Turbocharger Impeller Assembly Friction Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing impeller assembly configurations for superchargers, such as those described in Patent Document 1, are complex and require numerous mounting parts, leading to a complicated configuration and increased vibration due to rotor overhang, which complicates assembly and retrofitting.
Innovation Solution
An impeller assembly with a compressor impeller and a rotor connected via a flange member and nut, where the flange member is fixed to the hub by frictional force rather than bolts, reducing the number of parts and simplifying the configuration, and allowing for a reduced rotor overhang structure to minimize vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flange members are mounted on the tip portion of the shaft using multiple bolts and nuts, then the connection between the rotor and compressor impeller is secure, but the configuration becomes complicated and the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flange member is integrated directly with the shaft tip portion, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets and reducing the number of fastening components. The shaft itself serves as both the rotational element and the mounting structure for the flange member.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mounting bracket structure is removed entirely. Instead of using separate brackets to mount flange members on the shaft tip, the design uses the shaft itself as the mounting structure, extracting the unnecessary intermediate components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple mounting parts are used to fix flange members on the shaft, then the assembly is secure, but the number of parts increases and assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are combined into a single integrated flange member structure that attaches directly to the shaft, reducing the number of assembly steps and components while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft tip portion serves multiple functions: it provides rotational support for the rotor, serves as the mounting structure for the flange member, and integrates the positioning and fastening functions that previously required separate components.
3Device complexity
If the rotor is supported in a cantilever manner on the shaft tip, then the structure is simple, but vibration increases due to rotor overhang
Solution Approach 1:
The flange member is positioned and secured at the shaft tip before final assembly, establishing a rigid support point that prevents excessive rotor overhang and minimizes vibration from the outset rather than attempting to correct it later.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure and mounting structure are merged into a single integrated design where the shaft tip and flange member work together to provide both structural support and vibration reduction, eliminating the need for separate support components.
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
This configuration simplifies the assembly and reduces the number of parts, decreases the rotor overhang, and facilitates easier retrofitting by eliminating the need for bolt holes, thereby enhancing the dynamic stability and ease of assembly of the supercharger.
Implementation Method 1
the flange member is pressed against the end surface of the hub by the tightening force (axial force) of the nut. Thus, by suitably setting the tightening force of the nut, it is possible to fix the flange member to the end surface of the hub not by bolt fixation but by friction fixation.
Data Source
AI summary
An impeller assembly includes: a compressor impeller; a flange member in which a shaft is inserted, the flange member having an abutting portion to abut on an upstream-side end surface, in an axis line direction, of the hub, and an impeller-side flange portion provided on an upstream side, in the axis line direction, of the abutting portion and protruding outward in a radial direction; a nut screwed on a tip portion of the shaft so as to hold the flange member between the nut and the end surface of the hub; a rotor of an electric generator or an electric motor, the rotor having a rotor-side flange portion disposed on an opposite to the hub across the impeller-side flange portion; and a fastening member fastening the impeller-side flange portion and the rotor-side flange portion to each other.