Scroll Compressor Seal Layout for Pressure Balancing and Low Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In scroll compressors with floating scroll designs, the seals between the orbiting and non-orbiting scroll members face challenges due to their fixed positioning, leading to friction losses and inefficiencies in pressure balancing.
Innovation Solution
A compressor design featuring a main bearing housing with multiple seals positioned between the orbiting scroll, coupling, and fixed components, including a first seal between the orbiting scroll and coupling, a second seal between the coupling and the main bearing housing, and a third seal between the cylindrical hub and the main bearing housing, which defines pressure cavities to minimize friction and pressure losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If dual pressure balancing is used with at least two seals to separate suction, intermediate, and discharge pressure gas, then accurate tuning of clamping force is achieved to minimize friction losses, but the seal and coupling are positioned in the same location causing interference and increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the seals from the radial plane to the axial dimension by positioning them on opposite axial sides of the coupling. This dimensional shift allows the seals to be distributed along the axial direction rather than being confined to the same radial location, eliminating interference between seals and coupling while maintaining the dual pressure balancing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system is segmented into multiple seal components positioned at different axial locations. The first seal is positioned on a first axial side of the coupling and the second seal is positioned on a second axial side, creating distinct sealing zones that can independently manage different pressure regions without interfering with each other or the coupling mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If multiple seals are positioned to separate different pressure gases, then pressure balancing accuracy is improved, but the arrangement of seals and coupling in the same position increases friction and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the friction issue by transitioning the seal arrangement from a radial/concentric configuration to an axial distribution. By positioning seals on opposite axial sides of the coupling rather than in the same radial plane, the seals no longer create frictional interference with the coupling's rotational or orbital motion, thereby maintaining pressure balancing accuracy while eliminating energy losses.
3Volume of moving object
If seals are positioned in the same location as the coupling, then space is utilized efficiently, but the seal-coupling interaction increases friction losses and reduces compressor efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes space utilization by exploiting the axial dimension rather than confining all components to the radial plane. The seals are distributed along the axial direction on opposite sides of the coupling, which efficiently utilizes the available axial space while completely avoiding frictional contact with the coupling, thereby maximizing compressor efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor includes a shell and a main bearing housing positioned within the shell. The main bearing housing includes a scroll assembly positioned within the shell and positioned relative to a first cavity of the main bearing housing, the scroll assembly includes a non-orbiting scroll, an orbiting scroll, and a cylindrical hub, and a coupling positioned between the orbiting scroll and a fixed component and movable relative to at least one of the orbiting scroll and the fixed component. A first seal may be positioned between the orbiting scroll and the coupling, a second seal may be positioned between the coupling and the main bearing housing, and a third seal may be positioned between the cylindrical hub and the main bearing housing, wherein the main bearing housing and the orbiting scroll define a pressure cavity.