Scroll Compressor Lubrication Passages for Low Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressors in climate-control systems face inefficiencies and reliability issues due to internal leakage and inadequate lubrication of moving parts, particularly at elevated temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A compressor design featuring a lubrication system with strategically positioned oil passages and apertures in the scroll members that control lubricant flow to fluid pockets, minimizing internal leakage and ensuring effective lubrication of critical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional lubrication system is used in the compressor, then the structure is simple, but internal leakage increases and lubrication effectiveness decreases at elevated temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system is segmented into multiple independent oil passages (first oil passage, second oil passage) with separate control mechanisms. Each passage can independently deliver lubricant to different locations, allowing precise control of lubrication zones while maintaining system reliability even if one passage is compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control of lubricant flow through the oil passages, where the orbiting scroll member's movement creates varying fluid communication between the passages and fluid pockets. This dynamic mechanism ensures lubricant is delivered precisely when and where needed during the compression cycle, improving lubrication effectiveness without requiring complex external control systems.
2Reliability
If oil passages are made larger to improve lubricant flow, then lubrication improves, but internal leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different oil passages are designed with different characteristics suited to their specific functions. The first oil passage and second oil passage have different positions, sizes, and flow characteristics optimized for their respective lubrication targets. This local optimization allows adequate lubrication delivery without excessive flow that would cause internal leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The oil passages serve as intermediaries between the lubricant source and the fluid pockets, mediating the flow of lubricant. The passages are strategically positioned and sized to control lubricant delivery, acting as precision channels that provide adequate lubrication while minimizing wasteful leakage through their optimized geometry and positioning.
3Productivity
If the compressor operates at elevated temperatures, then productivity increases, but lubrication effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system is designed to deliver lubricant to critical components before they undergo excessive wear or damage from high-temperature operation. The oil passages are positioned to provide preliminary lubrication to the orbiting scroll member and other moving parts, ensuring protective lubricant film formation occurs in advance of high-stress, high-temperature conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system addresses temperature-related lubrication challenges by changing the parameters of lubricant delivery - including the timing, location, and quantity of lubricant supplied through the oil passages. This adaptive approach ensures adequate lubrication effectiveness across varying operating temperatures and compression capacities.
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 lubrication system enhances compressor efficiency by reducing internal leakage and improves reliability by effectively lubricating components, even at elevated temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
the first oil passage is in selective fluid communication with the interior volume via the first oil aperture... the second oil passage is in selective fluid communication with the suction pocket
Implementation Method 2
The second scroll wrap meshingly engages the first scroll wrap to define fluid pockets therebetween
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A compressor includes first and second scroll members and a bearing housing. The first scroll member includes a first end plate and a first scroll wrap. The second scroll member includes a second end plate that has a first surface, a second surface, and an oil passage. The first surface has a second scroll wrap meshingly engaging the first scroll wrap. The second surface includes an oil slot. The oil passage is in fluid communication with the oil slot. The bearing housing cooperates with the second scroll member to define an interior volume. The second scroll member is movable between a first position in which lubricant in the interior volume is allowed to flow into the oil passage via the oil slot, and a second position in which working fluid in the chamber is allowed to flow into the oil passage via the oil slot.