Scroll Compressor Sealing Apparatus for Friction Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Scroll compressor capacity modulation systems face issues due to friction and wear between the sealing member and the scroll member, leading to a reduction in compressor capacity as the sealing member rotates, causing degradation in sealing effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A sealing apparatus with a first and second seal member, pivotally supported and actuated by an actuator, which moves radially outward from the scroll member's surface to reduce friction and wear, maintaining sealing efficiency during capacity modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sealing member rotates about the circumference of the scroll member to move between sealed and unsealed conditions, then capacity modulation is achieved, but friction and wear between the sealing member and scroll member increase, degrading sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is extracted from the rotating motion and instead moves linearly along the circumferential direction. The sealing member is disengaged from the scroll member surface during unsealed position, eliminating continuous friction and wear while maintaining capacity modulation capability through linear displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
A linear actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism to drive the sealing member's linear motion. This intermediary converts rotational drive shaft motion into linear sealing member displacement, enabling capacity modulation without direct rotational contact between the sealing member and scroll member.
2Productivity
If the sealing member rotates to modulate capacity, then compressor capacity control is achieved, but friction causes wear that reduces compressor performance over time
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional rotational mechanical contact system is replaced with a linear motion system. The sealing member moves linearly along the circumferential direction and disengages from the scroll member, substituting rotational friction-based capacity modulation with linear displacement-based modulation, thereby eliminating friction and wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member's position is dynamically adjusted through linear motion along the circumferential direction rather than rotation. The sealing member can be precisely positioned at sealed and unsealed conditions through linear displacement, providing dynamic capacity control without the harmful effects of rotational friction.
Data Source
AI summary
A scroll compressor may include a shell, a compression mechanism, and a sealing apparatus. The compression mechanism may be contained within the shell and include a compression member. The compression member may include an aperture extending radially there a surface. The sealing apparatus may be contained within the shell and include a first seal member and an actuator. The first seal member may be pivotally supported relative the compression member and may be movable from a first position wherein a sealing portion of the first seal member is in a sealing engagement with the surface and a second position wherein the sealing portion of the first seal member is displaced radially outwardly from the surface. The actuator may be engaged with the first seal member and configured to displace the first seal member from the first position to the second position.