Hermetic Compressor Lower Washer Regulation Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hermetic compressors experience abrasion issues due to the shifting of the lower washer in the thrust ball bearing, leading to contact with the main shaft portion and generation of abrasion powder, which affects the reliability and efficiency of the compressor.

Innovation Solution

A regulation mechanism is introduced to limit the movable distance of the lower washer, ensuring it remains clear of the main shaft portion by using a first cylindrical wall or other structural features that prevent contact, thereby preventing abrasion and enhancing reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the lower washer is freely arranged without fixation to facilitate assembly, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential shifting and contact with the main shaft portion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A regulation mechanism acts as an intermediary between the lower washer and the main shaft portion, preventing direct contact while maintaining assembly simplicity. The regulation mechanism includes a regulation member that limits the lower washer's movement, serving as a mediator that resolves the conflict between free arrangement and contact prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The regulation mechanism is pre-installed in the bearing before the lower washer is placed, establishing predetermined movement limits for the lower washer. This preliminary action ensures that the lower washer cannot shift to contact the main shaft portion during operation, while still allowing easy assembly by simply placing components in sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If the lower washer is freely arranged without fixation, then the device complexity is reduced, but abrasion occurs due to contact between the lower washer and main shaft portion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidabrasion powder generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The regulation mechanism serves as an intermediary structure that prevents direct contact between the lower washer and main shaft portion, eliminating abrasion powder generation. The regulation member physically blocks the lower washer's movement path, preventing harmful contact while adding minimal structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The regulation mechanism provides beforehand protection by pre-establishing movement limits for the lower washer. This prior cushioning prevents abrasion from occurring in the first place, rather than addressing wear after it has begun, by ensuring the lower washer can never contact the main shaft portion during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If the lower washer movable distance is not regulated, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of substance increases due to abrasion powder generation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidabrasion powder loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The regulation mechanism acts as an intermediary that prevents material loss through abrasion. By blocking the lower washer's movement path, it eliminates the friction and wear that would otherwise generate abrasion powder, thereby preventing substance loss while maintaining simple operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The regulation mechanism applies preliminary anti-action by pre-preventing the harmful movement that would cause abrasion. The regulation member is positioned to block the lower washer's path before any contact with the main shaft portion can occur, thereby preventing material loss before it can happen during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

The solution effectively prevents abrasion and ensures a stable operation of the hermetic compressor, enhancing its reliability and productivity by maintaining the lower washer's position and avoiding contact with the main shaft portion.

Implementation Method 1

Thrust ball bearing 3031 supports a vertical load generated by the dead weights of rotor 3013 and shaft 3022. Therefore, it is possible to reduce a frictional force generated between rotor 3013 and bearing 3024.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

refrigerating machine oil 3003 is stored in hermetic container 3001

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP1815138B1Hermetic compressor

Publication Date: 2009.04.22 PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP

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AI summary

This hermetic compressor includes a regulation mechanism, which is arranged between a lower washer and an upper end face of a bearing, for regulating a movable distance in a thrust direction of the lower washer so that the movable distance can be shorter than clearance between an inner diameter of the lower washer and an outer diameter of a main shaft portion. It is possible to prevent the inner diameter of the lower washer from coming into contact with the outer diameter of the main shaft portion by this regulation mechanism.