Scroll Compressor Support Member for Vibration Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scroll compressors experience vibration-induced noise due to radial forces transmitted to the drive shaft during fluid compression, which are not effectively mitigated by existing support members.
Innovation Solution
A support member with a hub and multiple spokes is designed to distribute loads and attenuate vibrations, featuring a central axis coaxial with the rotational axis of the drive member, with the spokes arranged to mimic the shape of the shell and positioned to optimize load distribution and reduce stress on attachment points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional support member is used to support the drive shaft, then the drive shaft can rotate and transmit power, but radial forces cause vibration and noise that are not effectively mitigated
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is divided into multiple spokes (at least three) extending from a central hub to the shell, creating segmented load paths that distribute radial forces across multiple attachment points around the circumference, reducing concentrated stress on any single weld while maintaining rotational support
Solution Approach 2:
The support member features varying spoke configurations with different numbers and arrangements of spokes in different radial directions, optimizing load distribution for specific force vectors generated during compression cycles, with each spoke designed to handle particular stress conditions at its attachment locations
2Ease of manufacture
If the support member structure is simplified for easier manufacture, then manufacturing cost decreases, but load distribution and vibration attenuation performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support member uses a modular spoke-and-hub design that can be manufactured as separate components and assembled, or as a single piece using standard casting or machining processes, balancing manufacturing simplicity with the complex load-distributing geometry needed for vibration attenuation
Solution Approach 2:
The support member may be constructed from composite materials or material gradients that provide high stiffness and damping properties for vibration attenuation while maintaining manufacturability through appropriate material selection and processing methods
3Reliability
If multiple spokes are added to distribute loads, then stress on attachment points is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support member distributes loads through multiple discrete spokes instead of a continuous rim, creating a segmented structure that achieves superior stress distribution while using less material and maintaining simpler manufacturing compared to a fully continuous support structure
Solution Approach 2:
The support member uses at least three spokes, which is the minimum number required to provide stable triangular load distribution, avoiding unnecessary additional spokes that would increase complexity without proportionate benefits, applying just enough structural redundancy for optimal performance
Data Source
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Figure 3A~4
AI summary
A support member for a compressor having a shell may include a hub receiving a load from the compressor, at least three spokes radially extending from the hub, and at least three attachment locations attaching the at least three spokes to the shell. The support member may further include at least one connecting portion extending between at least two of the at least three spokes to transmit a load between the at least two spokes, whereby the at least one connecting portion is spaced apart and separated from the shell.