Rotary Compressor Design with Integrated Motor Rotor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rotary compressors face issues with compact design due to separate electric motor parts, leading to increased height and friction loss between rotating elements, and refrigerant leakage due to sliding contacts.

Innovation Solution

A compressor design where a stator and first rotary member generate a rotating electromagnetic field, supporting a second rotary member with a roller and vane to form a compression space, minimizing relative speed and using bearings for firm rotatability, and a hermetically sealed shell with oil supply paths for lubrication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate electric motor part is installed relative to the compression mechanism part in the height direction, then the compressor can be driven, but the height of the compressor becomes large and compact design becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompressor drivabilityVSAvoidcompressor height

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the electric motor part and compression mechanism part by making the rotor serve dual functions: it acts as both the motor rotor and the compression mechanism rotor. The stator generates a rotating magnetic field that directly drives the rotor, eliminating the need for a separate drive mechanism and reducing overall compressor height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotor is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the rotating component of the electric motor and as the compression mechanism component. This universal design allows a single component to perform multiple functions, reducing the number of parts and compacting the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If the roller continuously comes into sliding contact with the inner surface of the stationary cylinder and the vane tip surface, then the compression space is formed, but high relative speed causes friction loss and degradation of efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression functionVSAvoidfriction loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the sliding contact mechanical system with a rolling contact system. The roller is designed to rotate on its own axis while being driven by the vanes, converting high-speed sliding friction into lower-speed rolling friction. This substitution significantly reduces friction loss and energy degradation while maintaining the compression function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the roller and vane are in sliding contact to partition the compression space, then the compression regions are formed, but refrigerant leakage occurs on the contact surface reducing mechanical reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression space partitioningVSAvoidrefrigerant leakage prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the sliding contact interface with a rolling contact interface using the roller. The roller's rotation creates a more stable and reliable seal between the compression regions, reducing refrigerant leakage compared to the sliding vane-tip contact in conventional compressors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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

Enables a compact design by integrating the compression mechanism and electric motor parts, reducing friction loss and refrigerant leakage, thereby enhancing compressor efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a stator and first rotary member generating a rotating electromagnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotating electromagnetic field: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

first and second bearings for rotatably supporting the first rotary member and second rotary member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling contact: Ball Bearing

Implementation Method 3

oil supply paths for lubrication

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP2307734B1compressor

Publication Date: 2016.01.27 LG ELECTRONICS INC

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a rotary compressor comprising an electric motor part for supplying electric power and a compression mechanism part for compressing a refrigerant while first and second rotary members (130,140) rotate upon receipt of the electric power from the electric motor part, and more particularly to, a compressor which enables a compact design by forming a compression space within the compressor by a rotor of an electric motor part driving the compressor, maximizes compression efficiency by minimizing friction loss between rotating elements within the compressor, and has a structure capable of minimizing leakage of refrigerant within the compression space.