Electric Compressor Thrust Bearing Support for Axial Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric compressors experience axial vibration of the rotary shaft during operation, leading to increased noise and damage to the bearings.
Innovation Solution
The electric compressor incorporates an elastic member and a thrust bearing to press the rotary shaft toward the compression mechanism, supported by radial bearings, which suppress axial vibration and prevent bearing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If radial bearings are used to support the rotary shaft, then the rotary shaft can rotate smoothly, but axial vibration occurs during operation causing noise and bearing damage
Solution Approach 1:
A thrust bearing is introduced as an intermediary component between the rotary shaft and the housing to specifically handle axial loads. This separates the radial support function (performed by radial bearings) from the axial support function (performed by thrust bearing), preventing axial vibration while maintaining smooth rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing support system is segmented into two distinct functional components: radial bearings for radial support and rotation, and a thrust bearing for axial support. This division of functions allows each bearing type to optimize its performance for its specific purpose, eliminating the axial vibration problem that occurs when radial bearings alone are used.
2Device complexity
If the rotary shaft is supported only by radial bearings, then the structure is simple, but axial vibration increases noise
Solution Approach 1:
A thrust bearing is introduced as an intermediary component to specifically address axial vibration. This additional component, while increasing structural complexity slightly, effectively eliminates the noise-generating axial vibration, achieving noise control through functional specialization.
3Ease of manufacture
If radial bearings alone support the rotary shaft, then manufacturing is simple, but axial vibration causes bearing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing support system is segmented into radial bearings for radial support and a thrust bearing for axial support. This segmentation, while adding one more component, provides clear functional division that improves reliability by preventing axial vibration damage, while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing and assembly procedures.
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 reduces noise and prevents bearing damage while improving compressor efficiency, durability, and reducing weight and costs.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member configured to press the rotary shaft toward the compression mechanism
Implementation Method 2
The thrust bearing may be configured as a plate-shaped sliding bearing
Data Source
AI summary
An electric compressor including a housing, a compression mechanism disposed in the housing and configured to compress a refrigerant, a motor configured to generate power required for the compression mechanism, a rotary shaft configured to transmit power from the motor to the compression mechanism, a bearing configured to support the rotary shaft, and an elastic member configured to press the rotary shaft toward the compression mechanism, thereby suppressing axial vibration of the rotary shaft during an operation, suppressing an increase in noise, and preventing damage to the bearing configured to support the rotary shaft.