Reciprocating Compressor Piston Rings Radial Force Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reciprocating volumetric compressors face issues with wear in piston guide and sliding rings due to radial forces, leading to reduced tightness and efficiency, and require compactness and reduced component count for improved performance and assembly speed.

Innovation Solution

The compressor design incorporates multiple guide and sliding rings surrounding the hinge means to distribute radial forces evenly, enhancing wear resistance and sealing efficiency, while a compact configuration reduces overall dimensions and component count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single guide and sliding ring is used for each piston, then the device complexity is reduced, but the radial stress concentration causes increased wear and reduced tightness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of guide and sliding ringsVSAvoidtightness between cylinder and piston
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single guide and sliding ring into multiple segments (at least two per piston), where each ring is positioned at different axial locations. This segmentation distributes the radial stress from the connecting rod across multiple contact points, preventing stress concentration and reducing wear on individual rings while maintaining overall sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple guide and sliding rings are added to distribute radial forces, then wear resistance and tightness are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear resistance of guide and sliding ringsVSAvoidnumber of guide and sliding rings
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements at least two guide and sliding rings per piston at different axial positions, distributing radial loads from the connecting rod across multiple rings. This segmentation approach improves wear resistance by reducing the load on each individual ring while maintaining a manageable device complexity through systematic placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent positions multiple guide and sliding rings at different axial locations along the piston, utilizing the axial dimension to distribute radial forces. This dimensional approach allows the system to handle radial loads more effectively without significantly increasing radial complexity, as the rings are arranged along the length of the piston rather than adding radial bulk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If traditional compressor configuration is used, then the structure is simple, but the overall dimensions are large and component count is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidoverall dimensions of compressor
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the guide and sliding functions into a single integrated component (guide and sliding ring) that performs both guidance and sealing functions. This consolidation reduces the overall component count and simplifies the structure compared to having separate guide mechanisms and sliding seals, while the compact arrangement of multiple rings fits within a reduced overall compressor volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4296511B1Reciprocating volumetric compressor structure
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 GENTILIN
  • EP4296511B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4296511B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP4296511B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a reciprocating volumetric compressor structure (10) comprising: - two opposite pistons (11, 12) fixed coaxially to each other to a same rigid translating body (13); - two cylinders (14, 15), one for each of the pistons (11, 12); - a connecting rod (16), hinged to the rigid translating body (13) with first hinge means (17) defining a first rotation axis (X1); - an electric motor (18) with a drive shaft (19) having a second rotation axis (X2); - an eccentric body (20) fixed to the drive shaft (19) and rotatably constrained to the connecting rod (16) with second hinge means (21) defining a third rotation axis (X3); - two heads (22, 23), each configured and positioned so as to close a corresponding cylinder (14, 15), each head (22, 23) having suction and delivery one-way valve means (24, 25); - two suction and compression chambers (26, 27), each defined within a cylinder (14, 15), between a corresponding piston (11, 12) and a facing head (22, 23); - at least one guide and sliding ring (31, 32) for each piston (11, 12); - a casing (28), on which said cylinders (14, 15) and said electric motor (18) are fixed, within the casing (28) being positioned said rigid translating body (13), said connecting rod (16) and said eccentric body (20). One of said pistons (11, 12) comprises at least three guide and sliding rings (32, 32a, 32b).