Scroll Compressor Bypass Valve Retainer Block Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scroll compressors face issues with overcompression due to increased dead volume and reduced efficiency caused by lengthy bypass holes, which are exacerbated by the use of plate or reed valves that require thicker end plates and more components, leading to assembly complexities and delayed refrigerant discharge.
Innovation Solution
A scroll compressor design featuring a block insertion groove in the non-orbiting scroll end plate to house the discharge port and bypass holes, with a retainer block and bypass valve assembly that reduces the length of these features, minimizing dead volume and allowing for a thinner end plate, and a discharge guide passage for efficient refrigerant flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plate valve or reed valve is used as the bypass valve, then the bypass hole can be opened and closed, but the end plate thickness must increase to accommodate the valve and fastening elements, which increases the length of the bypass hole
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass valve is extracted from the end plate structure and integrated into the retainer block, which is positioned separately from the end plate. This allows the end plate to maintain its original thickness without accommodating the valve mechanism, thereby reducing the bypass hole length while preserving valve functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer block serves as an intermediary component that houses the bypass valve and provides a mounting structure separate from the end plate. This mediator allows the bypass valve to function independently without requiring increased end plate thickness, thus solving the contradiction between valve operation reliability and bypass hole length
2Device complexity
If a single annular bypass valve is used to open and close multiple bypass holes, then the valve structure is simplified, but the number of components increases due to the elastic member support
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass valve is merged with the retainer block as an integrated assembly, where the valve is housed within the retainer block structure. This combination reduces the overall number of separate components while maintaining the simplified single annular valve design that controls multiple bypass holes
3Reliability
If the bypass hole length is increased to accommodate valve mechanisms, then the valve can be properly supported and operated, but the dead volume increases and refrigerant discharge is delayed causing overcompression
Solution Approach 1:
The valve support structure is extracted from the end plate and relocated to the retainer block, which positions the valve closer to the compression chamber. This extraction reduces the bypass hole length through which refrigerant must travel, thereby reducing dead volume and preventing discharge delays while maintaining proper valve support and operation
4Strength
If the end plate is made thicker to accommodate rivet or pin fastening, then the bypass valve can be securely fixed, but the bypass hole length increases causing overcompression and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism is extracted from the end plate and relocated to the retainer block, which has sufficient thickness to accommodate fastening elements like rivets or pins. This allows secure bypass valve fixation while maintaining a thin end plate and short bypass hole length, thereby preserving compressor efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer block acts as an intermediary that provides the necessary structural thickness for secure valve fastening without requiring the end plate to be thick. This mediator enables strong valve fixation while keeping the end plate thin and the bypass hole short, thus maintaining high compressor efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A scroll compressor may include a block insertion groove recessed by a predetermined depth into a rear surface of a non-orbiting scroll to accommodate a discharge port and at least one bypass hole, and a retainer block having at least one bypass valve to open and close the at least one bypass hole may be fixedly inserted into the block insertion groove. Accordingly, the at least one bypass valve that suppresses or prevents overcompression in a compression chamber is not fastened to a non-orbiting end plate, which may allow the non-orbiting end plate to be formed thin. As the non-orbiting end plate is reduced in thickness, a length of the at least one bypass hole may be reduced, thereby decreasing a dead volume in the at least one bypass hole.