Compression device having integrated discharge chamber(s) and compressor with compression device having integrated discharge chamber(s)
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric compressors used in battery-powered vehicles face challenges in achieving high efficiency, low noise, and maximum operating life, especially when driven by a battery rather than an engine.
Innovation Solution
The electric compressor incorporates a compression device with a rolling piston and integrated discharge chambers, which includes a piston device with a cylinder and rolling piston configured to rotate within a compression chamber, forming sub-chambers for efficient refrigerant compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional rotary compressor is used in battery-powered vehicles, then the compressor can be driven by the battery, but the efficiency and operating life are reduced due to unbalanced operation and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric distribution of discharge chambers around the rotation axis, with different numbers of discharge chambers on opposite sides (e.g., two on one side, one on the other). This asymmetric configuration balances the centrifugal forces generated during rotation, reducing vibration and noise while maintaining reliable operation when driven by a battery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses counterbalancing discharge chambers positioned at strategic locations around the rotation axis to offset the centrifugal forces generated by the rolling piston and refrigerant compression. This counterbalancing approach reduces vibration and noise, thereby extending operating life and improving reliability in battery-powered vehicle applications.
2Productivity
If the compressor is designed for high efficiency compression, then refrigerant compression is improved, but device complexity increases due to integrated discharge chambers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the discharge chambers directly into the compression chamber structure, eliminating the need for separate discharge chamber components. This merging of functions allows efficient refrigerant compression while reducing overall device complexity. The integrated design features discharge chambers formed as part of the compression chamber wall, with refrigerant flowing directly from the compression zone into the discharge zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression chamber structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the compression zone and the housing for discharge chambers. This multi-functional design improves compression efficiency by providing direct refrigerant flow paths while avoiding the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing structural complexity.
3Productivity
If multiple discharge chambers are integrated into the compression chamber, then refrigerant discharge efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the discharge function into multiple separate discharge chambers positioned around the compression chamber. This segmentation allows refrigerant to be discharged through multiple pathways simultaneously, improving discharge efficiency. The segmented design is achieved through features like partition walls or separate cavity formations within the compression chamber structure, which can be manufactured using standard casting or machining processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the radial dimension of the compression chamber to position multiple discharge chambers at different angular positions around the rotation axis. This dimensional approach allows efficient multi-directional refrigerant discharge without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity, as the discharge chambers are formed as radial extensions or cavities within the existing compression chamber geometry.
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
This design enhances the compressor's efficiency, reduces noise, and extends its operating life by ensuring balanced operation and effective refrigerant compression within the integrated discharge chambers.
Implementation Method 1
the rolling piston being in contact with an inner surface of the compression chamber and, with a vane, forming sub-chamber(s) in which the refrigerant is compressed as the piston device is rotated within the compression chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An electric compressor includes a housing and a compression device. The housing defines an intake volume and a discharge volume. The compression device is a rotary-type compression device configured to compress refrigerant. The compression device includes a piston device including a cylinder and a rolling piston. The cylinder is eccentrically coupled to a drive shaft. The rolling piston has an outer surface in contact with an inner surface of a compression chamber. The rolling piston rotates about the cylinder as the drive shaft and the piston device are rotated by a motor. A vane moveably coupled to the housing and having an end adjacent the compression chamber is biased such that the end of the vane is in contact with the rolling piston as the piston device is rotated by the drive shaft.