Scroll Compressor Sealing Member with T-Shaped Cross Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scroll compressors face challenges with refrigerant leakage due to the ring-shaped sealing member's inability to contract radially, leading to delayed formation of the back pressure chamber, reduced sealing areas, and instability in the orbiting scroll's behavior, which increases compression loss.
Innovation Solution
A scroll compressor design featuring a ring-shaped sealing member with a '¬'-shaped sectional surface, where the outer diameter is smaller than the groove, allowing radial displacement and rapid upward movement, and incorporating Teflon mixed with carbon fibers and graphite for enhanced sealing and abrasion resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a ring-shaped sealing member with quadrangular sectional surface is used, then axial sealing force is obtained through upward movement, but radial sealing is insufficient causing refrigerant leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is designed with a T-shaped cross-section allowing it to dynamically move in both axial and radial directions. The radial arm can extend outward to contact the groove wall for radial sealing, and retract when not needed, enabling the sealing member to adapt its shape based on operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member incorporates a flexible radial arm that can bend and extend outward to contact the groove wall. This flexible structure allows the sealing member to achieve radial sealing contact without requiring a completely rigid radial extension, enabling effective sealing in both axial and radial directions
2Force
If the sealing member is formed in a ring shape, then axial sealing is achieved, but radial contraction is prevented causing delayed back pressure chamber formation
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member transitions from a static ring shape to a dynamic structure with a movable radial arm. The radial arm can rapidly extend outward to contact the groove wall, quickly forming the back pressure chamber without the time delay associated with conventional ring-shaped sealers that cannot contract radially
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member is designed with the radial arm positioned to rapidly extend outward upon activation. This preliminary positioning and rapid extension capability ensures the back pressure chamber forms quickly, preventing refrigerant leakage during the critical initial phase of operation
3Weight of moving object
If the sealing member has small axial thickness, then radial sealing area is reduced, but weight is decreased enabling faster upward movement
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is segmented into distinct functional parts: a main body with axial sealing capability and a separate radial arm for radial sealing. This segmentation allows the radial arm to be optimized for radial sealing area while the main body thickness is optimized for weight and upward movement speed, with each part performing its specific sealing function independently
Solution Approach 2:
The radial arm is designed as a flexible, thin-walled structure that can extend outward to provide adequate radial sealing area without adding significant weight. The flexible nature allows it to bend and contact the groove wall effectively while maintaining low mass for rapid response
4Area of stationary object
If the sealing member is made of heavy material, then radial sealing area is sufficient, but upward movement speed is reduced delaying back pressure chamber formation
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sealing member into a lightweight main body and a separate radial arm, the design achieves sufficient radial sealing area through the extended arm while keeping the main body thin and lightweight for fast upward movement. The radial arm provides the necessary sealing area without compromising the overall speed of upward movement
Solution Approach 2:
The radial arm uses a flexible, thin-walled construction that provides adequate radial sealing area with minimal weight. This flexible structure can extend to contact the groove wall for sealing while adding minimal mass, allowing rapid upward movement of the sealing member and quick formation of the back pressure chamber
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 design achieves high axial and radial sealing forces, stabilizes the orbiting scroll, prevents refrigerant leakage, and maintains constant back pressure, enhancing compression efficiency and reliability by ensuring rapid formation of the back pressure chamber.
Implementation Method 1
configured to perform a sealing function between contact surfaces of the two members while being upward moved by a pressure difference
Implementation Method 2
incorporating Teflon mixed with carbon fibers and graphite for enhanced sealing and abrasion resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A scroll compressor includes: a frame configured to support a second scroll by being coupled to a first scroll; a sealing member insertion groove formed in a ring shape, on at least one of one side surface of the second scroll and one side surface of the frame contacting the second scroll; and a sealing member formed in a ring shape, inserted into the sealing member insertion groove, and configured to divide an interval between the second scroll and the frame in a radial direction, wherein the sealing member is formed such that a sectional surface of an inner circumferential surface thereof is smaller than that of an outer circumferential surface thereof, and such that a second gap between the outer circumferential surface of the sealing member and an outer side wall surface of the sealing member insertion groove is smaller than or equal to a first gap between the inner circumferential surface of the sealing member and an inner side wall surface of the sealing member insertion groove.