Compressor Crankcase Integrating Air Storage Tank

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Solution Overview

Problem

Piston compressors used in mobile applications are bulky and heavy due to the need for separate compressed air storage tanks, making them less portable and more costly.

Innovation Solution

Integrating the compressed air storage tank within the crankcase of the compressor, utilizing the space around the drive shaft to eliminate the need for a separate tank, resulting in a more compact and lightweight design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a separate compressed air storage tank is used, then the storage volume can be sufficient, but the weight and size increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressed air storage volumeVSAvoidcompressor weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the compressed air storage tank with the crankcase by defining the storage tank as an integral part of the crankcase structure. The crankcase is designed with a hollow body that accommodates the drive shaft, and the storage tank is formed within this hollow space, eliminating the need for a separate storage container. This integration achieves both sufficient storage volume and reduced weight by combining two previously separate components into one unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the compressed air storage tank inside the hollow body of the crankcase. The storage tank is nested within the existing crankcase structure, utilizing the available space efficiently. This allows the storage tank to be contained within the crankcase boundaries, achieving compact integration without requiring additional external space or increasing overall weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Quantity of substance

If a separate compressed air storage tank is used, then the storage capacity is adequate, but the number of components and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressed air storage capacityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the storage tank and crankcase into a single integrated component. The crankcase is designed with a hollow body that serves as the storage tank, eliminating the need for separate storage container components. This merging reduces the total number of parts, simplifies assembly procedures, and eliminates the need for separate bearing adjustments while maintaining adequate storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If the compressor is made more compact for portability, then the size reduces, but the storage volume may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressor sizeVSAvoidcompressed air storage volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the nesting principle by placing the storage tank inside the hollow crankcase body. This allows the storage volume to be accommodated within the existing compact crankcase structure without increasing the overall compressor size. The hollow body of the crankcase serves as the storage tank, enabling sufficient storage capacity while maintaining a compact, portable form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes space utilization by designing the storage tank to extend in multiple dimensions within the hollow crankcase body. The storage tank is configured to utilize the available volume efficiently in radial, axial, and angular directions, maximizing storage capacity within the compact crankcase boundaries. This dimensional optimization allows adequate storage volume without increasing the overall compressor size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 integration reduces the number of components, simplifies assembly, eliminates the need for separate bearing adjustments, and allows for a more portable compressor with a larger storage volume while maintaining compactness.

Implementation Method 1

a compressed air generating device (4) with a piston (4) that can be moved in a cylinder (5) and is driven by the crank drive (6), and which is designed to generate compressed air in a compression chamber (11) of the cylinder (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

a crankcase (20), which has an inner chamber wall (26a) in the form of a hollow body that accommodates the drive shaft (24) at least in sections

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical Containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP2886862B1Compressor
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 KAESER KOMPRESSOREN SE
  • EP2886862B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2886862B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2886862B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a compressor comprising a motor, a drive shaft connected to and driven by the motor, a crank mechanism connected to the drive shaft, at least one compressed air generating device driven by the crank mechanism and designed to generate compressed air, a crankcase comprising an inner chamber wall in the form of a hollow body which receives the drive shaft at least partially, an outer chamber wall spaced radially apart from the inner chamber wall to the drive shaft, a partition wall, and a compressed air storage tank designed to receive compressed air generated by the compressed air generating device, wherein the compressed air storage tank is formed by the inner chamber wall, the outer chamber wall, the end wall and the partition wall.