Multipath Passive Discharge Valve for Scroll Compressor Backflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current reed style discharge valves in scroll compressors are prone to failure due to mechanical wear, leading to durability issues and increased backflow and pressure pulsation during operation.
Innovation Solution
A multipath passive discharge valve using fluid pathing with enlargements, recesses, and protrusions to create self-intersecting flow paths, acting as fluidic diodes that allow unimpeded flow in one direction while preventing backflow, eliminating the need for reed valves and their mechanical wear-related failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reed valves are used for flow control, then backflow reduction is achieved, but mechanical wear causes durability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical reed valve system with a passive fluidic valve system that uses fluid dynamics principles (enlargements, recesses, and protrusions creating self-intersecting flow paths) to control backflow without any moving parts, thereby eliminating mechanical wear and improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses fluid pressure and flow path geometry (pneumatic/hydraulic principles) to create the valve effect, where the fluid itself controls the flow direction through pressure-driven path selection rather than mechanical components
2Object-generated harmful factors
If reed valves are used for flow control, then backflow is reduced, but pressure pulsation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow control into multiple independent paths (first flow path and second flow path) within the valve body, allowing the fluid to be distributed across different routes that collectively reduce both backflow and pressure pulsation through balanced flow management
3Reliability
If passive fluid pathing is used instead of reed valves, then mechanical wear is eliminated, but flow control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the valve body with the housing structure, integrating the flow control functionality directly into the existing compressor architecture rather than adding separate components, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the passive fluid pathing benefits
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 solution effectively reduces backflow and pressure pulsation, enhancing the durability and performance of scroll compressors by eliminating mechanical wear-related failures and maintaining similar flow control without moving parts.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one valvular conduit comprises a first flow path and a second flow path, wherein the second flow path intermittently intersects the first flow path to create at least one fluidic diode in the at least one valvular conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A passive discharge valve for a scroll compressor and method of use are disclosed. The passive discharge valve is configured to control a flow of fluid from a compression mechanism into a discharge chamber formed in a housing of the scroll compressor. The passive discharge valve comprises a main body including a common central aperture and one or more valvular conduits formed therein. The valvular conduits extend radially outwardly from the common central aperture and each has an inlet aperture in fluid communication with a discharge port of the compression mechanism and an outlet aperture in fluid communication with the discharge chamber. Each of the valvular conduits comprises a first flow path and a second flow path, wherein the second flow path intermittently intersects the first flow path to create a fluidic diode, which militates against reverse fluid flow (or backflow) during operation of the scroll compressor.