Mass Flow Control Valve Structure for High-Pressure Compressor Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for controlling fluid mass flow in compressing gaseous fluids, such as scroll compressors, are complex, costly to assemble, and prone to leakage due to the large number of components and the use of vulcanised membranes, which are unsuitable for high-pressure applications.
Innovation Solution
A simplified device with a minimal number of components, featuring a closure element that can be moved translatory within a housing along a longitudinal axis, with effective surfaces assigned to fluid connections. The device includes a receiving element for the closure element, with primary and secondary segments sealed using O-ring seals, reducing the complexity and assembly costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional devices with multiple components and vulcanised membranes are used, then sealing function is provided, but device complexity and assembly cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single membrane (10) that simultaneously seals both the control flow path and the counter pressure region. This integration eliminates the need for separate sealing components, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable sealing performance in high-pressure applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane (10) serves multiple functions: it acts as a seal for the control flow path, defines the counter pressure region, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the device while ensuring reliable operation under high pressure.
2Reliability
If conventional devices with multiple components are used, then sealing function is provided, but assembly effort and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple sealing functions into a single membrane component, the patent reduces the number of assembly steps required. The membrane is installed in one piece rather than requiring assembly of multiple separate sealing components, significantly reducing assembly effort and costs while maintaining reliable sealing.
3Reliability
If vulcanised membranes are used, then sealing is achieved, but suitability for high-pressure applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from vulcanised membrane to elastomer, which maintains the sealing function while significantly improving pressure resistance. The elastomer material can withstand high pressures (up to 750 bar or more) while remaining flexible enough to provide effective sealing, thus resolving the contradiction between sealing capability and pressure resistance.
4Ease of manufacture
If minimal number of components is used, then assembly effort is reduced, but risk of leakage may increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple sealing functions into a single elastomer membrane, the patent reduces the number of potential leakage points. Fewer separate components mean fewer interfaces where leakage could occur, while the membrane's continuous structure provides reliable sealing throughout the high-pressure environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of elastomer material provides both flexibility for effective sealing and strength for high-pressure resistance. This material property optimization ensures that the minimal component design does not compromise leakage protection, as the elastomer can deform to maintain sealing contact while withstanding high pressures.
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 device achieves fluid-tight and pressure-tight operation with minimal assembly effort and costs, reducing the risk of leakage and fluid loss, while ensuring trouble-free operation and maximum service life of the compressing device.
Implementation Method 1
The translatory movement of the closure element (3) within the housing (2) and the receiving element (11) is based on pressure forces acting on effective surfaces of the closure element (3)
Implementation Method 2
The secondary segment (3-2) of the closure element (3) is sealed to the housing (2) via at least one first sealing element (10-1) and the primary segment (3-1) of the closure element (3) is sealed to the receiving element (11) via at least one second sealing element (10-2)
Implementation Method 3
the volumes of the working spaces become progressively smaller towards the centre of the spiral-shaped walls and a gaseous fluid enclosed within the working spaces is compressed
Data Source
AI summary
A device for controlling a fluid mass flow for a device for compressing a gaseous fluid from a low to a high pressure level. The device has a housing with fluid connections at different pressure levels, and a closure element arranged to move in a translatory manner within the housing along a longitudinal axis, with effective surfaces assigned to the fluid connections. The closure element regulates a flow cross-section of a flow path extending between a first and a second fluid connection. The device has a receiving element for receiving the closure element. A primary segment is arranged to be completely surrounded by the receiving element as a first section of the closure element and a secondary segment is arranged to be completely surrounded by the housing as a second section of the closure element and the receiving element is arranged to be completely surrounded by the housing.