Compressor External Shell Vibration Isolation and Pressure Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compressors in HVAC systems radiate sound and transmit vibration, causing undesired noise in environments like schools and hospitals, due to the operational vibration of the compression mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The compressor is enclosed in an external shell with isolators that separate the compression mechanism from the shell, and the shell is partitioned into compartments to balance pressures and reduce vibration transmission, with optional features like mufflers and pressure-balancing lines to minimize sound radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the compression mechanism is directly mounted to the external shell, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but vibration is transmitted to the shell causing sound radiation
Solution Approach 1:
Vibration isolators are introduced as intermediary elements between the compression mechanism and the external shell. These isolators decouple the direct mechanical connection, preventing vibration transmission to the shell while maintaining structural support. The isolators act as a mediator that allows the compression mechanism to be mounted without direct contact, thus reducing sound radiation without significantly complicating the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible vibration isolators that can deform to absorb vibration energy. These isolators function similarly to flexible elements, allowing relative motion and vibration isolation between the compression mechanism and the rigid external shell, thereby reducing sound radiation while maintaining structural integrity.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If vibration isolators are added to separate the compression mechanism from the shell, then vibration transmission is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Vibration isolators serve as intermediary components that are strategically placed between the compression mechanism and the external shell. Rather than adding complex isolation systems throughout the entire device, the isolators are positioned at critical mounting points to effectively reduce vibration transmission with minimal additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration isolators change the mechanical parameters of the connection between the compression mechanism and the shell. By introducing elements with specific stiffness and damping characteristics, the isolators modify the vibration transmission path, reducing harmful vibrations while maintaining adequate support for the compression mechanism.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the external shell is partitioned into multiple compartments with pressure balancing, then pressure-induced physical shift of the compression mechanism is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external shell is segmented into multiple compartments (first compartment for low-pressure side, second compartment for high-pressure side, and third compartment for pressure balancing). This segmentation allows independent pressure management in each compartment, preventing pressure differential from causing physical shift of the compression mechanism while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure balancing lines act as intermediary fluid passages that equalize pressure between compartments. These lines mediate the pressure distribution within the shell, preventing large pressure differentials that would cause the compression mechanism to shift position, while adding minimal manufacturing complexity through integrated fluid passages.
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 configuration effectively reduces operational sound and vibration transmission, creating a quieter environment by isolating the compression mechanism's vibrations and supporting its weight, while maintaining efficient fluid communication and pressure balance.
Implementation Method 1
The isolator(s) can be relatively resilient to help reduce vibration transmitted from the compression mechanism to the external shell
Implementation Method 2
A pressure in the first compartment and a pressure in the third compartment may be equalized, which may help reduce or eliminate a physical shift in position of the compression mechanism due to a pressure difference inside the external shell
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed to isolate operation vibration of a compressor to reduce operational sound. A compressor may include an external shell, and one or more isolators that separate a compression mechanism of a compressor from the external shell. The isolator can help isolate the vibration of the compression mechanism from the external shell. The isolator can also support a weight of the compression mechanism. The external shell can also include one or more internal seals. The internal seals can help separate a low-pressure side (e.g., a suction side) and a high-pressure side (e.g., a discharge side) of the compression mechanism. The compressor may also include a pressure balancing mechanism configured to help reduce a pressure difference between, for example, two ends of the compression mechanism, so as to reduce/eliminate the compression mechanism from physical shift in position due to the pressure difference.