Mechanical Seal Layout for Refrigerant Compressor Oil Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly and design of existing refrigerant compressors with mechanical seals are complicated due to the need for precise oil circulation and discharge in high-pressure environments, leading to issues like oil leakage and sludge formation, which degrade the shaft sealing capability.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerant compressor design featuring a mechanical seal with a stationary ring securely fastened to the inner circumferential surface of the boss portion and a rotary ring securely fastened to the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft, incorporating an oil discharge hole and inclined surfaces to quickly guide leaked oil away from the contact sliding parts, preventing sludge formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an oil accommodating space is formed by the rotary ring, stationary ring, and rotating shaft outer circumferential surface to circulate oil and prevent sludge formation, then lubricating oil leakage is reduced, but the assembling process becomes difficult and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the oil circulation function from the mechanical seal assembly by providing a separate oil supply passage that opens into the oil accommodating space. This separates the sealing function (performed by the mechanical seal) from the oil circulation function (performed by the dedicated passage), simplifying the assembly process while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the oil supply system into a dedicated oil supply passage with an opening into the oil accommodating space. This segmentation allows the oil supply mechanism to be independently designed and assembled, reducing the complexity of assembling the entire mechanical seal assembly.
2Reliability
If the inner circumferential surface of the boss portion is made inclined to guide leaked oil away from the stationary ring, then sludge formation is prevented, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure - the oil discharge hole - that provides a direct path for leaked oil to escape from the oil accommodating space. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the requirement for precise surface inclination by offering an alternative, more tolerant method for oil removal that still effectively prevents sludge formation.
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 assembly process, effectively prevents oil leakage and sludge formation by quickly discharging leaked oil, maintaining the sealing capability and reducing heat exposure, which is critical in high-pressure refrigerant applications.
Implementation Method 1
the inner circumferential surface of the boss portion that is outside of the stationary ring is made to be inclined over its entirety or at least at a gravitationally lower portion, enlarging from the stationary ring side toward the oil discharge hole at its outer side
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerant compressor is provided that can be assembled easily and can quickly discharge lubricating oil that leaks from contact sliding parts of its mechanical seal so as to prevent the oil from turning into sludge around the stationary ring. In a refrigerant compressor in which a mechanical seal which shaft seals the inner side and the outer side of a housing is installed at a portion of the housing through which a rotating shaft penetrates, a mechanical seal comprises a stationary ring securely fastened to the inner circumferential surface of a boss portion, a rotary ring securely fastened to the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft to the inside of the stationary ring so as to face the stationary ring, whereby sliding contact is formed between sides of the stationary ring and the rotary ring. The inner circumferential surface of the boss portion to the outside of the stationary ring is provided with an inclined portion over the entire circumference or at least the gravitationally lower portion of the inner circumferential surface, which enlarges from the stationary ring side toward an oil discharge hole to the outside of the stationary ring.