Co-rotating Compressor With Independent Motor Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressors in climate control systems lack consistent and reliable operation due to limitations in efficiently driving multiple compression mechanisms within a compact design.
Innovation Solution
A compressor design featuring multiple motor assemblies and compression mechanisms, where each compression mechanism is rotatable relative to the shell about distinct axes, with independently operable motor assemblies and bearing housings, allowing for efficient fluid compression and lubrication within a compact shell assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple compression mechanisms are integrated into a single compressor, then fluid compression efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple compression mechanisms (first and second compression mechanisms with respective compression members) into a single compressor housing, allowing them to share common components such as the shell, bearing housings, and lubrication system. This merging approach increases fluid compression efficiency while controlling device complexity through component sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing housings serve multiple functions: they support rotation of compression members, provide lubrication through integrated bearing assemblies, and facilitate fluid communication between compression stages. The lubrication system provides universal lubrication to multiple compression mechanisms simultaneously, reducing the need for separate lubrication systems for each mechanism.
2Reliability
If independently operable motor assemblies are used for each compression mechanism, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the compressor into independent operational modules, with each compression mechanism having its own motor assembly and bearing housing. This segmentation allows independent operation of each compression mechanism, improving reliability by isolating failures to individual modules while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression mechanisms are designed with dynamic independence, where each mechanism can be selectively activated or deactivated based on operating conditions. The independent motor assemblies enable dynamic control of each compression stage, allowing the system to adapt to varying load requirements and maintain optimal performance across different operating scenarios.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact shell assembly is used to house multiple compression mechanisms, then space utilization is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where compression mechanisms are housed within the shell assembly in a space-efficient manner. The bearing housings are positioned to support compression members while minimizing clearance requirements. Fluid passages are routed through existing structural components, nesting multiple functions within the same spatial envelope and reducing overall compressor size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of compression mechanisms within the shell, positioning them along different axes and utilizing vertical space efficiently. The offset rotational axes of compression members allow for compact packaging by distributing components in multiple dimensions rather than linear arrangements, reducing the overall footprint of the compressor.
Data Source
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AI summary
A compressor includes a shell (12), first (18) and second (25) compression mechanisms, and first (20) and second (27) motor assemblies. The first compression mechanism (18) includes first (68) and second (70) compression members that are rotatable relative to the shell (12) about first and second rotational axes, respectively. The first motor assembly (20) is disposed within the shell (12) and includes a first rotor (98) attached to the first compression member (68) and surrounding the first and second compression members (68;70). The second compression mechanism (27) includes third (148) and fourth (150) compression members that are rotatable relative to the shell (12) about third and fourth rotational axes, respectively. The second motor assembly (27) is disposed within the shell (12) and includes a second rotor (172) attached to the third compression member (148) and surrounding the third and fourth compression members (148;150).