Compressor Drive Shaft Bearing Integration for Vibration Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Compressor assemblies for compressed-air supply systems face challenges in achieving low-noise and low-vibration operation while maintaining durability, particularly in vehicles where acoustic requirements are high.

Innovation Solution

The compressor assembly features a drive shaft bearing arrangement where the drive shaft bearing is situated at least partially within the connecting-rod bearing in a radial direction, reducing bending moments and tilting forces, and the connecting-rod forces are effectively channeled into the housing without significant deformation, thereby minimizing vibrations and noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the drive shaft bearing and connecting rod bearing are arranged separately in the axial direction, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but bending moments and tilting forces increase causing higher vibrations and noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration and noiseVSAvoidbearing arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the drive shaft bearing and connecting rod bearing into a single integrated bearing unit. The drive shaft bearing is arranged at least partially within the connecting rod bearing in the radial direction, combining both bearing functions in one component. This integration reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall structure while effectively reducing bending moments and tilting forces that cause vibration and noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested bearing arrangement where the drive shaft bearing is positioned inside the connecting rod bearing radially. This nesting configuration allows the smaller drive shaft bearing to be housed within the larger connecting rod bearing, creating a compact integrated structure that reduces spatial requirements and simplifies the mechanical arrangement while minimizing harmful vibrations and noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the drive shaft bearing is positioned away from the connecting rod bearing, then assembly is easier, but the connecting rod forces create significant bending moments and tilting forces on the drive shaft

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive shaft stabilityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining both bearing functions into a single integrated unit, the patent eliminates the need for precise axial positioning between separate bearings. The merged bearing structure inherently aligns the drive shaft and connecting rod force paths, improving drive shaft stability while simplifying assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated bearing unit acts as an intermediary structure that simultaneously supports both the drive shaft and connecting rod. This mediator component provides a unified reference frame for both connections, ensuring proper alignment and force transmission while facilitating easier assembly compared to coordinating two separate bearing positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If separate bearings are used for drive shaft and connecting rod, then maintenance access is easier, but the compressor generates more noise and vibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise generationVSAvoidbearing maintenance access
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines both bearing functions into one integrated unit that reduces noise and vibration through improved force distribution. While maintenance access to the integrated unit may require removing the entire bearing assembly rather than accessing individual bearings separately, the unified structure provides better acoustic performance and reduced operational disturbances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11078895B2Compressor assembly for a compressed-air feed of a compressed-air supply system
Publication Date: 2021.08.03 ZF CV SYST EURO BV
  • US11078895B2 patent drawing
  • US11078895B2 patent drawing
  • US11078895B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A compressor assembly includes a compressor having a cylinder and a connecting rod in a connecting rod plane. The connecting rod includes a compressor piston and a connecting rod bearing. The compressor assembly includes a drive having an axis of rotation, a drive shaft, and a housing. The drive shaft is mounted in a drive shaft bearing and has a connecting rod side end and a connecting rod remote end. The drive shaft has a connecting-rod receiving portion which is arranged eccentrically to the axis of rotation of the drive at the connecting rod side end.