Annular Sliding Surface Grooves for Low-Friction 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.
Innovation Solution
A sliding component with an annular shape featuring dynamic pressure generation grooves and conduction grooves that communicate with external spaces, allowing fluid introduction and dynamic pressure generation to separate sliding surfaces, reducing frictional resistance and improving lubricity.
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 axial gap is reduced, but frictional resistance increases and smooth operation is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thrust bearing that utilizes fluid pressure (pneumatics) to support the movable scroll, replacing the direct pressing mechanism. Fluid is supplied to the thrust bearing to generate lifting force, reducing frictional resistance while maintaining the sealing function against refrigerant leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The thrust bearing acts as an intermediary component between the movable scroll and the fixed scroll. Instead of direct contact pressing, the thrust bearing mediates the interaction through fluid film support, reducing friction while maintaining the necessary axial positioning and sealing.
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 thrust bearing utilizes fluid pressure to support the movable scroll, replacing mechanical pressing with pneumatic support. This reduces frictional resistance caused by direct contact while maintaining the sealing function, thereby improving compression efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressing system with a fluid-based thrust bearing system. Instead of relying on mechanical contact forces, the system uses fluid pressure to support the movable scroll, reducing friction and improving overall compression efficiency.
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 lubricity between sliding surfaces, maintaining a state of low relative inclination regardless of eccentric rotation angle, thereby improving the efficiency and reducing refrigerant leakage.
Implementation Method 1
the sliding surface is provided with a dynamic pressure generation groove having an annular shape along a circumferential direction of the sliding surface and a plurality of conduction grooves configured to provide communications between the dynamic pressure generation groove and one of two external spaces of the sliding surface
Implementation Method 2
a sliding component formed in an annular shape and having a sliding surface relatively sliding with eccentric rotation
Implementation Method 3
dynamic pressure is generated at the part in the vicinity of one conduction groove in the dynamic pressure generation groove... the sliding surfaces can be separated from each other with the relative inclination of the sliding surfaces small... the lubricity between the sliding surfaces is improved and the frictional resistance of the sliding surfaces can be stably reduced
Data Source
AI summary
An annular sliding component has a sliding surface relatively sliding with eccentric rotation. The sliding surface is provided with a dynamic pressure generation groove having an annular shape along a circumferential direction of the sliding surface and a plurality of conduction grooves configured to provide communications between the dynamic pressure generation groove and one of two external spaces of the sliding surface, the external spaces being on an outer diameter side and an inner diameter side of the sliding surface, respectively. An imaginary line passing through one of the conduction grooves and a center point of the sliding surface does not intersect any one of remains of the conduction grooves.