Screw Compressor Air-Oil Separator Holder Corrosion Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Screw compressors for utility vehicles face corrosion issues due to moisture accumulation, which existing designs fail to adequately address, leading to increased system inertia and the need for additional components and space for external oil coolers.
Innovation Solution
A screw compressor with an air oil separator holder made from non-corrosive material, such as aluminum, and a relief valve connected to the air inlet, allowing for pressure relief and preventing corrosion by relocating moisture-prone areas to non-corrosive regions, and using a plastics hose for the connection to the air inlet to avoid internal corrosion and simplify maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If an external oil cooler is provided to regulate oil temperature, then the oil temperature can be controlled, but the system inertia increases and additional structural space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the oil cooler function directly into the housing structure, merging the cooling function with the existing housing rather than using a separate external component. This eliminates the need for additional structural space and reduces system inertia while maintaining oil temperature control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains the compressor components, and acts as the oil cooler through integrated cooling channels. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate external oil cooler, reducing both weight and structural space requirements
2Temperature
If an external oil cooler is provided with separate circuits, then oil temperature regulation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the oil cooling circuit with the housing structure, integrating the cooling channels directly into the housing rather than using separate external components and piping. This simplification reduces the number of connections and components, thereby reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the oil cooling function from the compressor mechanism itself and implements it through the housing structure. By taking out the cooling function and integrating it into the housing rather than adding it as a separate mechanical system, the overall device complexity is reduced
3Device complexity
If the relief valve and ports are arranged in standard locations, then the structure is simple, but corrosion occurs due to moisture precipitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material qualities to different locations: the relief valve and surrounding ports are manufactured from non-corrosive materials specifically in the moisture-prone areas, while other parts of the housing may use standard materials. This localized application of corrosion-resistant materials prevents corrosion without requiring the entire housing to be made from expensive non-corrosive materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction where the housing is made from standard materials but the relief valve and surrounding ports are made from non-corrosive materials. This creates a composite structure that combines the advantages of both material types, preventing corrosion in critical areas while maintaining overall structural integrity and cost-effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
A screw compressor for a utility vehicle includes at least one housing and at least one air-oil separator holder arranged at the housing. The air-oil separator holder is manufactured from a non-corrosive material. A relief valve is provided, which is arranged in the air-oil separator holder and by which the interior of the screw compressor can be relieved of pressure.