Compressor Oil Pump Speed-Dependent Drive Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressor devices require additional auxiliary pumps and complex control systems to ensure oil supply during startup and shutdown, leading to overpressure, backflow, and fluctuations in oil injection, which complicates the design and operation.
Innovation Solution
A compressor device with a single oil pump coupled to the main drive shaft and a secondary drive shaft via disengageable couplings, allowing seamless speed-dependent operation to maintain consistent oil supply without additional pumps or control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an additional auxiliary pump with separate drive is provided to ensure oil supply during startup and shutdown, then reliable oil supply is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single oil pump is designed to serve multiple functions by being capable of operating during both normal compression cycles and startup/shutdown phases. The pump is coupled to both the compressor drive shaft and a separate drive shaft, allowing it to receive rotational power from either source depending on operational conditions, thereby eliminating the need for a separate auxiliary pump while maintaining reliable oil supply throughout all operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of the main drive system and auxiliary drive system into a single oil pump unit. Instead of having separate pumps for normal operation and startup/shutdown, both drive systems are connected to the same pump through disengageable couplings, combining their oil-pumping capabilities into one unified system that automatically selects the appropriate drive source.
2Reliability
If an auxiliary pump is added to provide oil supply before rotor operation, then lubrication reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The oil pump system is designed to be self-regulating through the use of disengageable couplings that automatically engage or disengage based on rotational speed conditions. The couplings inherently determine which drive shaft powers the pump without requiring external control signals, sensors, or complex control logic. This automatic self-service mechanism ensures reliable lubrication during startup and shutdown while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The disengageable couplings introduce dynamic adaptability to the oil pump system, allowing it to automatically adjust its drive source based on real-time operational conditions. During startup, when the compressor drive shaft rotates slower than the separate drive shaft, the coupling automatically engages the faster shaft to power the pump. During normal operation, the coupling switches to the compressor drive shaft. This dynamic switching occurs automatically without complex control systems.
3Reliability
If separate inlet and outlet pipes are provided for auxiliary pump, then oil supply capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single oil pump is designed with universal inlet and outlet connections that serve both normal operation and startup/shutdown functions. The pump's inlet is connected to the oil reservoir and outlet to the compression chamber through a single piping system, eliminating the need for separate dedicated piping for an auxiliary pump. This unified piping architecture maintains full oil supply capability while significantly reducing system complexity.
4Reliability
If non-return valves are provided to counteract backflow, then oil supply stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for non-return valves from the oil system by redesigning the drive coupling mechanism. Instead of using valves to prevent backflow, the system uses disengageable couplings that automatically disconnect the pump from a drive shaft when rotational speed conditions indicate potential backflow risk. This positive prevention approach through mechanical coupling disengagement replaces the need for flow-restricting valves, maintaining oil supply stability while reducing component complexity.
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
Simplifies the device by eliminating the need for extra pumps and control systems, ensuring seamless oil supply and minimizing fluctuations during startup and shutdown, while maintaining efficient lubrication and cooling.
Implementation Method 1
the pump (23) is coupled to a first shaft (9) via a first disengageable coupling (24), more specifically a shaft of the aforementioned drive (7) on the one hand, and to a second shaft (27) via a second disengageable coupling (28), more specifically a shaft of a secondary drive (25) on the other hand
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor device comprising a compressor element with a housing with, an inlet and an outlet. At least one rotor is affixed in the housing that is provided with a drive. The compressor device is provided with an oil circuit for injecting oil into the housing. The oil circuit only comprises one pump for driving the oil around in the oil circuit. This pump is coupled to a first shaft via a first disengageable coupling, more specifically a shaft of the aforementioned drive on the one hand, and to a second shaft via a second disengageable coupling, more specifically a shaft of a secondary drive on the other hand. The first and second disengageable couplings between the pump and the first shaft and between the pump and the second shaft are such that the pump is only driven by the shaft of these two shafts that has the highest speed.