Scroll Compressor Radial Gap Seal Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scroll compressors face challenges in sealing the axial gap between the high-pressure and low-pressure sides, leading to potential leakage due to manufacturing variations and pressure differential-induced deformation.
Innovation Solution
The design replaces the axial gap with a radial gap by using first and second annular protrusions on the stationary scroll plate and pilot plate, respectively, which are sealed by an annular seal with an L-shaped cross-section and additional features like tapers and steps to prevent buckling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an axial gap is used to separate the high-pressure side from the low-pressure side, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the sealing reliability deteriorates due to manufacturing variations and pressure differential-induced deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the sealing problem from an axial dimension to a radial dimension by replacing the axial gap with a radial gap formed between the outer peripheral surface of the pilot plate and the inner peripheral surface of the stationary scroll plate. This dimensional change allows the seal to better accommodate pressure differentials and manufacturing variations, thereby improving sealing reliability while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If a seal is placed in the axial gap to prevent leakage, then the sealing performance is improved, but the seal deformation increases due to pressure differential and gap size changes
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating the seal from the axial gap to the radial gap, the patent changes the orientation in which the seal operates. The radial gap configuration subjects the seal to more favorable stress conditions, reducing deformation caused by pressure differentials and manufacturing variations while maintaining effective sealing performance.
3Ease of manufacture
If the gap size is increased to accommodate manufacturing variations, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the leakage risk increases due to larger gap dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses this contradiction by changing from an axial gap configuration to a radial gap configuration. The radial gap geometry allows for larger dimensional tolerances in manufacturing while maintaining effective sealing, as the seal operates in a different orientation where tolerance accumulation has less impact on leakage prevention.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
A scroll compressor is described. The scroll compressor comprises a case having a high-pressure side and a low-pressure side, a stationary scroll plate having a base plate with a first side having at least one projection, which forms a spiral wrap, and a second side having a first annular protrusion, a pilot plate for separating the high-pressure side of the case from the low-pressure side of the case and the pilot plate abutting the second side of the stationary scroll plate, wherein the pilot plate has a first side, wherein the first side faces the second side of the stationary scroll plate and wherein the first side has a second annular protrusion, and a seal, wherein the seal seals a radial gap between the first annular protrusion and the second annular protrusion.