Shutdown Valve Assembly With Angled Apertures for Scroll Compressors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressors in climate-control systems face challenges in efficiently and reliably managing fluid flow during shutdown and low-capacity operations, leading to issues such as backflow and reverse rotation of components, which affect performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A compressor design incorporating a shutdown valve assembly with a valve housing, retainer, and movable valve member that allows fluid communication through angled apertures and gas-return apertures, enabling controlled fluid flow and rapid response to pressure differentials to prevent backflow and reverse rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional shutdown valve is used in the compressor, then the compressor can be shut down, but fluid backflow occurs causing reverse rotation of the orbiting scroll and reduced performance
Solution Approach 1:
The shutdown valve assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: a valve body with angled apertures, a valve member for flow control, and a biasing mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the angled apertures manage backflow direction, the valve member controls flow restriction, and the biasing mechanism ensures proper valve positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a traditional valve design that attempts to completely block flow, this invention inverts the approach by using angled apertures that allow controlled backflow in a specific direction. The valve member restricts flow rather than completely sealing it, and the biasing mechanism pushes the valve member toward the restricted position rather than relying on spring tension alone.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the valve member completely blocks the discharge passage during shutdown, then backflow is prevented, but adhesion forces increase and sound performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly provides different flow characteristics at different locations and times. During operation, the valve member is positioned to allow full flow through the discharge passage. During shutdown, it partially restricts flow through the angled apertures rather than completely blocking the passage, creating localized flow control that prevents backflow while maintaining some fluid movement to reduce adhesion.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member changes the flow parameters dynamically - during operation it allows high flow velocity through the discharge passage, during shutdown it redirects flow through angled apertures at different angles and velocities. This parameter change from complete blockage to controlled restriction reduces adhesion forces while still preventing harmful backflow.
3Reliability
If a complex valve assembly is used to prevent reverse rotation, then shutdown performance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutdown valve assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated component structure. The valve body, valve member, biasing mechanism, and angled apertures work together as one assembly to simultaneously achieve flow restriction, backflow prevention, reverse rotation prevention, and adhesion reduction - eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member serves multiple functions: it restricts flow during shutdown, directs backflow through angled apertures, prevents reverse rotation of the scroll, and reduces adhesion forces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall compressor design while maintaining high shutdown reliability.
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 shutdown valve assembly reduces lateral adhesion forces, enhances response time, and improves sound performance by minimizing contact areas and utilizing angled apertures for faster movement, thereby reducing backflow and reverse rotation during shutdown.
Implementation Method 1
The valve housing may include a plurality of angled apertures that are angled relative to a direction in which the valve member moves between the open and closed positions
Implementation Method 2
When the valve member is in the closed position, fluid flow through the discharge passage and the valve assembly is restricted
Implementation Method 3
the gas-return aperture and the angled apertures are in fluid communication with a discharge-pressure region (e.g., a discharge chamber) of the compressor
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A compressor comprising a first scroll (70), a second scroll (72), and a valve assembly (24). The second scroll may include a discharge passage (90). The valve assembly may include a valve housing (110) fixed relative to the second scroll and a valve member (114) movably received in the valve housing. The valve housing may include a plurality of angled apertures (124) that are angled relative to a direction in which the valve member moves between the open and closed positions. The valve member is movable relative to the valve housing and valve retainer (112) between an open position and a closed position. When the valve member is in the open position, fluid is allowed to flow through the discharge passage and the angled apertures in the valve housing. When the valve member is in the closed position, fluid flow through the discharge passage and the angled apertures is restricted.