Integrated Scroll Compressor Oil Separation via Cyclonic Flow

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing scroll compressors face reduced performance and reliability due to increased oil discharge at high speeds, leading to insufficient lubrication and increased manufacturing costs from separate oil separation devices, which also cause thermodynamic losses and complex refrigerant cycle piping.

Innovation Solution

An integrated oil separation device is incorporated within the scroll compressor, utilizing a double-shell structure with a flow-guiding member to separate oil from refrigerant through cyclonic flow, eliminating the need for additional components and installation space, and reducing thermodynamic losses by integrating the oil separation process directly into the compressor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate oil separation device is added to the compressor, then oil separation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoil separation effectivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The oil separation device is merged with the compressor by integrating it into the discharge port structure. The separating chamber is formed within the compressor housing, and the oil separation function is combined with the discharge port assembly, eliminating the need for a completely separate device while maintaining effective oil separation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The discharge port assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both the discharge port for compressed refrigerant and as the oil separation device. The separating chamber within the discharge port assembly performs oil separation while the structure itself remains part of the compressor's discharge system, achieving multi-functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a separate oil separation device is added to the compressor, then oil separation effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoil separation effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The oil separation device is merged with the compressor by integrating it into the discharge port structure. The separating chamber is formed within the compressor housing, and the oil separation function is combined with the discharge port assembly, eliminating the need for a completely separate device while maintaining effective oil separation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The discharge port assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both the discharge port for compressed refrigerant and as the oil separation device. The separating chamber within the discharge port assembly performs oil separation while the structure itself remains part of the compressor's discharge system, achieving multi-functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If an additional oil separation device is installed, then oil separation capability is improved, but installation space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoil separation capabilityVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The oil separation device is merged with the compressor by integrating it into the discharge port structure. The separating chamber is formed within the compressor housing, and the oil separation function is combined with the discharge port assembly, eliminating the need for a completely separate device while maintaining effective oil separation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The oil separation chamber is nested within the compressor housing structure. The separating chamber is positioned inside the existing compressor case, utilizing the available internal space rather than requiring external installation space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Reliability

If a separate oil separation device is used, then oil separation function is added, but refrigerant cycle piping becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoil separation functionVSAvoidrefrigerant cycle piping

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The oil separation device is merged with the compressor by integrating it into the discharge port structure. The separating chamber is formed within the compressor housing, and the oil separation function is combined with the discharge port assembly, eliminating the need for a completely separate device while maintaining effective oil separation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The oil separation function is extracted and integrated directly into the discharge port assembly, removing the need for separate oil separation components and their associated piping connections in the refrigerant cycle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 integrated oil separation device enhances compressor reliability, reduces production costs, and prevents thermodynamic losses by efficiently separating oil from refrigerant within the compressor, improving the refrigerating cycle's performance and simplifying installation.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a double-shell structure with a flow-guiding member to separate oil from refrigerant through cyclonic flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCyclonic flow: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 2

separate oil from refrigerant through cyclonic flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS7771180B2Compressor and oil separation device therefor

Publication Date: 2010.08.10 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A compressor and oil separation device therefore are provided. The oil separation device is integrated with a compressor and includes a first case having a refrigerant inlet into which a refrigerant mixed with oil is sucked and an oil recollecting member through which oil separated from the refrigerant flows, and a second case positioned outside of the first case and having a refrigerant outlet through which refrigerant separated from an oil is discharged. With this constructions, a pipe connecting the compressor and a separate oil separation device is not required, thereby reducing fabrication costs and facilitating installation.