Refrigerant Compressor Valve Body Radial Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerant compressors with axial control valves secured by grooved rings face issues with radial securing, leading to potential loosening under vibration and pressure conditions, which can impair system functionality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of two or more cam-like axial projections on the valve body, which form part-circle-like boundary surfaces with the grooved ring, ensuring radial fixation and preventing loosening, independent of spring elements, with a grooved ring design featuring rectangular or square cross-sections and radially inward perforated ends for enhanced securement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a grooved ring is used to axially secure the valve body, then the control valve can be fixed axially, but the grooved ring may loosen under vibration and pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from purely axial securing (grooved ring alone) to a combination of axial and radial securing. The axial projections extend in the radial direction to engage with the grooved ring, creating a two-dimensional locking mechanism that prevents both axial displacement and radial loosening under vibration and pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the axial securing function (grooved ring) with radial securing function (axial projections) into a unified locking mechanism. The axial projections and grooved ring work together synergistically to provide comprehensive fixation, where the projections prevent the ring from loosening while the ring maintains axial positioning.
2Reliability
If a spring-loaded abutment with sloping stop surface is used to secure the grooved ring, then axial fixation can be achieved, but the snap ring may escape under vibration conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the spring element and sloping stop surface from the securing mechanism. By removing these components, the design avoids the problems of spring fatigue and vibration-induced loosening that occur with spring-loaded abutments, while achieving secure fixation through the geometric interlocking of axial projections and grooved ring.
3Ease of manufacture
If the valve body is secured only axially without radial securing, then assembly is simplified, but the grooved ring cannot be securely fixed under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the securing function into distinct components: the grooved ring handles axial positioning while the axial projections provide radial securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively, maintaining assembly simplicity while adding the necessary radial locking capability.
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 solution provides a reliable axial lock for the control valve, preventing accidental loosening and ensuring the valve body remains securely positioned, even if the grooved ring fails, by utilizing system pressure for locking and maintaining functionality under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
which as a result of internal pressure of the valve body in the vice from the grooved ring penetrating the surrounding space in a form-fitting manner
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A refrigerant compressor is proposed, comprising an internal pressure area (3) pressurized with respect to the environment and a control valve, wherein the control valve is formed by a valve body (2) which is axially displaceable in a bore (5) of a housing (1) of the refrigerant compressor and which is axially pressurized by the internal pressure area (3), and which valve body (2) is axially secured within the bore (5) by means of a grooved ring (8) by the valve body (2) bearing axially against the grooved ring (8) with an annular contact surface (11).Advantageously, at least one axial projection (12a, 12b) is provided or formed on the outside of the valve body (2) which is exposed to ambient pressure, and which, as a result of the internal pressure being applied to the valve body (2), penetrates into the space (13) surrounded by the groove ring (8) in a form-fitting manner and forms at least one limiting surface (14; 16) by means of which the groove ring (8) is radially fixed, wherein the contact surface (11) is orthogonal to the direction of action of the axial force "F" acting on the valve body (2) and the at least one limiting surface (14; 16) extends in the direction of action of said force "F".