Axially Flexible Compressor Scroll Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compressors face challenges with leakage between adjacent compression chambers due to dimensional inaccuracies, leading to reduced volumetric efficiency and increased power consumption. Additionally, when liquid refrigerant enters the compressor, it causes excessive load on the scroll plates, risking damage. To address this, the compressor needs to exhibit axial flexibility to separate the scrolls and manage pressure effectively.
Innovation Solution
An axially flexible compressor design is implemented, featuring a stationary scroll with a sealing member and an elastic member. The sealing member is located between the outer side wall of the stationary scroll and the inner wall of the gas-discharge cover, while the elastic member is positioned between the gas-discharge cover and the stationary scroll. This configuration allows the stationary scroll to move axially, separating the scrolls and maintaining the sealing performance of the high-pressure chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the dimensional accuracy and shape accuracy of scroll processing are increased to reduce leakage, then the sealing performance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces axial flexibility to the compressor structure, allowing the stationary scroll to move axially under pressure differentials. This dynamic adjustment mechanism compensates for dimensional inaccuracies in scroll processing without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing, thereby maintaining sealing performance while reducing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the structural parameter of the stationary scroll from a fixed position to a movable position along the axial direction. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to pressure variations and compensate for manufacturing tolerances, resolving the contradiction between sealing performance and manufacturing complexity
2Stability of the object's composition
If the compressor structure is made rigid to maintain sealing, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to handle liquid refrigerant damage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces axial flexibility that allows the stationary scroll to move axially when liquid refrigerant enters the compression chamber. This dynamic response enables the system to separate the movable and stationary scrolls, releasing pressure and preventing damage, while maintaining structural stability during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The axial flexibility mechanism acts as a pre-designed protection system that activates before liquid refrigerant can cause damage. The ability of the stationary scroll to move axially provides a cushioning effect that prevents excessive pressure buildup and protects the scroll parts from liquid refrigerant impact
3Reliability
If the stationary scroll is fixed to maintain sealing performance, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the volumetric efficiency decreases under varying pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the stationary scroll axially movable, allowing it to adjust its position under varying pressure conditions. This dynamic adjustment maintains sealing reliability while optimizing volumetric efficiency by accommodating pressure changes without compromising either function
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 axially flexible compressor effectively reduces leakage between compression chambers, enhances volumetric efficiency, and mitigates the risk of scroll damage from liquid refrigerant. By allowing axial movement of the stationary scroll, the design ensures continued sealing performance and efficient operation under varying pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic member is located between the gas-discharge cover and a side of the stationary scroll away from the movable scroll; the elastic member abuts against and mates with the stationary scroll and the gas-discharge cover
Implementation Method 2
allows the stationary scroll to move axially, separating the scrolls and maintaining the sealing performance of the high-pressure chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An axially flexible compressor includes a stationary scroll, a movable scroll and a gas-discharge cover. The stationary scroll mates with the movable scroll. The stationary scroll includes a first spiral wall. The stationary scroll mates with the gas-discharge cover. The stationary scroll is located at least partially in the gas-discharge cover. The compressor includes a sealing member and an elastic member. The sealing member is located between a circumferential side wall of the stationary scroll and an inner wall of the gas-discharge cover. The stationary scroll defines a gas-discharge hole. An outer wall is located at a position away from the first spiral wall and away from the gas-discharge hole. The elastic member is located between the gas-discharge cover and a side of the stationary scroll away from the movable scroll. The elastic member is in contact with the stationary scroll and the gas-discharge cover.