Compressor Sliding Coatings for Low-Heat Refrigerant Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressors in refrigeration cycle devices face issues with heat generation at sliding portions, which can lead to refrigerant decomposition and compressor failure, with existing solutions focusing only on refrigerant oil additives and not addressing the sliding component configuration.
Innovation Solution
The compressor incorporates a chromium-based compression mechanism with a chromium layer and a nitride layer, including chromium nitride and titanium nitride, on the first member, and carbide deposition on the second member, to reduce heat generation due to sliding and enhance abrasion resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional sliding component configuration is used in the compressor, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but heat generation occurs at sliding portions leading to refrigerant decomposition and compressor failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite material principle by forming a multi-layer coating structure on the sliding surface of the compressor component. The coating includes a chromium layer as the base layer and a nitride layer (such as titanium nitride or silicon nitride) as the surface layer, creating a composite structure that combines the adhesion benefits of chromium with the low friction and wear resistance of nitride materials. This composite coating significantly reduces heat generation at sliding portions while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter change principle by modifying the surface properties of the sliding component through coating treatment. By changing the surface material parameters (adding chromium and nitride layers), the friction coefficient and thermal properties are improved, which reduces heat generation during sliding operations without changing the fundamental component structure.
2Reliability
If refrigerant oil additives are used to suppress heat decomposition, then refrigerant stability is improved, but the root cause of heat generation from sliding friction is not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action principle by pre-forming the chromium and nitride coating layers on the sliding surfaces during the manufacturing process. This preliminary surface treatment prevents heat generation at the source before the compressor operates, eliminating the need for refrigerant oil additives to compensate for the effects of sliding friction and heat decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of sliding friction (heat generation) into a beneficial outcome by selecting coating materials with specific properties. The nitride layer provides extremely low friction coefficients, and the chromium layer ensures strong adhesion, together converting the sliding interface from a heat-generating problem into a low-friction, heat-reducing solution that protects against refrigerant decomposition.
3Strength
If the compressor operates with high sliding friction, then the structure remains simple, but abrasion resistance deteriorates leading to component wear and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material principle to achieve superior abrasion resistance. The chromium base layer provides strong adhesion to the substrate, while the nitride surface layer (titanium nitride or silicon nitride) provides exceptional hardness and wear resistance. This composite structure protects the sliding surface from abrasion while maintaining a relatively simple overall component design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality principle by applying the multi-layer coating only to the sliding surfaces where abrasion occurs, rather than modifying the entire component. This localized treatment provides enhanced abrasion resistance precisely where needed (at the sliding interface) while keeping the rest of the component structure simple and easy to manufacture.
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 suppresses heat decomposition of the refrigerant, maintains lubricity of the refrigerant oil, and ensures long-term reliability and exceptional abrasion resistance of the compressor components.
Implementation Method 1
heat generation due to sliding of the compressor
Implementation Method 2
A chromium layer and a nitride layer including chromium nitride and titanium nitride are formed on a base member surface of the first member in this order
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor of an embodiment includes a compression mechanism part that compresses a refrigerant in a sealed container. The compression mechanism part includes Cr and includes a first member and a second member which slidingly move relative to each other. The first member has a chromium layer and a nitride layer formed on a base member surface in this order. The nitride layer includes CrN and TiN. Carbide is deposited on a surface of the second member.