Scroll Compressor Alignment Pin Reduces Assembly Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scroll compressor assembly methods face challenges in accurately aligning and rotationally fixing scroll components, requiring multiple alignment pins and increasing dimensional tolerances and assembly time.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a scroll alignment assembly with axial and concentric alignment portions, including a rotational stop member and biasing mechanisms, to align and fix scroll members relative to the bearing housing using a single alignment pin and simultaneous fastener installation, reducing the number of dimensional tolerances and assembly time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple alignment pins are used to align scroll components, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple alignment functions into a single alignment pin that simultaneously performs concentric alignment and rotational positioning. The alignment pin integrates features that previously required separate pins, thereby reducing the total number of components while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment pin is designed as a multi-functional tool that performs multiple alignment tasks: concentric alignment of the first scroll member with the bearing housing, rotational positioning, and fixation. This universal component replaces several specialized pins, reducing device complexity while preserving precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple alignment pins are used to align scroll components, then alignment precision is improved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple alignment operations into a single alignment pin, the assembly process requires fewer steps and less time. The alignment pin is inserted once to accomplish what previously required multiple pins and multiple insertion/removal cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment pin is designed with pre-configured features that automatically perform multiple alignment functions upon single insertion. The preliminary design of the pin includes integrated alignment surfaces and positioning features that execute multiple alignment tasks simultaneously, eliminating sequential operations.
3Device complexity
If dimensional tolerances are increased to simplify alignment, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the alignment pin to optimize its alignment capability. By carefully designing the pin's dimensions, angles, and surface profiles, the system achieves high alignment precision without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment pin concentrates precision requirements into its own manufacturing rather than distributing tight tolerances across multiple components. The pin itself is made with high precision, while other components can have more relaxed tolerances, thereby simplifying the overall device while maintaining alignment accuracy.
4Reliability
If conventional alignment methods are used, then rotational fixation is achieved, but the number of fasteners and assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment pin combines alignment and rotational fixation functions into a single component. The pin simultaneously aligns the scroll member concentrically and prevents rotational movement, eliminating the need for separate fixation fasteners and reducing assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment pin serves multiple functions: concentric alignment, rotational positioning, and rotational fixation. This multi-functional component replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized parts, thereby improving assembly speed while maintaining reliable rotational fixation.
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 solution enables precise concentric alignment and rotational fixation of scroll components, reducing assembly complexity and time while maintaining accurate alignment, applicable to various types of compressors.
Implementation Method 1
The alignment assembly may include a biasing mechanism and the engaging may include the biasing mechanism applying a force in a radial direction on the first and second outer radial surfaces. The biasing mechanism may include first and second biasing members and the engaging may include the first biasing member engaging the first outer radial surface and the second biasing member engaging the second outer radial surface.
Implementation Method 2
The alignment assembly may include a tapered inner surface and the engaging may include the tapered inner surface engaging at least one of the first and second outer radial surfaces to provide concentric alignment between the first scroll member and the bearing housing.
Implementation Method 3
The first member may include axially extending first flexible arms adjacent to the second outer radial surface on the first scroll member and a second member defining a first ramped surface located radially outward relative to the first flexible arms. The concentrically aligning may include the first ramped surface displacing the first flexible arms radially inward and into engagement with the second outer radial surface on the first scroll member.
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor assembly method may include locating a first scroll member on a bearing housing of a compressor having a second scroll member located axially between the first scroll member and the bearing housing. A first outer radial surface on the bearing housing and a second outer radial surface on the first scroll member with an alignment assembly may be engaged to concentrically align the bearing housing and the first scroll member. The first scroll member may be coupled relative to the bearing housing.