Scroll Compressor Bearing Cooling via Rotating Fan and Guide Ribs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scroll fluid machines, such as compressors and vacuum pumps, face challenges in effectively cooling the bearings of the eccentric axial portion, which leads to inadequate thermal management and potential overheating.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a cooling fan mounted on the driving shaft and strategically positioned ribs within the housing to direct airflow towards the bearing of the eccentric axial portion, enhancing air circulation and heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cooling fan is mounted on the driving shaft to blow air towards the bearing, then the cooling effectiveness of the eccentric axial portion bearing is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fan is mounted on the driving shaft itself, utilizing the shaft's rotation to drive the cooling fan. This allows the system to cool itself without requiring an independent cooling motor or external power source, thereby improving bearing temperature control while avoiding additional complexity in the power transmission system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling function is merged with the existing driving shaft rotation. The driving shaft serves dual purposes: transmitting power to the orbiting scroll and driving the cooling fan through its rotation. This integration eliminates the need for a separate cooling mechanism and reduces overall system complexity.
2Temperature
If ribs are added to guide air towards the bearing, then the air flow directionality and cooling efficiency are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing interior is segmented into multiple cooling channels by the ribs, which divide the airflow into directed paths toward the bearing. This segmentation allows for controlled airflow distribution while maintaining a relatively simple overall housing structure that can be manufactured using conventional casting or machining processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The ribs are designed with curved surfaces that guide airflow smoothly toward the bearing area. These curved rib structures optimize airflow patterns while being compatible with standard manufacturing techniques such as mold casting or CNC machining, balancing cooling efficiency with manufacturing simplicity.
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
This configuration effectively cools the eccentric axial portion and its bearing, preventing overheating and ensuring reliable operation by improving air flow and heat dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling fan is mounted on the driving shaft... allow air taken in from an inlet to blow towards a bearing of an eccentric axial portion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A scroll fluid machine comprises a driving shaft in a housing. An orbiting scroll is eccentrically revolved around an eccentric axial portion of the driving shaft via a bearing. Air is introduced from outside through an intake port of a circumferential wall of the housing and directed toward the bearing by a guide to cool the bearing.