Scroll Compressor Flat Thrust Bearing and Micro-Arc Oxidation Coatings

The patent replaces the ball thrust bearing mechanical system with a flat thrust bearing system. This substitution eliminates the point contact between balls and tracks, replacing it with a surface contact between the flat bearing and the spiral. The flat thrust bearing allows for distributed load across a larger area, increasing both transmissible force and lifespan without the limitations of ball bearing point contact mechanics.

The patent replaces the spiral shim mechanical system with a flat thrust bearing system. This substitution eliminates the relative movement problem between shim and spiral by providing a dedicated flat bearing surface that absorbs axial forces without inducing movement at the spiral-bearing interface. The flat thrust bearing directly supports the spiral, preventing the deterioration caused by friction and movement in the shim system.

The patent applies self-service principles by designing the flat thrust bearing to operate with simplified lubrication requirements. The bearing geometry and surface properties are optimized to maintain adequate lubrication through the compressor's operating conditions themselves, reducing the need for complex external lubrication management systems while still ensuring proper oil film formation between the moving spiral and bearing surface.

The patent employs composite material principles by combining the flat thrust bearing with lightweight spiral components. The thrust bearing itself may use composite or optimized materials that provide high bearing capacity without the excessive weight of traditional cast iron constructions. This allows the system to achieve the necessary axial force absorption while maintaining a lighter overall compressor weight compared to all-cast-iron backpressure stop designs.