Annular Sliding Surface Grooves for Eccentric Scroll Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
In scroll compressors, the increased frictional resistance due to the pressing force from both axial sides hinders smooth operation and efficiency, particularly in the sliding surface with eccentric rotation between the movable scroll and the thrust plate, leading to refrigerant leakage issues.
Innovation Solution
A sliding component with an annular shape featuring high-pressure and low-pressure grooves on its surface, arranged circumferentially, generates dynamic pressure to form a fluid film, reducing frictional resistance and improving lubricity by slightly separating the sliding surfaces during eccentric rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thrust plate is used to press the movable scroll toward the fixed scroll using compressed refrigerant, then refrigerant leakage from the inter-scroll axial gap is reduced, but frictional resistance increases and smooth operation is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluid film between the thrust plate and movable scroll end plate by utilizing high-pressure and low-pressure refrigerant through circumferentially arranged grooves. This hydraulic/pneumatic cushion separates the sliding surfaces, reducing frictional resistance while maintaining the pressing force necessary to prevent refrigerant leakage from the inter-scroll axial gap.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluid film as an intermediary substance between the thrust plate and movable scroll end plate. This fluid mediator reduces direct contact and friction between the sliding surfaces while still transmitting the necessary pressing force to maintain seal integrity and prevent refrigerant leakage.
2Reliability
If pressing force is applied from both axial sides between the two scrolls, then refrigerant leakage is reduced, but frictional resistance increases and compression efficiency cannot be enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs high-pressure and low-pressure refrigerant streams directed through alternating grooves to create a fluid film that reduces frictional resistance. This allows the pressing force to be maintained for leakage prevention while the fluid cushion minimizes energy loss to friction, thereby preserving compression efficiency.
3Reliability
If the sliding surfaces are in direct contact to maintain seal, then refrigerant leakage is prevented, but frictional resistance increases and operation becomes less smooth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluid film as an intermediary between the thrust plate and movable scroll end plate. This fluid mediator maintains the necessary separation to reduce friction while the alternating high-pressure and low-pressure grooves ensure the fluid film is distributed uniformly, preserving seal integrity without requiring direct solid-to-solid contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and pressure parameters of the refrigerant by directing high-pressure and low-pressure streams through alternating grooves. This parameter variation creates a controlled fluid film that maintains seal integrity while minimizing frictional resistance, allowing the system to operate smoothly without direct surface contact.
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 solution effectively reduces frictional resistance and enhances the operational efficiency of the scroll compressor by creating a stable fluid film between the sliding surfaces, thereby minimizing refrigerant leakage and maintaining smooth operation.
Implementation Method 1
dynamic pressure is generated in any of the high-pressure groove and the low-pressure groove provided in the circumferential direction using the fluid in the spaces inside and outside the sliding component
Implementation Method 2
the sliding surfaces are slightly separated from each other, and a fluid film is formed
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a sliding component capable of stably reducing the frictional resistance of a sliding surface entailing eccentric rotation. A sliding component has an annular shape with high-pressure and low-pressure fluids facing inside and outside of the sliding component and has a sliding surface relatively sliding with eccentric rotation. The sliding surface is provided with a plurality of high-pressure grooves open to a space in which the high-pressure fluid exists and a plurality of low-pressure grooves open to a space in which the low-pressure fluid exists. The high-pressure and low-pressure grooves are arranged in a circumferential direction.