Scroll Compressor Lubricant Management Recesses
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Solution Overview
Problem
In scroll compressors, the separation and management of lubricant from vapor refrigerant is not effectively addressed, leading to potential inefficiencies and performance issues due to their interaction within the compressor system.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a lubricant management system with recesses and passageways in the orbiting and non-orbiting scroll members, allowing for controlled lubricant supply and isolation, ensuring efficient lubrication between the scroll wraps while preventing lubricant from entering the vapor compression zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lubrication is provided to the orbiting and non-orbiting scroll members, then frictional forces are reduced and component longevity is improved, but lubricant may enter the vapor compression zone and contaminate the refrigerant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scroll member structure into distinct lubricated zones and non-lubricated vapor compression zones using separators and recesses. The orbiting scroll member includes recesses that are fluidly isolated from the vapor compression zone, creating segmented regions where lubrication can occur without contaminating the refrigerant.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the lubricant supply function from the main vapor compression chamber by providing separate lubricant supply paths and recesses. Lubricant is supplied to specific bearing surfaces through dedicated passageways that prevent it from entering the vapor compression zone, effectively separating the lubrication function from the compression function.
2Reliability
If lubricant is supplied continuously to reduce wear, then component protection is improved, but lubricant accumulates in the vapor compression zone and reduces compression efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic lubricant supply to the vapor compression zone through recesses in the orbiting scroll member that intermittently receive lubricant during rotation. The recesses are fluidly isolated during portions of the orbital cycle and open during other portions, providing lubrication in a periodic manner rather than continuously, thus preventing accumulation while maintaining protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the dynamic orbital motion of the orbiting scroll member to control lubricant distribution. The recesses move between positions where they are fluidly isolated and positions where they can receive or discharge lubricant, utilizing the dynamic nature of the orbital path to manage lubricant flow and prevent accumulation in the vapor compression zone.
3Productivity
If lubrication is separated from vapor refrigerant to improve efficiency, then compression efficiency is improved, but lubricated components experience increased wear and reduced longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the compressor into distinct lubricated zones and non-lubricated vapor compression zones. Separators and recesses create physical boundaries that allow lubrication of moving components while maintaining separation from the vapor refrigerant in the compression chambers, enabling both efficiency and component protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies lubrication locally to specific bearing surfaces and contact zones where it is needed for component protection, while maintaining a non-lubricated environment in the vapor compression zones. The recesses and supply paths deliver lubricant precisely to where it is required without allowing it to contaminate the refrigerant.
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 enhances the compressor's performance by reducing frictional forces, dissipating heat, and maintaining the separation of lubricant from vapor refrigerant, thereby improving efficiency and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
A volume of the fluid pockets decreases as the pockets move toward a center of the scroll members, thereby compressing the vapor refrigerant disposed therein from a suction pressure to a discharge pressure
Implementation Method 2
Such lubrication may be returned to a sump of the compressor and in so doing may come in contact with a motor of the compressor, thereby cooling the motor to a desired temperature
Implementation Method 3
The orbiting scroll member may include a recess that is moved between a first position in fluid communication with the first lubricant supply path and a second position fluidly isolated from the first lubricant supply path
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor is provided and may include a shell, a main bearing housing disposed within the shell, a driveshaft, a non-orbiting scroll member, and an orbiting scroll member. The driveshaft may be supported by the main bearing housing. The non-orbiting scroll member may be coupled to the main bearing housing and may include a first lubricant supply path in fluid communication with a lubricant source. The orbiting scroll member may be rotatably coupled to the driveshaft and may be meshingly engaged with the non-orbiting scroll member. The orbiting scroll member may include a recess that is moved between a first position in fluid communication with the first lubricant supply path and a second position fluidly isolated from the first lubricant supply path.