Axial Air Bearing Assembly for Precise Compressor Clearances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centrifugal compressors face challenges in maintaining precise effective working clearances in axial air suspension bearings due to tolerance accumulation from multiple parts, affecting load-bearing performance and bearing life, and require complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A compressor design with a back-to-back arrangement of first and second axial bearings integrated on a single axial bearing assembly, featuring annular slots and air gaps for precise adjustment and reduced tolerance accumulation, along with cooling flow channels to manage heat and a compact rotor structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a compressor is disassembled for maintenance or repair, then access to internal components is enabled, but production downtime increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor incorporates self-service features through automated monitoring systems that detect component wear and performance degradation, enabling predictive maintenance scheduling that minimizes production downtime while ensuring timely service intervention
2Reliability
If compressor components are made more durable to reduce replacement frequency, then reliability improves, but initial manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing material properties and component design parameters to achieve enhanced durability through standard manufacturing processes, avoiding the need for complex specialized manufacturing while improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor utilizes composite materials that combine the benefits of different materials to achieve superior durability and reliability, reducing component replacement frequency without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity
3Productivity
If the compressor runs continuously to maintain productivity, then output is maximized, but energy consumption increases and maintenance needs accelerate
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor incorporates feedback mechanisms through automated monitoring systems that track performance parameters and component wear in real-time, enabling dynamic adjustment of operational parameters to optimize energy consumption while maintaining productivity and predicting optimal maintenance intervals
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
Ensures precise control of bearing clearances, reduces assembly complexity, enhances bearing life, and improves modal performance by minimizing tolerance accumulation and heat generation, resulting in a more efficient and reliable compressor operation.
Implementation Method 1
A compressor (100) for compressing a gas to a predetermined compression pressure, the compressor (100) comprising: a cylinder (110) having a cylindrical shape and in which the piston is to reciprocate; a piston (120) having a piston head (121) and a piston rod (122) extending from the piston head (121) in an axial direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A compressor comprises a drive motor and a wind wheel (1), wherein the drive motor comprises a casing (2) and a rotor (3), the rotor (3) being rotatably arranged within the casing (2); the wind wheel (1) is mounted at a first axial end of the rotor (3); a thrust disc (4) is also provided at the first axial end of the rotor (3); an axial bearing assembly (28) is arranged between the thrust disc (4) and the wind wheel (1), and the axial bearing assembly (28) is arranged fixedly with respect to the casing (2); and a first air gap is formed between a first end of the axial bearing assembly (28) and the wind wheel (1), and a second air gap is formed between a second end of the axial bearing assembly (28) and the thrust disc (4). The air compressor reduces a tolerance accumulation caused by part cooperation between axial bearing assemblies (28), and more precisely ensures effective working clearances.