Scroll Compressor Discharge Valve Assembly Backflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scroll compressors face challenges in effectively preventing backflow and ensuring reliable operation during shutdown, as the discharge check valve may not adequately close, leading to reverse flow of discharge gas.
Innovation Solution
A novel discharge valve assembly with a valve member and retainer system that includes venting formations and a spring mechanism, which allows for controlled opening and closing of the valve, reducing impact and ensuring minimal reverse flow by utilizing a frustoconical surface and notches or holes for venting, and a spring for rapid opening and dampening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional discharge check valve is used, then the valve structure is simple, but the valve may not adequately close leading to backflow during shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge valve assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: a valve member with venting formations, a retainer with spring mechanism, and a frustoconical surface structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving closing reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded to provide cushioning force that ensures the valve member firmly seats on the frustoconical surface during shutdown. This beforehand cushioning compensates for potential insufficient closing force, guaranteeing reliable valve closure and preventing backflow.
2Reliability
If the valve closes rapidly to prevent backflow, then backflow prevention is improved, but impact during closing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is pre-compressed to provide cushioning force that absorbs impact during valve closing. The spring gradually decelerates the valve member as it approaches the seated position, reducing impact force while ensuring firm closure to prevent backflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The frustoconical surface acts as an intermediary between the valve member and the retainer, providing a gradual seating surface that distributes closing force. This conical geometry allows the valve member to transition smoothly into the closed position, reducing shock and impact while maintaining effective sealing.
3Force
If venting formations are added to the valve member, then impact during operation is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member incorporates venting formations (holes or passages) that allow controlled venting of trapped gas or pressure during valve operation. This porous-like structure reduces pressure buildup and impact forces during opening and closing, while the simple hole patterns maintain relatively low manufacturing complexity.
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 effectively minimizes reverse flow and reduces impact during operation and shutdown, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the scroll compressor by ensuring the valve closes properly, thus preventing backflow and improving compressor performance.
Implementation Method 1
a spring for rapid opening and dampening
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a frustoconical surface and notches or holes for venting
Data Source
AI summary
A valve retainer is provided for securably retaining a discharge valve assembly within a recess formed in a scroll. The valve retainer can be installed between the recess of the non-orbital scroll and the discharge valve assembly to retain the discharge valve assembly at the recess. The valve retainer can include a ring-like body having inwardly and/or outwardly extending tangs for cooperating with structure formed on the respective valve and the recess of the non-orbital scroll.