Single Screw Compressor With Double-Enveloping Worm Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single screw compressors suffer from friction and wear due to direct contact between the star wheel and main screw, necessitating cooling and lubrication that contaminates the compressed gas and limits application.
Innovation Solution
A rotational force transmission unit is introduced between the star wheel and main screw shafts, using a double-enveloping worm gear system to transmit rotational force indirectly, eliminating direct contact and reducing friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If direct contact between star wheel teeth and main screw groove is used for force transmission, then the structure is simple, but friction and wear occur requiring cooling and lubrication that contaminates the compressed gas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotational force transmission unit as an intermediary mechanism between the main screw and star wheel. This unit includes a first gear fixed to the main screw rotation shaft, a second gear perpendicular to the first gear, and a third gear fixed to the star wheel rotation shaft. This intermediary gear system transmits rotational force without requiring direct contact between the star wheel teeth and main screw groove, thereby eliminating friction and wear while maintaining structural feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical contact system with a gear-based rotational force transmission system. Instead of relying on direct tooth-to-groove contact for force transmission, the system uses a series of gears to transmit rotational force through meshing gear teeth, substituting the harmful direct contact mechanism with an alternative mechanical transmission mechanism that avoids the original friction and wear problems
2Reliability
If cooling and lubrication are added to reduce friction and wear, then reliability improves, but the compressed gas becomes contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational force transmission unit acts as an intermediary that eliminates the need for cooling and lubrication by preventing direct contact between moving parts. The gear system transmits force through controlled meshing that generates minimal friction, removing the requirement for external cooling and lubrication systems that would otherwise contaminate the compressed gas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of friction and wear into a benefit by designing a gear-based transmission system where controlled gear meshing replaces uncontrolled direct contact. The systematic gear engagement distributes forces more evenly and predictably, transforming the friction problem into a manageable mechanical transmission advantage without requiring harmful lubricants
3Productivity
If tight screw to housing clearances are used for compression, then compression efficiency improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the compression function into distinct components: the main screw creates compression chambers through its rotating grooves, while the housing provides structural containment. By separating the compression action from the housing structure and using the rotational force transmission unit to decouple the star wheel from direct screw contact, the system maintains tight effective clearances for compression while allowing more tolerant manufacturing of individual components
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 design minimizes friction and wear, eliminating the need for cooling and lubrication, thereby maintaining compressor efficiency and purity of the compressed gas.
Implementation Method 1
the first gear may be a double-enveloping worm fixed to the rotation shaft of the main screw, and the second gear may be a worm gear cooperating with the double-enveloping worm
Implementation Method 2
This contact causes friction and wear. This structure cannot avoid contact between the groove of the main screw and the teeth of the star wheel
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is a single screw compressor having an independent mechanical rotational force transmission unit between a rotation shaft of a main screw and a rotation shaft of a star wheel. The rotational force transmission unit has the same transfer ratio as a rotation ratio at which the main screw and the star wheel mesh with each other. The rotational force transmission unit may include: a first gear which is a double-enveloping worm that is fixed to the rotation shaft of the main screw to integrally rotate with the main screw and has the same pitch and lead with the main screw; and a worm gear configured to cooperate with the double-enveloping worm.