixed scroll member, then the thrust load can be supported, but friction losses and contact issues occur leading to inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using a gas distributing structure to deliver pressurized gas to the interface between the non-fixed scroll member and fixed supporting member. This creates a pressurized gas layer that supports the thrust load through gas pressure rather than solid contact, eliminating the friction losses associated with oil-based thrust bearings while maintaining reliable thrust support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact system of oil-based thrust bearings with a gas cushion system. Instead of relying on solid-to-solid contact and oil lubrication, the system uses pressurized gas to create a non-contact bearing surface, substituting mechanical friction-based support with pneumatic pressure-based support to eliminate friction losses.
2Loss of energy
If aerodynamic air bearings are used to support the non-fixed scroll member, then friction is reduced, but contact issues and misalignment occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by delivering pressurized gas to the bearing interface before the non-fixed scroll member comes into contact with the fixed supporting member. The gas distributing structure ensures that the gas layer is already in place and pressurized, preventing misalignment and contact issues before they occur, thereby maintaining both low friction and contact stability.
3Loss of energy
If traditional lubricants are used in the thrust bearing, then friction is reduced, but the compressor cannot operate as oil-free
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic principles to create a gas-based lubrication system that replaces traditional oil-based lubricants. The gas distributing structure delivers pressurized gas to form a lubricating gas layer between moving parts, reducing friction while keeping the compressor oil-free and eliminating oil contamination in the compressed gas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pressurized gas as an intermediary substance between the non-fixed scroll member and fixed supporting member. This gas layer acts as a mediator that reduces friction and wear without the harmful effects of traditional lubricants, enabling the compressor to operate as an oil-free system while still achieving effective lubrication.
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
The aerostatic thrust bearing effectively supports the non-fixed scroll member, reducing friction and shear stress, maintaining efficient operation and preventing misalignment, while also enabling the compressor to be oil-free by using pressurized gas instead of traditional lubricants.
Implementation Method 1
The gas distributing structure is supplied with a pressurized gas and distributes the pressurized gas between the non-fixed scroll member and fixed supporting member over a surface area
Implementation Method 2
an aerostatic thrust bearing to support the non-fixed scroll member in the axial direction... distributes a flow of pressurized gas between the surfaces of the non-fixed scroll member and the fixed supporting member. As the pressurized gas is distributed between the surfaces, the flowing pressurized gas prevents the surfaces from contacting
Data Source
AI summary
A scroll compressor includes a first scroll member, a second scroll member, and an aerostatic thrust bearing. The aerostatic thrust bearing forms a layer of gas between the second scroll member and a fixed supporting member to support the second scroll member as the second scroll member rotates and/or orbits. Also disclosed is a method of supporting a rotating/orbiting scroll member in a scroll compressor. The method including supplying pressurized gas to an aerostatic thrust bearing such that a layer of gas is formed between the rotating/orbiting scroll member and a fixed supporting member.