Compressor Fluid Separator With Apertures for Oil Separation and Noise Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid separators for compressors in hybrid vehicles are inefficient in separating oil from refrigerant, cause noise due to pressure pulsations, and are costly, complex, and difficult to package in small engine bays.
Innovation Solution
A fluid separator with an annular array of apertures in a hollow main body, forming a collar and flange for a fluid-tight seal, which separates oil from refrigerant through centrifugal force and attenuates pressure pulsations by expanding the fluid flow, reducing noise and improving lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art oil separators (cyclone separators with filtering means and velocity reduction spaces) are used, then oil separation function is provided, but the structure becomes complex, costly, and difficult to package in small engine bays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential oil separation function from complex cyclone separators with filtering means and velocity reduction spaces, retaining only the critical collar with apertures that enables oil separation through centrifugal force while eliminating unnecessary structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive hollow main body with collar and flange structure that replaces costly prior art oil separators, accepting that the simple structure may have limited lifespan but providing adequate performance for the application
2Object-affected harmful factors
If expansion type muffler chambers are used to attenuate pressure pulsations, then noise reduction is achieved, but the device becomes complex, heavy, and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the muffler function with the oil separator by integrating pressure pulsation attenuation capability into the hollow main body structure, eliminating the need for separate expansion type muffler chambers while still achieving noise reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow main body is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: oil separation through the collar apertures, pressure pulsation attenuation through expansion spaces, and structural support, thereby replacing multiple separate components with a single multi-functional element
3Quantity of substance
If oil is not separated before leaving the compressor housing, then the refrigerant system accumulates excessive oil, but compressor lubrication and sealing performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary oil separation action within the compressor housing itself through the hollow main body with collar apertures, removing oil from the refrigerant before it leaves the compressor, thereby preventing excessive oil accumulation in the refrigerant system while maintaining adequate lubrication
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
Enhances oil return to the compressor for better sealing, reduces refrigerant system oil content, increases muffling capability, and improves system reliability while minimizing cost, complexity, and space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The collar having at least one aperture formed therein, wherein the at least one aperture facilitates a separation of a liquid from a fluid
Implementation Method 2
attenuates pressure pulsations by expanding the fluid flow, reducing noise
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid separator for a compressor is disclosed including a hollow main body having an annular flange and an annular collar formed thereon, wherein the annular collar includes an annular array of apertures formed therein for separating a liquid from a fluid and attenuating pressure pulsations of the fluid.