Piston Ring Groove Asymmetry for Better Air Compressor Intake
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited tilting of the piston portion due to the shaft swing restricts the gap between the piston ring and the cylinder inner wall, hindering improved air intake efficiency in piston air compressors.
Innovation Solution
Designing the annular groove of the piston portion with unequal widths on both sides, allowing the piston ring to move along the groove's width direction, thereby increasing the gap between the piston ring and the inner wall when the piston retreats, and optionally incorporating a slope at the rear end of the piston passage to further enhance air intake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the piston portion is tilted due to the swing of the shaft portion during retreat, then a gap is created between the piston ring and the inner wall of the cylinder, but the degree of tilt is limited and air intake efficiency cannot be further improved
Solution Approach 1:
The piston ring is designed with a movable portion that can dynamically adjust its position along the width direction of the annular groove. This dynamic adjustment allows the piston ring to move relative to the piston portion, creating a larger gap with the cylinder wall during the retreat stroke, thereby improving air intake efficiency without increasing the complexity of the piston structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston ring is segmented into a fixed portion and a movable portion. The movable portion is disposed in the annular groove and can slide independently along the width direction, while the fixed portion remains attached to the piston portion. This segmentation allows the piston ring to create additional gap space during retreat without requiring the entire piston structure to be more complex.
2Productivity
If the gap between the piston ring and the inner wall of the cylinder is increased to improve air intake, then air intake efficiency improves, but the piston tilt mechanism reaches its limit
Solution Approach 1:
The movable portion of the piston ring dynamically adjusts its position along the annular groove based on the piston's movement cycle. During the retreat stroke, the movable portion shifts to increase the gap with the cylinder wall, maximizing air intake. During the compression stroke, it returns to its original position to maintain sealing. This dynamic behavior extends the effective movement range without modifying the piston's mechanical tilt capability.
3Productivity
If the annular groove width is made unequal at different sides to allow piston ring movement, then air intake efficiency improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The annular groove is designed with asymmetric width, being wider at the first side portion than at the second side portion. This asymmetric geometry is intentionally created to provide clearance for the movable portion of the piston ring. The wider first side portion allows the movable portion to slide freely during the retreat stroke, creating the necessary gap with the cylinder wall, while the narrower second side portion provides a stop position. This asymmetric design achieves the air intake improvement while establishing clear manufacturing tolerances for the groove dimensions.
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 design enhances air intake efficiency by increasing the gap between the piston ring and the inner wall, improving the cylinder's ability to suck in external air, and prevents damage from high-pressure air by allowing efficient discharge.
Implementation Method 1
the first portion of the piston ring is movable along the width direction of the annular groove as the piston portion moves back and forth
Implementation Method 2
the piston portion of the piston thereof advances in the cylinder, the piston ring around the piston portion is in contact with the inner wall of the cylinder and the space in the cylinder is gradually less as the piston portion advances. As a result, the air in the cylinder is compressed
Implementation Method 3
the check valve at the front end of the cylinder is pushed open by high-pressure air, so that the high-pressure air is output via the check valve
Data Source
AI summary
An air compressor includes a cylinder having a piston passage having rear and front ends, a piston including piston and shaft portions, a piston ring, and a driving unit. The piston portion is in the piston passage and has an annular groove. The shaft and piston portions are connected via the rear end. The piston ring is at the annular groove. First and second portions of the piston ring are at first and second side portions of the piston portion respectively. The driving unit is coupled to the shaft portion and drives the piston portion to move back and forth between the front and rear ends via the shaft portion. A width of the annular groove at the first side portion is greater than that at the second side portion. The first portion moves along a width direction of the annular groove as the piston portion moves back and forth.