Compressor Air Duct Shroud for Noise Reduction and Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compressors generate high noise levels and are inefficient in cooling, with multiple fans adding complexity and cost, and improper cooling gas flow paths leading to choked gas flows.

Innovation Solution

A compressor assembly with a motor air duct featuring blocking partitions to direct cooling air flow, a sound reduction shroud covering parts of the compressor, and a single fan for cooling both the pump and motor, optimizing air flow and noise reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If multiple fans are used to cool the compressor pump and motor, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of fans

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cooling functions for the motor and pump into a single integrated cooling system. One fan is used to draw cooling air that is then distributed through ducts to both the motor and pump, eliminating the need for separate fans for each component while maintaining effective cooling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single fan serves multiple functions by providing cooling air to both the motor and pump through a shared cooling air duct system. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components while achieving the cooling objectives for all critical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If multiple fans are used to cool the compressor pump and motor, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If improper cooling gas flow paths are used, then device complexity is reduced, but cooling efficiency deteriorates due to choked gas flows

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling system simplicityVSAvoidcooling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling air duct is segmented into multiple flow paths with blocking partitions that direct cooling air to specific locations. This segmentation ensures proper cooling air distribution to both the motor and pump while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces cooling air ducts and blocking partitions as intermediary components that properly channel cooling air flow. These intermediaries ensure efficient cooling air distribution without requiring complex multiple-fan systems, resolving the conflict between simplicity and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the compressor is entirely encased in a cabinet or compressor room, then noise levels are reduced, but mobility is lost and heat exchange problems occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise levelsVSAvoidmobility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the noise-reducing function by introducing a sound reduction shroud that covers only the noise-generating components (motor and pump) rather than entirely encasing the compressor. This selective coverage reduces noise while preserving mobility and heat exchange capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of providing uniform encasement throughout, the sound reduction shroud applies localized noise control only where needed. The shroud covers the motor and pump areas while leaving other portions of the compressor open for mobility and thermal management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

5Object-affected harmful factors

If the compressor is entirely encased in a cabinet or compressor room, then noise levels are reduced, but heat exchange and ventilation problems occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise levelsVSAvoidheat exchange

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 achieves a significant reduction in noise levels to 75 dBA or less and enhances cooling efficiency, reducing power requirements and operational complexity while minimizing noise and heat exchange issues.

Implementation Method 1

A fan is provided in the compressor assembly. The air ducting shroud can have a feed port that receives feed air from the fan.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 2

the blocking partition configured to direct cooling air flow within the motor air duct

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid Flow Direction Control:

Implementation Method 3

Shroud For Capturing Fan Noise

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic Absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentUS20140037425A1Air ducting shroud for cooling an air compressor pump and motor

Publication Date: 2014.02.06 BLACK & DECKER CORP

AI summary

A compressor assembly having a sound reduction shroud and a sound level of 75 dBA or less when in a compressing state. The sound reduction shroud can be a cylinder head shroud, a pump cylinder shroud, or a pump assembly shroud. The sound reduction shroud can optionally cover one or more of a compressor pump assembly, a cylinder head and a compressed gas outlet line. A compressor assembly having a sound reduction conduit and a sound level of 75 dBA or less when in a compressing state. The sound reduction conduit provides a cooling air channel directing cooling air to cool one or more portions of the compressor assembly and can direct exhaust cooling air to an exhaust port. A method for compressing a gas at a sound level of 75 dBA or less when the compressor is in a compressing state using a sound reduction shroud or a sound reduction conduit.