Thrust Receiving Mechanism for Scroll Compressor Posture Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

In scroll compressors, the movable scroll's eccentric rotation becomes unstable due to dynamic pressure changes and tilting, leading to frictional forces and displacement issues, which affect the compression efficiency and stability.

Innovation Solution

A thrust receiving mechanism with dynamic pressure generation portions and pressing portions that follow the movable scroll's displacement and tilting, ensuring stable eccentric rotation by generating balanced dynamic pressures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a ring-shaped plate thrust bearing is used to support the movable scroll, then frictional force is reduced through dynamic pressure generation, but the movable scroll becomes unstable and prone to tilting when dynamic pressure changes occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrictional forceVSAvoidmovable scroll stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The thrust bearing is divided into multiple independent bearing mechanisms (first, second, third, and fourth bearing mechanisms) arranged at different positions around the movable scroll. Each bearing mechanism independently generates dynamic pressure to support the movable scroll, distributing the load and improving stability while reducing frictional force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the movable scroll is pressed against the fixed scroll by refrigerant, then leakage is reduced and compression efficiency is increased, but axial position displacement occurs due to pressure difference changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression efficiencyVSAvoidaxial position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The thrust bearing uses a dynamic pressure generation mechanism where the movable scroll's eccentric rotation relative to the fixed scroll creates varying pressure zones. The bearing mechanisms are positioned to exploit this dynamic motion, generating hydrodynamic pressure that automatically adjusts to maintain stable axial position while allowing the necessary compression function to occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If dynamic pressure generation portions are made movable to follow the movable scroll, then stability is improved during displacement, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovable scroll stabilityVSAvoidthrust bearing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing mechanisms utilize the movable scroll's own eccentric rotation motion to generate dynamic pressure. The relative motion between the movable and fixed scrolls automatically creates the pressure differential needed for support, without requiring additional active control mechanisms or complex adjustment systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 mechanism stabilizes the movable scroll's posture relative to the fixed scroll, reducing frictional forces and maintaining efficient eccentric rotation, even with axial position changes or tilting.

Implementation Method 1

configured for generating a dynamic pressure on the back surface of the movable scroll

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDynamic pressure generation: Hydrodynamic Cavitation

Implementation Method 2

the ring-shaped plate can reduce a frictional force generated when the movable scroll rotates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Lubrication

Implementation Method 3

pressing portions that press the dynamic pressure generation portions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical compression: Compression

Implementation Method 4

a movable scroll that slides relative to a fixed scroll while rotating eccentrically

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric rotation: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP4621233A1Thrust receiving mechanism
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 EAGLE INDS
  • EP4621233A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4621233A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4621233A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided a thrust receiving mechanism that allows a movable scroll to rotate eccentrically in a stable manner in a state where the movable scroll maintains the posture with respect to a fixed scroll. A thrust receiving mechanism 8 is provided on a back surface of a movable scroll 42 that slides relative to a fixed scroll 41 while rotating eccentrically, and is configured for generating a dynamic pressure on the back surface of the movable scroll 42, and the thrust receiving mechanism 8 includes a plurality of dynamic pressure generation portions 80 and pressing portions 81 that press the dynamic pressure generation portions 80.