Compressor Capacity Control Valve for Rapid Pressure Equalization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing capacity control valve for variable displacement compressors faces inefficiency when operating at maximum capacity due to a fixed orifice communication between the control chamber and suction chamber, which hinders prompt pressure equalization, leading to decreased operation efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A differential pressure valve is introduced to equalize the control pressure and suction pressure by allowing communication between the Pc port and the second Ps port, ensuring balanced pressures and enhancing operation efficiency, with a compact cylindrical design and spring-urged differential pressure valve element for smooth movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a fixed orifice is used for communication between the control chamber and suction chamber, then the structure is simple, but the pressure equalization is slow and operation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidoperation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the fixed orifice with a dynamic valve mechanism that can open and close based on pressure differential. The differential pressure valve element moves between open and closed positions to dynamically control the communication between control chamber and suction chamber, enabling rapid pressure equalization when needed while maintaining structural simplicity through automated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the flow parameter by introducing a differential pressure valve that responds to pressure differential between control chamber and suction chamber. When the pressure differential exceeds a threshold, the valve opens to allow rapid fluid flow, thereby changing the flow rate parameter from negligible (fixed orifice) to significant (open valve), achieving fast pressure equalization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the main valve is closed to operate at maximum capacity, then the discharge amount is maximized, but the control chamber pressure cannot be promptly decreased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge amountVSAvoidpressure decrease speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a differential pressure valve as an intermediary mechanism between the control chamber and suction chamber. This intermediary valve provides a dedicated pressure equalization path that operates independently of the main valve, allowing the control chamber pressure to decrease rapidly when needed while the main valve remains closed for maximum capacity operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the pressure control function into two independent parts: the main valve controls the discharge flow, while the differential pressure valve controls the control chamber pressure equalization. This segmentation allows both functions to operate optimally simultaneously - main valve closed for maximum discharge, differential pressure valve open for rapid pressure equalization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If a differential pressure valve is added to enable rapid pressure equalization, then operation efficiency increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation efficiencyVSAvoidvalve mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The differential pressure valve is designed to operate automatically based on the pressure differential between the control chamber and suction chamber. When the pressure differential exceeds the spring force, the valve opens automatically; when the differential decreases, the spring closes the valve. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external control systems, reducing overall device complexity while achieving rapid pressure equalization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 configuration maintains equal control and suction pressures, stabilizes piston stroke, and increases operation efficiency by ensuring balanced pressures, even at maximum capacity states.

Implementation Method 1

a main valve element is moved in the axial direction by an electromagnetic force generated in a solenoid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

the capacity control valve further includes a spring configured to urge the differential pressure valve element in a valve opening direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3754190B1Capacity control valve
Publication Date: 2022.05.18 EAGLE INDS
  • EP3754190B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3754190B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3754190B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided a capacity control valve having good operation efficiency. The capacity control valve V includes: a valve housing 10 provided with a Pc port 14, a Pd port 12, a first Ps port 13 and a second Ps port 15; a main valve element 51 which includes a main valve portion 51a capable of coming into contact with and separating from a main valve seat 10a to close and open a communication between the Pd port 12 and the Pc 14 port by a drive force of a solenoid 80; an intermediate communication path 55 that communicates with the Pc port 14 and the first Ps port 13; a pressure-sensitive valve 53 which is able to open and close the intermediate communication path 55 by an ambient pressure; and a differential pressure valve 90 including a differential pressure valve element 91 and being capable of opening and closing a communication between the Pc port 14 and the second Ps port 15 and a communication between the Pc port 14 and a pressure-sensitive chamber 40 by the differential pressure valve element 91 moved by a pressure.