Multi-Stage Compressor Boxer Cylinder Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-stage compressors experience poor oscillation behavior and are not compact enough for mobile applications, limiting their efficiency and usability in vehicles and ships.
Innovation Solution
The cylinders in the high-pressure region are arranged 180° relative to each other in a boxer construction, combined with a rotary compressor in the low-pressure region, driven by a common engine, which reduces oscillations and allows for a compact, high-compression design with a low center of mass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If cylinders are arranged in V-shaped configuration, then space utilization is improved, but oscillation behavior deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by arranging cylinders in a boxer construction with 180° rotation rather than conventional V-shaped or inline configurations. This asymmetric arrangement of pistons moving in opposite directions creates counterbalancing forces that reduce oscillations while maintaining compact space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The boxer construction with 180°-rotated cylinders creates a counterweight effect where pistons move in opposite phases, generating counterbalancing inertial forces. This naturally reduces vibration and oscillation without requiring additional balancing masses, resolving the contradiction between compact design and oscillation control.
2Stress or pressure
If multi-stage compression is implemented, then compression ratio is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges a rotary compressor and reciprocating piston compressor into a single integrated multi-stage system with shared crankshaft and common oil sump. This combination achieves high compression ratios through staged compression while reducing overall device complexity by consolidating drive mechanisms and lubrication systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The common crankshaft serves multiple functions by simultaneously driving both the rotary compressor and reciprocating piston compressor. This multi-functional design reduces the number of independent drive systems needed, simplifying the overall device while maintaining high compression capability through coordinated operation of both compressor types.
3Volume of moving object
If compact design is achieved, then mobility is improved, but oscillation control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional linear or V-shaped cylinder arrangements to a boxer construction with 180° rotation, effectively changing the spatial dimension and orientation of piston movement. This dimensional change allows pistons to move in opposite directions within a compact footprint, achieving both compactness and oscillation control through counterbalancing forces.
4Reliability
If separate engines are used for each compressor, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple compressor functions into a single integrated system driven by one common engine with a multi-functional crankshaft. This merging approach reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant engine components while maintaining reliability through the robust, simplified mechanical architecture and shared lubrication system.
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 results in a highly compact, efficient compressor with reduced oscillations, suitable for mobile use, capable of high compression and fitting within ISO containers, while maintaining performance and controlling compressor temperature.
Implementation Method 1
at least one reciprocating piston compressor with two cylinders is provided in the high-pressure region
Implementation Method 2
at least one rotary compressor is provided in the low-pressure region
Implementation Method 3
a common engine is provided for driving the rotary compressor and the reciprocating piston compressor
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-stage compressor (1) for compressing gases with a low-pressure region (2) and a high-pressure region (5), wherein at least one rotary compressor (3) is provided in the low-pressure region (2), and at least one reciprocating piston compressor (6) with two cylinders (7) is provided in the high-pressure region (5), and wherein a common engine (4) is provided for driving the rotary compressor (3) and the reciprocating piston compressor (6), wherein the cylinders (7) are arranged to be rotated relative to each other by 180° in the high-pressure region (5).