Scroll Compressor Tip Seal with Concave Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
In scroll compressors, the rectangular shape of tip seals results in a large sliding area between the scroll members and the tip seal, leading to high frictional forces, which increases torque and hinders energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A spiral-shaped tip seal with concave parts on its sliding surface, arranged on both inner and outer peripheral surfaces, reduces the sliding area and incorporates a lubricating groove to minimize friction while maintaining sealing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tip seal has a rectangular cross-section, then the sealing surface area is sufficient, but the sliding area becomes large causing high frictional force
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding surface of the tip seal is segmented into multiple small sliding areas separated by groove parts. This segmentation reduces the total continuous sliding area while maintaining adequate sealing coverage, thereby lowering the overall frictional force between the tip seal and scroll substrate
Solution Approach 2:
The tip seal structure is modified locally by adding groove parts at specific positions on the sliding surface. These grooves create localized non-sliding regions that reduce friction without compromising the overall sealing performance, as the grooves are strategically positioned to maintain contact pressure distribution
2Loss of energy
If the sliding area is reduced to lower friction, then energy efficiency improves, but sealing performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tip seal is designed to float dynamically between the groove and the scroll substrate, allowing it to adapt its position based on operating conditions. This dynamic positioning ensures that the seal maintains optimal contact with the substrate for sealing while the groove parts continuously reduce frictional contact areas
Solution Approach 2:
The groove parts on the sliding surface automatically reduce friction by creating lubrication channels and reducing direct contact areas. The structure self-regulates the friction level without requiring external intervention, while the floating mechanism ensures sealing contact is maintained through pressure balance
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 design reduces frictional forces, decreases torque, and enhances energy efficiency while ensuring stable scrolling and long service life by optimizing the concave part arrangement and groove structure.
Implementation Method 1
the sliding area of the tip seal and the scroll substrate is large and therefore the frictional force on the sliding surface becomes large
Data Source
AI summary
A tip seal 1 for a scroll compressor capable of reducing a frictional force between scroll members and the tip seal where the tip seal 1 has a spiral shape for sealing a compression chamber formed between a fixed scroll and a movable scroll in a scroll compressor provided with the fixed scroll. The movable scroll having a plurality of concave parts 4 being formed by partially notching a sliding surface 5 on the scroll members, the concave parts 4 being arranged on at least one of a spiral inner peripheral surface 1b or a spiral outer peripheral surface 1a. Each of the concave parts 4 being open to the inner peripheral surface 1b or the outer peripheral surface 1a.