Vane Compressor Elastic Member Reduces Overcompression
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vane-type compressors face challenges with increased friction loss and assembly complexity due to the need for numerous components, leading to higher noise, vibration, and labor costs, as well as overcompression losses and leakage issues.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a cylindrical cylinder with an eccentric inner surface, a main bearing, a sub bearing, a rotor shaft, and vanes coupled to the rotor, with an elastic member installed at a minimum gap point between the cylinder and rotor, forming a discharge dimple that extends up to the elastic member, reducing overcompression and leakage while simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If multiple vanes rotate together with the rotor in a vane-type compressor, then the compression function is achieved, but friction loss increases due to sliding contact between the vane sealing surface and the cylinder inner wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a circular cylinder with a circular vane groove, creating a curved geometric configuration where the vane rotates within a circular path. This curvature design allows the vane tip to maintain continuous contact with the cylindrical wall while rotating, achieving effective sealing without requiring complex sealing structures. The circular geometry naturally guides the vane motion and maintains consistent contact pressure, reducing friction loss compared to alternative sealing mechanisms.
2Reliability
If numerous components are used in the vane-type compressor, then the compression and sealing functions are improved, but assembly complexity and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the vane groove directly into the rotor structure, merging what would traditionally be separate components (rotor and vane groove housing) into a single integrated rotor assembly. The vane is positioned within this integrated groove, and the entire assembly rotates as one unit. This merging reduces the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining effective sealing between the vane and cylinder wall.
3Loss of energy
If the discharge dimple is positioned at the minimum gap point between the cylinder and rotor, then overcompression is reduced, but leakage between suction and discharge chambers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the vane as an intermediary element that physically separates and seals between the suction chamber and discharge chamber. The vane, rotating within its groove, maintains contact with the cylindrical wall to create a sealing barrier. This intermediary sealing structure prevents direct leakage between chambers while allowing the discharge dimple to be positioned at the minimum gap point for reduced overcompression, as the vane prevents gas from bypassing the compression zone.
4Loss of energy
If a hybrid cylinder with an oval inner circumferential surface is used, then friction loss is reduced and compression efficiency is increased, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a homogeneous circular geometry for both the cylinder and the vane groove, rather than using an oval or hybrid shape. This uniform circular design simplifies manufacturing compared to oval cylinders, as circular shapes are easier to machine and assemble. The circular configuration maintains consistent clearance and contact pressure throughout the rotation cycle, effectively reducing friction loss while avoiding the manufacturing complexity associated with non-circular geometries.
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 enhances mechanical efficiency by 0.5% and reduces noise and assembly costs, allowing for a more compact and high-capacity compressor with fewer components, effectively mitigating overcompression and suction-discharge leakage.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member installed at a minimum gap point between the cylinder and rotor, forming a discharge dimple that extends up to the elastic member
Implementation Method 2
the vane is drawn out by centrifugal force and back pressure to form a compression chamber
Implementation Method 3
the vane is drawn out by centrifugal force and back pressure to form a compression chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A vane-type compressor is provided. The vane-type compressor may include a cylindrical cylinder having opposite open ends along an axial direction, an inner circumferential surface of the cylinder being eccentric from an outer circumferential surface of the cylinder, a main bearing and a sub bearing, respectively, positioned at the open ends of the cylinder, a rotor coupled to a shaft supported by the main bearing and the sub bearing and installed eccentric from the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder, and a plurality of vanes coupled to the rotor to rotate along with the rotor, the plurality of vanes dividing the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder into a plurality of spaces including a suction chamber and a compression chamber when the rotor rotates. An elastic member may be installed at a point at which a minimum gap is maintained between the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder and the rotor so that a portion of the elastic member protrudes inward of the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder. An end of a discharge dimple formed in the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder extends up to the point.