Scroll Compressor Laps with Step Portions to Suppress Localized Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scroll compressors face issues with localized contact due to deformation from compressive reaction forces and thermal expansion, leading to reduced volumetric efficiency and a prolonged break-in time, with existing measures failing to effectively manage wear and prevent damage under high load conditions.
Innovation Solution
The scroll compressor features a compression mechanism with fixed and movable scrolls having step portions between the winding end and start peripheries, where the height decreases stepwise, with each step's position and height set to align with a predetermined arc on an expanded plane, allowing the laps to match the shape of worn scrolls, thus reducing localized contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the height of the lap is gradually lowered from the winding end portion, then localized contact due to compressive reaction force and thermal expansion is reduced, but the actual wear of the scroll cannot be effectively managed and localized contact cannot be effectively suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming step portions at specific positions and heights on the lap surface before operation begins. These step portions are designed to match the expected wear pattern, proactively creating the familiarized shape that would normally develop through wear over time. This prevents localized contact from the start of operation rather than waiting for wear to naturally occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the continuous lap surface into multiple discrete step portions at different heights. Instead of a gradual slope, the lap is divided into distinct levels with step portions positioned at specific locations along the spiral. This segmentation allows precise control over contact points and distributes wear more effectively across the lap surface.
2Reliability
If the lap height is reduced to prevent localized contact, then the break-in time is extended, but the volumetric efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The step portions are pre-formed during manufacturing to create the familiarized shape immediately, eliminating the need for an extended break-in period. The preliminary action of creating stepped levels at predetermined positions and heights provides the optimal contact surface from the start of operation, achieving both immediate localized contact suppression and maintaining high volumetric efficiency without time loss.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the lap shape is modified to match worn scroll shape, then localized contact is suppressed, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex wear pattern is simplified into discrete step portions at specific positions and heights. Rather than trying to replicate the entire continuous wear profile, the patent segments the lap into manageable stepped levels, making the structure easier to manufacture while still achieving the essential function of matching the worn shape to suppress localized contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating step portions only at specific critical locations where wear occurs, rather than uniformly modifying the entire lap surface. Each step portion is positioned and sized to address localized wear patterns at that specific area, providing effective contact suppression with minimal structural 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
This configuration effectively suppresses localized contact and significantly shortens the break-in time by aligning the lap heights with actual wear shapes, enhancing stability and ease of setting, and improving volumetric efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the movable scroll is revolved and turned with respect to the fixed scroll to move a compression chamber formed between the laps of both scrolls from the outside to the inside while reducing the compression chamber to thereby compress a working fluid
Implementation Method 2
the innermost periphery (central part) of the spiral thereof is deformed into a convex shape due to the influence of a compressive reaction force and thermal expansion
Implementation Method 3
the innermost periphery (central part) of the spiral thereof is deformed into a convex shape due to the influence of a compressive reaction force and thermal expansion
Data Source
AI summary
[Problem] A scroll compressor is provided which effectively suppresses the occurrence of localized contact caused by deformation of a fixed scroll or a movable scroll due to the influence of a compressive reaction force or thermal expansion and shortens a break-in time. [Solution] Laps 24 and 32 of a fixed scroll 21 and a movable scroll 22 are constituted to have a plurality of step portions between a winding end portion at an outermost periphery and a winding start portion at an innermost periphery and decrease stepwise in height toward the winding start portion from the winding end portion. The position and height of each step portion are set so that when the spiral laps 24 and 32 are expanded on a predetermined plane, a base point of each step portion is placed on a predetermined arc drawn on the plane.