Thermally Compensated Scroll Machine Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scroll compressors face challenges in maintaining effective sealing between the scroll wrap tips and end plates due to thermal expansion differences, leading to potential leaks and increased manufacturing costs, especially in varying temperature environments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a thermal compensation system using scroll members made from materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion, where an annular ring or thermal actuators adjust the end plate shape to match the convex shape of the scroll wrap tips, ensuring continuous sealing contact across temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If axial biasing is used to maintain seal contact between scroll wrap tips and end plates, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but thermal expansion differences at temperature gradients cause leak paths and reduced contact area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thermal expansion by incorporating an annular ring made of a material with a different coefficient of thermal expansion than the scroll member. As temperature changes, the annular ring expands or contracts at a different rate, causing the end plate to bend and maintain contact between the scroll wrap tips and end plate, compensating for thermal distortion and preventing leak paths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the end plate's shape through thermal expansion of the annular ring. The end plate transitions from a flat configuration to a bent configuration that follows the contour of the scroll wrap tips, adapting to temperature changes and maintaining effective sealing contact
2Reliability
If separate tip sealing members are used to compensate for thermal expansion, then sealing contact is maintained, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing function with the existing end plate structure by attaching an annular ring to it. This integration eliminates the need for separate tip sealing members while maintaining sealing effectiveness, reducing component count and simplifying the overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The annular ring automatically adjusts the end plate shape in response to temperature changes through its own thermal expansion, without requiring external control mechanisms or additional active components. The system self-regulates to maintain sealing contact
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
This solution effectively maintains sealing contact between the scroll wrap tips and end plates at various temperatures, reducing leak paths and manufacturing costs by utilizing materials with varying thermal expansion properties to counteract distortion caused by temperature gradients.
Implementation Method 1
scroll members made from materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion, where an annular ring or thermal actuators adjust the end plate shape to match the convex shape of the scroll wrap tips
Implementation Method 2
utilizing materials with varying thermal expansion properties to counteract distortion caused by temperature gradients
Data Source
AI summary
The scroll machine has a first and a second scroll member each having intermeshed scroll wraps. A compensation member is attached to one of the scrolls. As the scroll machine warms to operating temperature, the compensation member exerts a force on the one scroll member causing it to deflect. The deflection of the scroll member compensates for the unequal growth of the scroll wrap which is caused by a temperature difference between the radially inner section and the radially outer section of the scroll wrap.