Charging Device Pressure Equalization and Particle Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supercharging devices for internal combustion engines are costly to produce and maintain, and they often require complex sealing mechanisms to manage pressure differences between compartments, which can lead to damage from lubricants or particles.
Innovation Solution
A supercharging device with a compressor and electric motor where pressure equalization between compartments is achieved through a direct connection, such as a pipe socket, and the use of elevations and depressions around the inlet opening to prevent particle entry, along with a hermetically sealed power electronics circuit and vibration-damping bearings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex sealing mechanisms are used to manage pressure differences between compartments, then pressure management is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful pressure difference between compartments by introducing a pressure equalization connection that allows pressure communication between the motor compartment and compressor compartment. This eliminates the need for complex sealing mechanisms to manage pressure differences, while still maintaining necessary seals only where required (shaft seal, power electronics sealing).
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure equalization connection creates equipotential conditions between the motor compartment and compressor compartment by allowing pressure to equalize through the connection and condensate drainage path. This eliminates pressure gradients that would otherwise require complex sealing arrangements.
2Reliability
If complex sealing mechanisms are used to manage pressure differences, then pressure management is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the need for complex multi-layer sealing mechanisms and pressure management systems, the invention simplifies the manufacturing process. The pressure equalization connection uses simple structural elements (housing walls, drainage paths) that are easier and cheaper to manufacture than complex sealing assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, complex sealing mechanisms with simpler, more economical structural solutions. The pressure equalization connection uses basic housing features rather than specialized sealing components, reducing production costs.
3Reliability
If pressure equalization connection is implemented, then forces on seals and bearings are reduced, but particle contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different functional qualities to different locations: the pressure equalization connection allows free pressure communication to protect seals and bearings, while the power electronics receiving space maintains hermetic sealing to prevent particle contamination. The condensate drainage path is positioned and designed to minimize particle entry risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The condensate drainage path acts as an intermediary mechanism that allows pressure equalization while providing a controlled pathway that can be designed to minimize particle contamination. The path serves as a mediator between the need for pressure communication and the need to prevent contamination.
4Weight of moving object
If the charging device is made compact and lightweight, then vehicle integration is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated structural elements: the motor housing serves as both the motor mounting structure and the pressure equalization connection pathway; the condensate drainage path is integrated into the housing structure rather than being a separate component. This integration reduces the number of parts and assembly operations, compensating for the increased precision needed in the integrated features.
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 reduces the risk of damage from pressure differences and particle contamination, enabling continuous, low-maintenance operation while maintaining a compact and lightweight design.
Implementation Method 1
A connection from the compression space to the engine space preferably enables pressure equalization between the compression space and the engine space
Implementation Method 2
elevations and depressions around the inlet opening to prevent particle entry
Implementation Method 3
The accommodating space is hermetically sealed from the compression space and the engine space
Implementation Method 4
vibration-damping bearings
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a charging device for an internal combustion engine, in particular for a vehicle, comprising a compressor with a compressor housing and a compressor chamber in which a compressor wheel is arranged, an electric motor with a rotor and a stator, a motor housing with a motor compartment for receiving the rotor and the stator and a connection from the compressor chamber to the motor compartment to enable pressure equalization between the compressor chamber and the motor compartment.