Reciprocating Compressor Aperture Valve Inlet Chamber Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing reciprocating compressor with an aperture control valve faces challenges in easy installation, insufficient sectional area near outlet holes, uneven flow rates into cylinder bores, and inability to optimize the structure for reducing inlet pressure pulsation due to the annular passage design.
Innovation Solution
A reciprocating compressor design with a cylindrical inlet chamber and an aperture control valve that engages the end wall of the inlet chamber, allowing for easy installation and maintaining sufficient sectional area, stabilizing flow rates, and optimizing the structure to reduce inlet pressure pulsation by forming a muffler-like space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the aperture control valve is inserted into the inlet chamber from outside through the inlet port, then the valve can be installed, but the installation process becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture control valve is divided into two parts: a valve body and a valve holder. The valve holder is fixed inside the inlet chamber before assembly, while the valve body can be installed separately through the inlet port. This segmentation allows easy installation of the valve body without requiring access to the interior of the inlet chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve holder is preliminarily fixed to the inner wall of the inlet chamber before the cylinder head is assembled. This preliminary action ensures that the valve holder is in position before the aperture control valve is fully installed, simplifying the overall installation process.
2Ease of manufacture
If the aperture control valve is connected to the circumferential sidewall of the inlet chamber, then the valve can be positioned, but the sectional area of the inlet passage near the outlet holes becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of connecting the aperture control valve to the circumferential sidewall of the inlet chamber, the valve holder is connected to the end wall of the inlet chamber. This dimensional change in connection position allows the outlet holes to be oriented toward the circumferential sidewall without interfering with the inlet passage area, thus maintaining sufficient sectional area for high flow rates.
3Ease of manufacture
If the inlet chamber forms an annular passage, then the chamber can accommodate the valve, but the distances between the aperture control valve and cylinder bores differ causing uneven flaw rates
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture control valve is positioned asymmetrically within the annular inlet chamber, with the valve holder connected to the end wall and the valve body oriented toward the center. This asymmetric positioning, combined with strategically placed outlet holes, creates symmetric flow distribution to the cylinder bores, ensuring even flaw rates despite the annular chamber geometry.
4Ease of manufacture
If the inlet chamber forms an annular passage, then the valve can be installed, but the space does not form a muffler for decreasing inlet pressure pulsation
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet chamber serves multiple functions: it accommodates the aperture control valve, distributes refrigerant to the cylinder bores, and acts as a muffler to reduce inlet pressure pulsation. The cylindrical shape of the inlet chamber, extending from the end wall toward the circumferential sidewall, creates a volume that functions as a pulsation dampener, while the aperture control valve is installed within this multi-functional space.
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 design facilitates easy installation of the aperture control valve, ensures even flow rates into cylinder bores, and effectively reduces inlet pressure pulsation by utilizing the cylindrical inlet chamber as a muffler, enhancing the compressor's operational stability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
an aperture control valve provided with an inlet hole connecting with the inlet passage and outlet holes communicating with the inlet chamber and controlling the aperture of the inlet passage in proportion to the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the inlet passage and the internal pressure of the inlet chamber
Implementation Method 2
the inlet chamber operates as a muffler to make it possible to optimize the structure of the aperture control valve from the viewpoint of decreasing inlet pressure pulsation
Data Source
AI summary
A reciprocating compressor having an aperture control valve for an inlet passage. Sectional area of the inlet passage is maintained near the outlet holes of the aperture control valve, distribution of flow rates of refrigerant gas drawn into the cylinder bores during inlet stroke is even. A cylinder block is provided with cylinder bores, a valve plate opposing one end of the cylinder block having inlet and outlet hole pairs, and a cylinder head forming an annular outlet chamber and a cylindrical inlet chamber radially inside the outlet chamber. The cylinder head has an inlet passage and an outlet passage, and an aperture control valve with an inlet hole connecting with the inlet passage and outlet holes controlling the aperture of the inlet passage. The aperture control valve is disposed in the inlet chamber.