Scroll Compressor Tip Seals with Extended Thrust Region
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scroll compressors are prone to damage due to improper installation or reverse operation, which creates a vacuum condition that can cause the scroll compressor bodies to draw against each other, potentially damaging the thin metal surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an extended thrust region on at least one scroll compressor body, which provides a larger thrust face surface free of tip seals, allows for axial load carrying and prevents damage by giving technicians sufficient time to correct the improper installation before significant damage occurs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If scroll tip seals are used to seal the compression chambers, then sealing efficiency is improved, but the scroll compressor becomes vulnerable to damage during reverse operation
Solution Approach 1:
The scroll tip is divided into two distinct functional zones: an inner sealing region containing the tip seal for preventing refrigerant leakage, and an outer thrust region free of sealing elements for absorbing reverse thrust loads. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the scroll tip are given different properties: the inner sealing region has sealing surfaces and tip seals for maintaining compression efficiency, while the outer thrust region has a smooth, seal-free surface specifically designed to carry axial loads during reverse operation. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing appropriate characteristics in each location.
2Ease of operation
If the scroll compressor operates in reverse due to improper installation, then vacuum condition is created causing scroll bodies to draw against each other, but the thin metal surfaces are quickly damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The outer thrust region is designed as a protective cushion zone that absorbs reverse thrust loads before they can reach the thin metal sealing surfaces. This pre-positioned protective region prevents direct contact between opposing scroll bodies during reverse operation, giving technicians time to detect and correct improper installation without causing immediate damage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the thrust face surface area is increased to carry reverse thrust loads, then protection against reverse operation damage is improved, but the sealing region may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The scroll tip surface is segmented into concentric regions: the inner sealing region with tip seals for preventing refrigerant leakage, and the outer thrust region with larger surface area for carrying reverse loads. The segmentation ensures that the thrust region does not interfere with the sealing region's function while providing adequate load-bearing area.
Solution Approach 2:
The scroll tip structure implements local quality differentiation where the inner region maintains sealing characteristics with proper surface finish and seal engagement, while the outer region provides enhanced load-bearing capacity through increased surface area and appropriate structural support. This localized approach allows the thrust face area to be increased without compromising sealing performance.
Data Source
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AI summary
A scroll compressor includes scroll compressor bodies with axial tip seals projecting from the respective scroll ribs of fixed and movable scroll compressor bodies. An extended thrust region is provided in surrounding relation to an inner axial tip sealing region to provide for carrying thrust loads in the event that the scroll compressor bodies are forced axially together. Part of the thrust region may carry a tip seal, while another part may be free of a tip seal. This provides for at least a nominal reverse operation capability.