Compressor Stator Sealing Element for Guided Refrigerant Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressors for air conditioning systems in motor vehicles face inefficiencies due to heat generation and dissipation issues, which affect the overall efficiency and service life of the compressor.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a sealing element with a shape simulating an outer contour of the housing contact surfaces, which effectively seals the space between the housing and the stator, guiding the fluid flow and enhancing heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional housing seals are used that only seal two individual housing elements, then the housing is sealed to prevent refrigerant escape, but additional components are required to direct and control fluid flow paths
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is merged with flow control functions by integrating sealing areas and flow guiding areas into a single component. The sealing element comprises a sealing area for sealing the housing and a flow guiding area for directing fluid flow, combining two previously separate functions into one integrated component, thereby reducing the number of individual parts while maintaining both sealing reliability and flow control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs sealing, flow guiding, and flow controlling functions. By making the sealing element universal in its capabilities, the patent eliminates the need for separate insert elements and flow control components, reducing device complexity while maintaining all necessary functions
2Productivity
If additional components like insert elements are added to block and direct flow paths, then fluid flow is controlled and directed, but the construction complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control functions previously requiring separate insert elements are merged into the sealing element itself. The flow guiding area and flow controlling areas of the sealing element directly shape and direct the fluid flow paths, eliminating the need for additional blocking and directing components while maintaining effective flow control
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element becomes a universal component that handles both sealing and flow control tasks. By designing the sealing element with integrated flow guiding and controlling capabilities, the patent achieves comprehensive fluid flow management without increasing construction complexity
3Temperature
If heat from the housing wall is transferred directly to the refrigerant, then heat dissipation occurs, but the overall efficiency of the compressor is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of heat transfer from housing wall to refrigerant into a beneficial controlled thermal management system. By using the sealing element with its specific geometry to guide flow paths, the system ensures that heat transfer occurs in a controlled manner that prevents energy losses while maintaining necessary heat dissipation for safe operation
4Loss of energy
If the compressor is designed to maximize overall efficiency, then heat management and fluid flow control are optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges heat management and fluid flow control functions into the sealing element's integrated design. The sealing element's geometry simultaneously achieves flow path optimization for efficiency and controlled heat transfer, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity while maximizing efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus having a stator and a rotor which are arranged inside a housing extending along a common longitudinal axis, wherein the stator encloses the rotor in a radial direction. A space is formed between an inside of a wall of the housing and an outside of a wall of the stator. The housing has a first housing element and a second housing element that are arranged with their contact surfaces aligned with each other thus sealing the housing. Thereby, a sealing element is arranged between the contact surfaces of the housing elements. The sealing element has the shape of an annular disc with a circumferential form and at least one sealing area. In the circumferential direction, the form corresponds to a contour of the contact surfaces. The sealing area is designed to at least partially enclose the space.