Scroll Compressor Valve Assembly Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional scroll compressors face complex assembly processes and refrigerant leakage issues due to the valve assembly's design, which complicates fabrication and reduces performance during normal driving modes.

Innovation Solution

A modular vacuumization prevention unit is introduced, featuring a sealing recess at the contact surface between the compression unit and the valve assembly, which communicates with an intermediate part of the compression chamber, and includes a sliding valve and valve spring to manage pressure differences and prevent refrigerant backflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a valve assembly is installed between the low pressure space and the high pressure space to prevent vacuumization, then vacuumization prevention is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components requiring individual assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevacuumization preventionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the valve assembly directly into the discharge space structure, merging the valve components with the housing. This eliminates the need for separate assembly of multiple valve components, simplifying the fabrication process while maintaining the vacuumization prevention function. The valve assembly is formed as an integrated part of the discharge space, reducing the number of individual assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a valve assembly is disposed between the low pressure space and the high pressure space to prevent vacuumization, then vacuumization prevention is improved, but refrigerant leakage increases due to large pressure difference causing leakage even during normal driving mode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevacuumization preventionVSAvoidrefrigerant leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a localized intermediate pressure space within the discharge space that is separated from the main high pressure discharge space. This intermediate space serves as a buffer zone, reducing the pressure difference across the valve assembly. By creating this local quality difference in pressure distribution, the valve experiences reduced stress and refrigerant leakage is minimized while still maintaining vacuumization prevention capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This solution simplifies assembly processes, reduces fabrication costs, and enhances performance by minimizing refrigerant leakage between high and low pressure spaces, effectively preventing vacuumization and maintaining compressor efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The valve assembly may be configured to automatically open and close the flow path between the low pressure space and the high pressure space by being automatically operated according to a pressure difference between the low pressure space and the high pressure space.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a sliding valve and valve spring to manage pressure differences and prevent refrigerant backflow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP2407668B1Scroll compressor
Publication Date: 2016.03.30 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2407668B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2407668B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2407668B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A hermetic scroll compressor with a valve (120) and a valve spring (130) accommodated in a housing (110) as one module (100), and the housing being directly coupled to a fixed scroll (4). Furthermore, a sealing recess (117) which communicates with a middle pressure chamber is formed at the housing, thereby forming a damping space between a high pressure space and a low pressure space.