Oldham Ring Keys in Scroll Compressor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scroll compressors face issues with motor efficiency, weight reduction, friction characteristics, and assembly reliability due to the use of aluminum materials for Oldham rings and orbiting scrolls, leading to increased vibration, noise, and material costs, as well as challenges with wear resistance and clearance in anti-rotation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an Oldham ring with slots and keys made of different materials, where the orbiting scroll and Oldham ring are made of aluminum, and the keys are made of an iron-based material, with the keys protruding from the orbiting scroll and received in slots within the Oldham ring, enhancing support strength and friction characteristics while maintaining a lightweight and efficient structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the Oldham ring is made of aluminum material to reduce weight, then motor efficiency is improved, but friction characteristics deteriorate due to same-material contact
Solution Approach 1:
The Oldham ring is designed with different materials for different parts: the ring body is made of aluminum for weight reduction, while the keys are made of iron-based material for improved friction characteristics. This local differentiation allows each part to optimize its properties for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The Oldham ring combines aluminum material for the ring body with iron-based material for the keys, creating a composite structure that integrates the advantages of both materials: lightweight properties from aluminum and superior friction characteristics from iron-based material.
2Reliability
If the Oldham ring is made of iron-based material to improve friction characteristics, then wear resistance improves, but weight increases causing increased vibration and noise
Solution Approach 1:
Only the keys that contact the orbiting scroll are made of iron-based material, while the majority of the ring body remains aluminum. This localized application of iron-based material provides wear resistance where needed without significantly increasing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The Oldham ring is segmented into different material zones: aluminum ring body and iron-based keys. This segmentation allows the friction-critical components to be made of durable material while keeping the non-critical portions lightweight.
3Reliability
If pins and rings are used in pin-and-ring type anti-rotation mechanism, then reliability is improved, but assembly complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The key and slot structure merges the functions of multiple pins and rings into a single integrated anti-rotation mechanism. The key fits into the slot to prevent rotation, eliminating the need for separate pins and rings while maintaining anti-rotation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The key-slot structure serves multiple functions: it prevents rotation of the orbiting scroll, provides structural support, and guides the orbiting motion. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple specialized components.
4Reliability
If a fixing protrusion is formed on the Oldham ring to press-fit the key, then the key is secured, but the cross-sectional area decreases weakening support strength
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of forming a protrusion on the Oldham ring, the invention inverts the approach by forming a recess (slot) in the Oldham ring and providing a corresponding protrusion (key) on the orbiting scroll. This inversion maintains the full cross-sectional area of the Oldham ring while achieving secure key fixation.
Data Source
AI summary
A scroll compressor includes a fixed scroll, an orbiting scroll, a rotating shaft, an Oldham ring, and a plurality of first keys. The orbiting scroll is configured to engage the fixed scroll. The rotating shaft is eccentrically coupled to the orbiting scroll and configured to operate the orbiting scroll. The Oldham ring has a ring body that defines a plurality of slots. The plurality of first keys are coupled to the orbiting scroll and inserted to the plurality of slots, respectively. The plurality of first keys are configured to slide at the plurality of slots in a radial direction and include a material different from a material of the Oldham ring.