Swash Ring Compressor Pivot Pin Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional variable displacement compressors with swash rings face issues such as high design costs, poor volumetric efficiency, and manufacturing complexity due to the use of a single pivot pin, which limits bidirectional operation and lacks counterweight balancing, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a pivot pin with a sleeve that is slidably engaged within a swash ring, a spring for biasing the swash ring, a counterweight member to balance centrifugal forces, and a thrust bearing for axial movement, along with a swash ring stop to prevent excessive angular rotation, allowing for axial movement of the sleeve to tilt the swash ring relative to the rotor, and using soft materials like aluminum alloys for the swash ring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pivot pin is used to support the swash ring, then the structure is simplified, but the drive shaft diameter must be increased resulting in higher design costs and poor volumetric efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The single pivot pin structure is segmented into multiple pivot pins (at least two) distributed around the drive shaft. This segmentation allows the load to be distributed across multiple smaller pins rather than requiring one large pin, thereby reducing the required drive shaft diameter and improving volumetric efficiency while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a single-point support (one pivot pin) to a multi-point support system. By distributing pivot pins around the circumference of the drive shaft, the solution moves from one-dimensional simplification to two-dimensional spatial distribution, achieving both structural simplicity and improved volumetric efficiency
2Device complexity
If a single pivot pin carries the entire load, then the design is simpler, but the pivot pin must be made of expensive heat treated special steels
Solution Approach 1:
The load-carrying function is segmented from a single expensive pivot pin to multiple pivot pins. Each pivot pin carries only a portion of the total load, allowing the use of less expensive materials (such as aluminum alloys) while maintaining the required load-bearing capacity and design simplicity
3Device complexity
If the swash ring is limited by pin thickness, then the structure is constrained, but the compressor will have a large diameter resulting in poor volumetric efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The structural constraint imposed by a single thick pivot pin is segmented by using multiple thinner pivot pins. This allows the swash ring to be supported by several smaller pins rather than one large pin, reducing the overall compressor diameter and improving volumetric efficiency while maintaining structural integrity
4Device complexity
If no counterweight balancing mass is provided, then the design is simpler, but the centrifugal forces created by rotation of the swash ring are unbalanced
Solution Approach 1:
A counterweight balancing mass is added to the rotor assembly to offset the centrifugal forces generated by the rotating swash ring and pivot pins. This counterweight rotates with the rotor and provides balancing forces that reduce vibration and mechanical stress, improving reliability without significantly increasing design complexity
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 configuration reduces design costs, improves volumetric efficiency, allows bidirectional operation, and incorporates counterweight balancing, enhancing the compressor's performance and manufacturing simplicity while using soft materials for the swash ring.
Implementation Method 1
a spring for biasing the swash ring
Implementation Method 2
a counterweight member to balance centrifugal forces
Implementation Method 3
a thrust bearing for axial movement
Data Source
AI summary
A variable displacement compressor is disclosed. The compressor includes a crankcase for receiving a fluid. The crankcase has a plurality of compression chambers in which the fluid is compressed. A plurality of pistons disposed within the crankcase and are configured for reciprocal movement within the plurality of chambers to compress and pump the fluid. Further, a rotor assembly having a drive shaft and a rotor, wherein the rotor has a first pivot arm support member extending from a first surface of the rotor. A sleeve is slidably engaged with the drive shaft and configured for axial movement along a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft. A swash ring is coupled to the plurality of pistons and to the rotor by means of a pivot arm. Rotary motion of the swash ring and rotor causes reciprocal motion of the plurality of pistons within the plurality of chambers.