Scroll Compressor Oil Distribution Channel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional scroll compressor assemblies experience frictional losses due to inadequate lubrication between the orbital scroll member thrust surface and the thrust washer, leading to increased complexity and potential durability concerns when using additional moving parts like needle roller bearings or ball bearings.

Innovation Solution

An oil distribution channel is integrated into the compressor assembly, allowing lubricating oil to be continuously distributed between the thrust surface of the orbital scroll member and the thrust washer, hydrodynamically separating and supporting the orbital scroll member relative to the thrust washer and the front casing, reducing frictional losses without adding complexity or cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If needle roller bearings or ball bearings are added to reduce frictional losses, then the lubrication performance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubrication performanceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The orbital scroll member's thrust surface itself serves as the oil distribution channel, using its own orbital motion to pump and distribute oil to the thrust interface, eliminating the need for separate bearing components while maintaining reliable lubrication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses hydrodynamic lubrication principles where oil is pumped into the space between the thrust surface and thrust washer, creating a fluid film that supports the orbital scroll member and reduces friction without mechanical contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Loss of energy

If additional moving parts are added to improve lubrication, then the frictional losses are reduced, but the durability concerns increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrictional lossesVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The thrust surface of the orbital scroll member is self-actuating, using its orbital motion to automatically pump and distribute oil without additional moving parts, thereby reducing frictional losses while eliminating durability concerns associated with extra components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces mechanical bearing systems with a hydrodynamic lubrication system where fluid pressure supports the thrust load, eliminating mechanical contact and associated wear between the orbital scroll member and thrust washer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If oil distribution channel is integrated into the thrust surface, then the lubrication is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovelubricationVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The oil distribution channel is merged with the thrust surface of the orbital scroll member, combining two functions into a single component. This integration improves lubrication delivery while the channel geometry can be formed using standard machining or molding operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The thrust surface of the orbital scroll member serves multiple functions: it provides the thrust bearing surface and simultaneously acts as an oil distribution channel, eliminating the need for separate lubrication components and simplifying the overall assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces frictional losses and supports the orbital scroll member axially, enhancing the compressor's efficiency and durability while maintaining a simplified design by utilizing the existing lubricating oil for hydrodynamic support.

Implementation Method 1

lubricating oil from a suction sump is conveyed through an annular groove to the thrust surface and thrust washer interface, lubricating and hydrodynamically supporting the orbital scroll member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrodynamic lubrication: Lubrication

Implementation Method 2

lubricating and hydrodynamically supporting the orbital scroll member, reducing frictional losses without adding complexity or moving parts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrodynamic support: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS9309890B2Scroll compressor assembly having oil distribution and support feature

Publication Date: 2016.04.12 MAHLE INT GMBH

AI summary

A horizontal scroll compressor assembly for compressing a working fluid and lubricated with oil includes a housing, an interior surface, and a suction sump for collected oil located in the suction plenum. A compression mechanism has an orbital scroll member having a thrust surface axially superposed with the housing and having an oil distribution channel. Oil from the suction sump is received into the distribution channel and delivered to locations between the superposed surfaces during movement of the orbital scroll member. A method for distributing oil in a scroll compressor assembly includes: receiving oil from a suction sump into an oil distribution channel located in the thrust surface of an orbital scroll member; pumping oil along the oil distribution channel to locations between the thrust surface and a superposed housing surface; and lubricating a thrust surface interface with oil.