Scroll Compressor Driving Member Thrust Surface for Oil Film Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scroll compressors face challenges in maintaining effective lubrication performance, particularly at high speeds, due to inadequate oil distribution and retention mechanisms between the driven scroll and the driving member.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of oil grooves and wedge-shaped protrusions on the annular thrust surface of the driving member, along with a retaining ring and eccentric ring holes, enhances lubrication by storing and distributing lubricating oil effectively, forming an oil film to prevent oil loss at high speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional smooth thrust surface design is used, then manufacturing is simple, but lubrication performance deteriorates at high speeds due to inadequate oil distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust surface is designed with different local characteristics: oil grooves are created in specific regions to store and distribute lubricating oil, while wedge-shaped protrusions are formed in other areas to generate hydrodynamic pressure. This local differentiation ensures optimal lubrication performance at high speeds without requiring complete redesign of the entire surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The thrust surface is segmented into multiple functional zones through oil grooves and wedge-shaped protrusions. The oil grooves are divided into radial and circumferential sections, creating discrete oil storage and distribution channels. This segmentation allows controlled oil flow to specific contact areas, improving lubrication effectiveness.
2Productivity
If high speed operation is implemented, then productivity increases, but oil loss increases due to inadequate oil retention
Solution Approach 1:
Oil grooves are pre-formed on the thrust surface to store lubricating oil before the compressor operates. This preliminary oil placement ensures that oil is already positioned at the contact interface when high-speed operation begins, preventing immediate oil loss and ensuring continuous lubrication during high-speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The oil grooves act as intermediary structures that retain and gradually release lubricating oil to the contact surface. This intermediary mechanism prevents direct oil loss while maintaining continuous oil supply to the thrust bearing interface, enabling high-speed operation with reduced oil consumption.
3Reliability
If adequate lubrication is provided, then friction decreases and reliability improves, but device complexity increases due to additional oil distribution mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The oil distribution function is merged directly into the thrust surface structure itself. Oil grooves and wedge-shaped protrusions are integrated into the flange portion, combining the bearing surface and oil distribution system into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate oil delivery mechanisms while ensuring adequate lubrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The thrust surface structure itself provides the oil distribution and retention functions through its geometric features. The wedge-shaped protrusions automatically generate hydrodynamic pressure from the lubricating oil, and the oil grooves self-regulate oil flow based on operating conditions. This self-service mechanism reduces friction and improves reliability without requiring external control systems.
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
Improves lubrication performance by ensuring consistent oil supply and retention, thereby reducing friction and enhancing the operational efficiency of the scroll compressor.
Implementation Method 1
the surface of the flange portion having an annular thrust surface and an oil groove... Improves lubrication performance by ensuring consistent oil supply and retention
Implementation Method 2
wedge-shaped protrusions on the annular thrust surface... enhances lubrication by storing and distributing lubricating oil effectively
Data Source
AI summary
A driving member for a scroll compressor and a scroll compressor including the driving member. The driving member includes a hub portion having an inner hole, the hub portion including a first end and a second end opposite to each other; a flange portion extending outward from the first end of the hub portion in a radial direction, the flange portion having a surface facing in a direction from the first end to the second end, the surface of the flange portion having an annular thrust surface and an oil groove. Due to the oil groove provided on the annular thrust surface of the driving member according to the disclosure, more lubricating oil can be stored on the thrust surface, thereby improving the lubrication performance of the scroll compressor at high speeds.