Scroll Compressor Connector Assembly for Leak-Proof Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional flanged connections in scroll compressors are prone to failure due to weak brazing joints and misalignment, leading to reduced reliability and durability, especially during transport and operation.
Innovation Solution
A rotalock adaptor with a coaxially extending tube and fastener system, such as a flare nut, creates a secure, leak-proof connection between conduits and ports, using metal tubes and brazing to withstand shock and vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional flanged connections with brazing joints are used, then the compressor can be assembled with conduits, but the connection is prone to failure due to weak brazing joints and misalignment during transport and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional brazing-based mechanical connection system with a self-locking mechanical fastening system. The rotalock adaptor uses a cam mechanism with a locking surface that engages with a corresponding surface on the conduit, creating a self-locking connection that eliminates reliance on weak brazing joints. This mechanical substitution provides superior strength and reliability under vibration and shock conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotalock adaptor incorporates a dynamic self-locking mechanism where the cam-shaped locking surface automatically engages and locks the conduit in place through rotational movement. This dynamic feature allows the connection to self-adjust and self-lock, ensuring maintained alignment and connection integrity during transport and operation without relying on static brazing joints.
2Ease of operation
If traditional flanged connections are used, then conduits can be connected to compressor ports, but misalignment occurs during assembly reducing connection quality
Solution Approach 1:
The rotalock adaptor design incorporates a self-aligning feature where the cam locking mechanism inherently compensates for minor misalignments during assembly. The locking surface geometry is designed to guide the conduit into proper alignment as it is being installed, providing beforehand cushioning against alignment errors and ensuring precise connection without requiring high assembly precision.
3Ease of manufacture
If weak brazing joints are used in traditional connections, then assembly is simpler, but the connection fails under shock and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the brazing process with a mechanical self-locking fastening system. The rotalock adaptor uses a cam mechanism with locking surfaces that create a strong, reversible mechanical connection. This substitution maintains ease of assembly while dramatically improving durability under shock and vibration, as the mechanical lock is inherently stronger and more resilient than brazed joints.
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 connector assembly enhances the reliability and durability of the compressor by providing a strong, leak-proof connection that withstands mechanical stress and vibration, improving system performance.
Implementation Method 1
a second end of the first tube extends at least partially outside of the second end of the rotalock adaptor, wherein a connecting end of a conduit to be fluidically connected to the corresponding port is configured to be coaxially connected to the second end of the first tube and further secured to the first tube and the rotalock adaptor using a fastener
Implementation Method 2
the second tube is configured to be expanded within the first tube and correspondingly keep the first tube in contact with a rim of the corresponding port to create a leak-proof connection between the rim and the first tube
Implementation Method 3
the third tube is made of copper, wherein the third tube is brazed to the conduit, the first tube, and the rotalock adaptor
Implementation Method 4
the first end of the rotalock adaptor is welded to the outer surface of the compressor at the one or more ports of the compressor
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A connector assembly 200 for a scroll compressor 100 comprises a rotalock adaptor 202 having a first end 202-1 configured to be attached to an outer surface 104 of the compressor 100 at one or more ports 102 of the compressor 100 such that a longitudinally extending bore-hole 204 of the rotalock adaptor 202 remains in line and fluidically connected to the corresponding port 102, and a first tube 206 extending coaxially through the bore-hole 204 of the rotalock adaptor 202 via a second end 202-2 of the rotalock adaptor 202 such that a first end 206-1 of the first tube 206 extends at least partially within an inner chamber of the compressor 100 via the corresponding port and a second end 206-2 of the first tube 206 extends at least partially outside of the second end 202-2 of the rotalock adaptor 202, wherein a connecting end 302-1, 402-1 of a conduit 302, 402 to be fluidically connected to the corresponding port 102 is configured to be coaxially connected to the second end 206-2 of the first tube 206.