Screw Compressor Control Slide Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Screw compressors face challenges in precisely detecting the position of control slides, which affects the compressor's efficiency and noise levels due to external influences and mechanical wear.
Innovation Solution
A position detection device with a detector element and position indicator elements coupled to the control slides, using a magnetostrictive material for precise position determination, and a telescopic guide to reduce noise by restricting the movability of the control slides during pressure pulsations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact-based position detection is used for control slides, then position information can be obtained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to mechanical wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based position detection system with a magnetic field-based detection system. The detector element uses magnetic coupling to sense the position of control slides through their magnetic markers, eliminating direct mechanical contact between detection components. This substitution of mechanical detection with magnetic field detection resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement precision without the wear and reliability issues of contact-based systems.
2Ease of operation
If control slides are allowed free movement during pressure pulsations, then ease of operation is improved, but noise generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing a damping mechanism that preemptively counteracts the harmful effects of pressure pulsations on control slides. The detector channel design and magnetic coupling system provide stabilizing forces that prevent excessive slide movement before noise can be generated, while still allowing controlled mobility for operational adjustment. This resolves the contradiction by suppressing noise-generating movements without completely restricting operational freedom.
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 precise position detection of control slides with minimal wear and reduced noise generation by optimizing the guidance of control slides, enhancing the compressor's operational efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the detector element is made of a magnetostrictive material and the position indicator element generates a local magnetic flux through the detector element at its location
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a screw compressor comprising: a compressor housing (12) with a rotor chamber (18) arranged therein; two rotors that are arranged in said rotor chamber and rotatably mounted on said compressor housing; and at least one control valve (52, 54) which is arranged in a valve channel of said compressor housing and is adjacent to the two rotors (26, 28) by means of valve compression wall surfaces, said control valve being displaceable in a displacement direction parallel to the rotor axes; as well as a position-detector device (152), for said at least one control valve, comprising a position display element (156, 158) that is coupled to the at least one control valve, said at least one position display element interacting with a detector element (154) that extends parallel to the displacement direction of the at least one control valve (52, 54), said position display element (156, 158) being able to be moved along said detector element, and this detector element (154) being coupled to an evaluation device (192) which detects the positions of said position display element (156, 158) along the detector element (154).