Compressor Hollow Drive Shaft Refrigerant Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional compressors face inefficiencies due to high refrigerant inhaling resistance and inadequate lubrication of thrust bearings, leading to reduced suction volume efficiency and decreased durability.
Innovation Solution
A compressor design featuring a hollow drive shaft with strategically positioned inlet and outlet holes allows direct refrigerant inhalation into cylinder bores, minimizing resistance and enhancing lubrication through increased oil distribution to the thrust bearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If refrigerant is inhaled through a hollow drive shaft, then the refrigerant inhalation path is simplified, but the refrigerant inhaling resistance increases due to insufficient passage area
Solution Approach 1:
The drive shaft is divided into multiple sections with different functions: the upper portion contains the refrigerant passage while the lower portion provides structural support. This segmentation allows the refrigerant passage to be optimized for flow while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the drive shaft, thereby reducing refrigerant resistance without compromising strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant passage is designed with a multi-dimensional structure including radial holes and axial channels within the hollow drive shaft. This three-dimensional passage configuration increases the effective flow area and optimizes the flow path, reducing resistance while maintaining a compact design that simplifies the overall refrigeration system.
2Device complexity
If the drive shaft structure is simplified to reduce complexity, then manufacturing is easier, but the lubrication effect on the thrust bearing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow drive shaft is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as a structural component for power transmission, a refrigerant delivery channel, and a lubrication system. Oil passages are integrated into the drive shaft structure, allowing lubricant to be delivered to the thrust bearing through the same hollow structure that carries refrigerant, thereby maintaining reliable lubrication without increasing overall structural complexity.
3Productivity
If the refrigerant passage area in the drive shaft is increased, then refrigerant inhalation efficiency improves, but the drive shaft strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive shaft is designed with non-uniform wall thickness and localized reinforcement zones. The wall thickness is reduced in areas where refrigerant passages are located to maximize flow area, while strategic reinforcement ribs and thicker sections are added in high-stress areas to maintain structural strength. This local quality optimization allows the drive shaft to accommodate larger refrigerant passages without compromising overall strength.
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 design improves refrigerant inhalation efficiency and extends the lifespan of thrust bearings by reducing friction, resulting in enhanced compressor performance.
Implementation Method 1
a passage through which refrigerant inhaled from an outside into the compressor is formed therein, and the passage is formed with at least one inlet hole communicated with a swash plate chamber and a pair of outlet holes formed in an opposite direction to each other apart from the inlet hole
Implementation Method 2
a thrust bearing which is disposed between the swash plate and the cylinder blocks so as to support both sides of the swash plate and also coupled to the drive shaft
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a compressor which secures a sufficient refrigerant inhaling passage so as to minimize a refrigerant inhaling resistance and also to increase lubricating action with respect to a thrust bearing supporting a swash plate, in a structure that refrigerant is inhaled to a cylinder bore through a hollow drive shaft, thereby improving the performance of the compressor.