Compressor Lid Slit Design for Radial Seal Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing seal structure in vertical split type compressors using O-rings is prone to leakage due to the inability of the O-ring-retaining ring to move radially outward under axial pressure and difficulties in processing O-ring grooves on thin rings.
Innovation Solution
A compressor design featuring a slit part on the lid that extends axially, allowing internal pressure to apply a radial force to the seal member, ensuring it contacts the casing's inner surface even when the casing expands, preventing leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a thin O-ring-retaining ring is used, then the seal structure can be simpler, but it becomes difficult to process O-ring grooves and the ring cannot move radially outward under axial pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented by introducing a slit part that divides the lid into separate regions. This segmentation allows the portion between the slit and the outer circumferential surface to move radially independently, enabling the seal member to maintain contact with the casing inner surface without requiring complex groove processing on a thin retaining ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one by incorporating the slit part. This allows the lid to deform radially outward under internal pressure, enabling the seal member to automatically adjust its position and maintain sealing contact with the casing inner surface during operation.
2Device complexity
If pressure is applied axially to the O-ring-retaining ring, then the seal structure can be compact, but the O-ring-retaining ring cannot move radially outward due to the pushing force
Solution Approach 1:
The slit part segments the lid structure, creating a region between the slit and the outer circumferential surface that can move radially independently. This segmentation overcomes the constraint of axial pressure on the retaining ring by allowing localized radial movement of the sealing portion without requiring the entire retaining ring to move.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution addresses the radial movement problem by introducing a dimensional change through the slit part. The slit enables the lid to expand radially outward in response to internal pressure, creating movement in the radial dimension that compensates for the axial pressure constraint on the retaining ring.
3Stress or pressure
If the casing expands radially outward due to internal pressure, then the inner diameter increases, but leakage occurs between the casing and lid outer surface
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed as a dynamic structure with a slit part that allows it to deform radially outward in response to internal pressure. This dynamic deformation ensures that the seal member maintains continuous contact with the inner surface of the compressor casing even as the casing expands, preventing leakage while accommodating pressure variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes parameter changes by allowing the lid's radial dimension to change in response to internal pressure. The slit part enables the lid to expand radially, changing its dimensional parameters to maintain sealing contact with the casing inner surface under varying pressure conditions, thereby maintaining sealing reliability.
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 effectively prevents leakage by ensuring the seal member remains in contact with the casing's inner surface during radial expansion, maintaining an airtight seal with a simple structure.
Implementation Method 1
when internal pressure is generated in the space, the internal pressure is applied inside the slit part, and a force is applied outward in the radial direction of the compressor casing to the outer circumferential portion of the lid that is sandwiched between the seal member and the slit part
Implementation Method 2
even when the casing is expanded radially outward due to the internal pressure, causing the inner diameter of the compressor casing to be increased, it is possible to bring the seal member into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the compressor casing
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor is provided with a substantially tubular compressor casing, a substantially circular lid that is provided inside an inner periphery of the compressor casing so as to close off an end surface of the compressor casing, a space that is enclosed by the lid and an inner circumferential surface of the compressor casing so as to accommodate a blade, and seal member that is provided in a circumferential direction on the space side of an outer circumferential surface of the lid, wherein a slit part is provided on the lid, radially inside the outer circumferential surface, where the seal member is provided, so as to extend in the axial direction from the space side of the lid.