Rolling Piston Compressor Radial Loading for Leak-Tight Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rolling piston compressors in thermoregulation circuits face inefficiencies due to reduced contact pressure between the piston and cylinder, leading to micro-leaks and compromised performance.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism is introduced to increase the contact pressure between the piston and cylinder by applying a radial force perpendicular to the axes, using a drive finger and notch arrangement in the bearing to transform stress into a radial component, enhancing the seal at the interface zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the piston is offset parallel to the cylinder axis to enable rolling motion, then the compressor achieves compact design and continuous compression, but the contact pressure between piston and cylinder is reduced leading to micro-leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The loading means applies a preliminary radial force to the piston before compression occurs, pre-compressing the piston against the cylinder wall to ensure adequate contact pressure is established before the compression stroke begins, thereby preventing micro-leaks during the compression process
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the contact pressure parameter by introducing an additional radial loading component through the loading means, transforming the single-axis offset contact mechanism into a multi-component force system that maintains higher contact pressure at the piston-cylinder interface
2Reliability
If the contact pressure between piston and cylinder is increased to prevent micro-leaks, then sealing performance improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional loading mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The loading means is integrated into the existing bearing structure, allowing the bearing to serve dual functions: supporting the piston during rotation and simultaneously applying the radial loading force. This multi-functionality increases sealing performance while minimizing the addition of separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing acts as an intermediary element that transfers the radial force from the loading means to the piston, mediating between the need for high contact pressure and the constraints of the existing mechanical structure. The bearing's inner and outer rings provide the necessary force transmission path
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 additional radial force improves the seal between the piston and cylinder, increasing the compressor's performance by reducing micro-leaks and maintaining effective compression.
Implementation Method 1
a cylindrical piston, oriented along a second axis offset parallel to the first axis, said piston being coupled to the drive shaft to roll against a wall of said cylinder
Implementation Method 2
The offset of the axes and the piston's dimensions induce a contact force in the interface zone between the piston and the cylinder
Implementation Method 3
The loading means is arranged by cooperation between the drive finger and the notch, said second inclined edge being capable of transforming any stress exerted by said drive finger perpendicular to said second inclined edge into a stress exerted on said ring, said stress comprising at least one component acting along said direction of stress
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid compressor (10), particularly for thermoregulation circuits, said compressor (10) comprising: - a cylinder (12), oriented about a first axis (A), - a drive shaft (14), coaxial with the first axis (A), - a cylindrical piston (16), oriented about a second axis (B) offset parallel to the first axis (A), said piston (16) being coupled to the drive shaft (14) to roll against a wall (18) of said cylinder (12) in an orbital motion, forming two compression chambers (22, 24) of the fluid separated by an interface zone (20) between the piston (16) and the cylinder (12), said interface zone (20) being movable with said piston (16), said compressor (10) further comprising a means (50) for actuating the piston (16) by reaction on the shaft (14) to generate a contact force of the piston (16) with the cylinder (12) at the level of said interface area (20).