Piston Compressor Venting Device for Clutch Torque Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Piston compressors face efficiency losses and potential damage due to pressure buildup in the compression chamber when the compressor is restarted after a leak occurs, caused by contamination leading to incomplete valve closure, which results in high torque and wear on the clutch.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a ventilation device that allows compressed gas to be discharged from the compression space back into the outlet line during separation from the drive, reducing pressure through equalization with ambient pressure or the intake system, and using check valves or gravity ball valves to control gas flow and prevent backpressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the outlet line is depressurized when the compressor is disconnected from the drive, then the compressed air system can be refilled efficiently, but the compression chamber experiences pressure buildup when restarted causing high torque and clutch wear
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the outlet line pressure management from the compression chamber pressure management. The outlet line can be depressurized independently through the coupling mechanism, while the compression chamber maintains pressure protection through the venting device that prevents pressure buildup during restart, thus protecting the clutch.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting device acts as an intermediary between the compression chamber and the outlet line. It allows controlled pressure equalization from the compression chamber to the outlet line during disconnect operations, preventing dangerous pressure buildup in the compression chamber that would otherwise occur when the outlet line is depressurized.
2Reliability
If the outlet line is not depressurized when the compressor is disconnected, then the compression chamber pressure is maintained, but the compressor experiences efficiency losses during restart
Solution Approach 1:
The venting device provides dynamic pressure control, allowing the system to adapt between two states: maintaining compression chamber pressure during normal operation to ensure reliability, and enabling pressure equalization during disconnect operations to maintain efficiency. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
3Ease of operation
If the exhaust valve becomes leaky due to contaminants, then compressed air flows back into the compression chamber during disconnect, but the clutch experiences excessive wear and overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The venting device provides beforehand cushioning by preventing pressure buildup in the compression chamber before the harmful effect occurs. When the exhaust valve becomes leaky during disconnect, the venting device ensures that no excessive pressure develops in the compression chamber, thus preventing the high torque that would cause clutch wear and overheating.
4Reliability
If a complex mechanical construction or sophisticated electrical solution is used to vent the compression chamber, then pressure buildup is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The venting device is merged with the existing coupling mechanism between the compressor and the drive. The venting function is integrated into the disconnect operation itself, so that when the coupling is actuated to disconnect the compressor from the drive, the venting action occurs simultaneously through the same mechanical motion, eliminating the need for separate complex mechanical or electrical venting systems.
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
Prevents pressure buildup in the compression chamber, reducing torque on the clutch and minimizing damage, while maintaining compressor efficiency by ensuring controlled gas flow and preventing contamination.
Implementation Method 1
vent a compression chamber (17) of the piston compressor into which compressed gas has flowed back, wherein the compressed gas can be discharged from the compression chamber
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a piston compressor for compressing a gas, which optionally can be disconnected from a drive device by means of a clutch. The piston compressor has an inlet valve, which is arranged between an inlet line for gas to be compressed and a compression chamber of the piston compressor, and an outlet valve, which is arranged between the compression chamber of the piston compressor and an outlet line for compressed gas. Furthermore, the piston compressor has a venting device, by means of which compressed gas can be led out of the compression chamber.