Double Reed Injection Valve Assembly for Low-Noise Scroll Compressors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional check valves in vapor injection scroll compressors suffer from pressure drop, increased manufacturing complexity, and noise issues due to multiple components and metal-to-metal contact, which affect the compressor's output capacity and durability.
Innovation Solution
A simplified and compact injection valve assembly featuring a double reed structure with a unitary design and a valve gasket with inclined flaps, which selectively permits fluid flow through injection ports, reducing pressure drop and noise while maintaining durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional check valves with multiple components are used, then reliable fluid flow control is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple check valve components (body, seat, and valve element) into a single integrated check valve component that is directly formed within the injection port of the scroll. This integration eliminates the need for separate components and assembly steps, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining the reliable fluid flow control function through the preserved check valve mechanism.
2Reliability
If conventional check valves with multiple components are used, then reliable fluid flow control is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is integrated directly into the scroll's injection port as a single formed component rather than being assembled from multiple separate parts. This reduces manufacturing steps, assembly operations, and associated labor costs, thereby lowering overall manufacturing costs while preserving the reliable fluid flow control functionality.
3Reliability
If ball valves with spring bias are used, then check valve function is achieved, but pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring component from the check valve design, eliminating the spring bias mechanism found in conventional ball valves. This extraction of the spring element reduces the resistance to fluid flow, thereby minimizing pressure drop across the check valve while maintaining its essential function of allowing flow in the correct direction.
4Reliability
If reed valves with metal-to-metal contact are used, then check valve function is achieved, but noise and vibration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material or surface properties of the check valve components to eliminate metal-to-metal contact. By modifying the contact interface parameters (likely using non-metallic materials or coated surfaces), the design reduces noise and vibration generated during valve operation while preserving the check valve's flow control function.
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 enhances the compressor's discharge chamber volume, reduces manufacturing complexity and costs, and minimizes noise and vibration, thereby improving the compressor's efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a reed structure disposed adjacent the valve member, the reed structure including a first reed and an opposite second reed, wherein the reed structure selectively permits a flow of a fluid through at least one of the first injection port and the second injection port of the scroll compressor
Data Source
AI summary
A scroll compressor including a compression mechanism assembled with an injection valve assembly disposed in a housing. The compression mechanism including a fixed scroll and an orbit scroll. The fixed scroll includes a first borehole provided with a first injection port and a second borehole provided with a second injection port. The valve assembly includes a valve member, a double reed structure, a valve gasket, and a valve body. The double reed structure includes a first reed, an opposite second reed, and a connecting portion. The first reed is configured to selectively permit a flow of a fluid through the first injection port and the second reed configured to selectively permit a flow of a fluid through the second injection port.