Compressor Partitioned Discharge Chamber Oil Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accumulation of lubricant in the lower part of the discharge chamber of a compressor is a challenge, as existing oil separators require additional lubricant to be included to prevent accumulation, which increases manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A compressor design featuring a cylindrical discharge housing member with a partition that extends from the upper section to the lower section, creating a communication hole connecting the discharge chamber to the oil separation chamber, which guides refrigerant gas and separates lubricant, preventing its accumulation in the lower part of the discharge chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the inner tube extends vertically to improve separation efficiency, then the separation efficiency of the oil separator is improved, but the lubricant accumulates in the lower part of the discharge chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge chamber is divided into an upper discharge chamber and a lower discharge chamber by a partition. The partition includes a through-hole that allows communication between the upper and lower chambers. This segmentation prevents lubricant accumulation in the lower part while maintaining effective oil separation in the upper chamber.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If lubricant is separated from refrigerant gas in the discharge chamber, then the oil separation function is achieved, but the separated lubricant accumulates in the lower part of the discharge chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The partition with a through-hole acts as an intermediary structure between the upper and lower discharge chambers. It allows the refrigerant gas to pass through while preventing the accumulated lubricant in the lower chamber from mixing back with the refrigerant gas in the upper chamber, thus maintaining oil separation effectiveness without causing lubricant accumulation problems.
3Reliability
If an extra lubricant is included in the compressor in advance to prevent accumulation, then the lubricant accumulation problem is anticipated, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the discharge chamber into upper and lower parts with a partition containing a through-hole, the design prevents lubricant accumulation structurally rather than compensating with extra lubricant. This reduces device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining 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
This design effectively reduces lubricant accumulation in the discharge chamber, simplifies the structure, and eliminates the need for additional lubricant, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The cylindrical wall bulges into the discharge chamber and extends from an upper section of the discharge chamber toward a lower section of the discharge chamber
Implementation Method 2
The refrigerant gas introduced from the discharge chamber to the hollow portion swirls around the inner tube so that the lubricant is separated from the refrigerant gas
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor includes a discharge housing member, which includes a discharge chamber and an oil separation chamber. The discharge housing member includes a cylindrical wall defining the discharge chamber and the oil separation chamber. The discharge chamber includes a partition that is continuous with and protrudes from the cylindrical wall. The cylindrical wall extends from an upper section of the discharge chamber toward a lower section of the discharge chamber. The cylindrical wall includes a communication hole connecting the discharge chamber to the oil separation chamber. The partition extends from the upper section of the discharge chamber toward the lower section of the discharge chamber and defines a first space and a second space in the discharge chamber. The first space and the second space are connected to each other at least at the lower section of the discharge chamber through a clearance between the partition and the circumferential wall.