Integrated Hook and Claw Compressor Assembly With Reduced Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional multi-stage hook and claw compressors have separate housings and a large footprint and are mechanically complex, increasing the overall size and cost, and complexity, and require multiple components, and are not in the sound energy. The compressor assembly 100 may include a silencer 152 to reduce the pressure pulsations of the two-stage compressor assembly 100 prior to discharging the working fluid through a discharge port 154. In this manner, the compressor assembly 100 may operate more quietly. It should be understood that the compressor assembly 100 may not include a silencer cavity 150 and discharge the compressed working fluid from the second airend 125 to the aftercooler 142 directly. In embodiments (not shown), the second airend 125 may have more than one discharge port 112 disposed at opposite sides of the rotor pair 127.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage compressor assembly is configured with a single housing that houses both airends, where the shafts rotate in opposite directions, maintaining performance while reducing the overall footprint and package size compared to traditional multi-stage hook and claw compressors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If traditional multi-stage compressors use separate housings for each stage, then each stage can be independently maintained, but the overall footprint and device size increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple compression stages into a single integrated housing structure. The first and second airends are mounted within the same housing, sharing common support structures, bearings, and seals. This merging approach reduces the overall footprint while maintaining the functional independence of each compression stage through internal partitioning and separate rotor assemblies.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional multi-stage compressors use separate housings, then structural simplicity is maintained, but device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for both compression stages, contains common bearing assemblies, houses shared sealing systems, and provides a unified mounting interface for the drive mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count while maintaining structural integrity and operational reliability of each stage.
3Productivity
If traditional multi-stage compressors are used, then compression performance is achieved, but sound energy and pressure pulsations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a silencer assembly as an intermediary component in the discharge path of the second airend. This silencer absorbs pressure pulsations and reduces sound energy generated during compression operations, allowing the system to maintain high compression performance while significantly reducing noise emissions and harmful pressure waves.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-stage compressor system for compressing a working fluid includes a compressor housing and a drive unit configured to drive a first shaft and a second shaft. The first shaft defines a first axis of rotation and the second shaft defines a second axis of rotation, where the first axis is parallel to the second axis of rotation. The compressor system further includes a first airend and a second airend operable to receive and compress the working fluid. The first airend includes a first rotor configured to be driven by the first shaft and a second rotor configured to be driven by the second shaft. The second airend further compresses the working fluid received from the first airend, and includes a third rotor configured to be driven by the first shaft and a fourth rotor configured to be driven by the second shaft.