Motor-Compressor Bundle Assembly for Shaft Coupling Without Access Hatches

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor compressor units face challenges with access ports and hatches that reduce the compressor casing volume, hinder shaft coupling, and compromise sealing integrity, especially in units with small external diameters.

Innovation Solution

The use of removable fastening devices to fasten the compressor bundle to the motor casing, allowing shaft coupling and electrical/mechanical connections through openings in the compressor bundle, eliminating the need for access ports and hatches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If access ports and hatches are provided in the compressor casing to allow shaft coupling and maintenance access, then the coupling operation becomes possible, but the compressor casing volume is reduced and sealing integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaft coupling accessibilityVSAvoidcompressor casing volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The compressor assembly is divided into separable components: the compressor bundle (containing the rotor and coupling interface) and the compressor casing. The bundle can be detached from the casing, allowing shaft coupling to be performed on the bundle itself before installation, eliminating the need for access ports in the casing. This segmentation enables maintenance operations without compromising the integrity or volume of the sealed casing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If access ports and hatches are provided in the compressor casing to allow shaft coupling and maintenance access, then the coupling operation becomes possible, but the sealing integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaft coupling accessibilityVSAvoidsealing integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The compressor assembly is divided into separable components: the compressor bundle (containing the rotor and coupling interface) and the compressor casing. The bundle can be detached from the casing, allowing shaft coupling to be performed on the bundle itself before installation, eliminating the need for access ports in the casing. This segmentation enables maintenance operations without compromising the integrity or volume of the sealed casing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If a plane is created on the cylindrical compressor casing to localize the access port, then the hatch sealing becomes planar and easier, but the compressor casing volume is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehatch sealingVSAvoidcompressor casing volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The compressor assembly is divided into separable components: the compressor bundle (containing the rotor and coupling interface) and the compressor casing. The bundle can be detached from the casing, allowing shaft coupling to be performed on the bundle itself before installation, eliminating the need for access ports in the casing. This segmentation enables maintenance operations without compromising the integrity or volume of the sealed casing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Stability of the object's composition

If the compressor bundle is permanently fixed to the motor casing, then structural stability is improved, but maintenance and extraction become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidcompressor bundle extraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system transitions from a permanent fixed state to a dynamic, reversible state. Removable fastening devices (such as bolts or clamps) allow the compressor bundle to be securely attached during operation for structural stability, while enabling easy detachment when maintenance is required. This dynamic fastening system adapts between operational and maintenance states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

5Reliability

If massive coupling guards and slide guides are used to seal the coupling area, then sealing is improved, but the device complexity and volume increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesealingVSAvoidcoupling guard structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compressor assembly is divided into separable components: the compressor bundle (containing the rotor and coupling interface) and the compressor casing. The bundle can be detached from the casing, allowing shaft coupling to be performed on the bundle itself before installation, eliminating the need for access ports in the casing. This segmentation enables maintenance operations without compromising the integrity or volume of the sealed casing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3976970B1Integrated motor-compressor with a stand-alone motor and bundle
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 NUOVO PIGNONE TECH SRL
  • EP3976970B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3976970B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3976970B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The compressor bundle (6) for a motor compressor unit (1) includes at least one fastening device (12) configured to fasten the compressor bundle to a motor casing (3) of the motor compressor unit, and also includes at least one opening (13) sized to couple a motor rotor (14) and a compressor rotor (15) through the at least one opening.