Side Channel Compressor Housing with Adjustable Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side channel compressors are not cost-effective, particularly in small designs that require precise sealing and efficient gas flow management, with existing solutions focusing on blade modifications and labyrinth seals rather than comprehensive structural optimizations.
Innovation Solution
A side channel compressor design featuring a one-piece housing shell with adjustable annular sealing areas using a disc spring/nut system, a honeycomb structure for improved rigidity and cooling, and a running wheel with functional and intermediate blades to reduce noise and enhance sealing, while eliminating additional bearings and optimizing production tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If precise sealing is implemented in small compressors, then sealing efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single housing structure with integrated sealing surfaces. The housing includes a first sealing surface on the inlet side and a second sealing surface on the outlet side, both formed as integral parts of the housing rather than separate components, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining sealing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different sealing configurations to different locations of the housing. The inlet side features a first sealing surface with specific geometric characteristics, while the outlet side has a second sealing surface with different characteristics optimized for its function. This localized optimization achieves high sealing efficiency without requiring complex uniform design throughout.
2Temperature
If traditional housing designs are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but cooling efficiency and structural rigidity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into functionally distinct sections with different geometric characteristics. The inlet side and outlet side have different sealing surface configurations and structural features, allowing each section to be optimized for its specific function (sealing, cooling, rigidity) while being manufactured as an integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates three-dimensional geometric features including conical surfaces, angled sealing surfaces, and varied wall thicknesses throughout the housing structure. These dimensional variations provide enhanced cooling channels, improved structural rigidity, and effective sealing surfaces without requiring additional separate cooling components or complex assembly steps.
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 achieves cost savings, reduced leakage, improved sealing efficiency, noise reduction, and enhanced cooling capabilities, making it suitable for small-scale compressors with precise gas flow requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The gap dimensions of the first and second sealing areas are adjusted by means of a disc spring/nut system
Implementation Method 2
Due to the centrifugal force the fluid molecules in question are also accelerated radially outwardly and thus flow out of the blade into the side channel
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a side channel compressor, comprising a housing shell and a running wheel. The running wheel is mounted to be rotatable with respect to the housing shell to provide two annular sealing areas between the housing shell and the running wheel. The housing shell between the first and the second sealing area can be made of one piece. The gap dimensions of the first and second sealing areas can be adjusted by means of a disc spring/nut system or a wobble means. A fan impeller may be fixed on the motor shaft, and the housing shell can comprise cooling ribs, wherein the cooling ribs are arranged and formed such that the air conveyed by the fan impeller sweeps through the cooling ribs. One of the annular sealing areas can include a dead volume chamber. The housing shell may be a casting or a machined extruded profile.