Vaned Diffuser Regulator Assembly for Wider Compressor Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal compressors have a limited regulating range for the impeller outlet width, leading to inefficient operation under various conditions, and the existing regulator mechanism is not independent, resulting in imprecise control and smaller adjustable ranges.
Innovation Solution
A regulator assembly comprising a vaned diffuser, motor, driving gear, driven gear, and regulating mechanism, where the motor drives the gears to move the regulator sliding members, allowing the regulator to rotate and move axially, engaging with the vaned diffuser to adjust the impeller outlet width, providing a larger regulating range and independent control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the regulator is linked with the regulating mechanism of the impeller (non-independent structure), then the device complexity is reduced, but the control precision deteriorates and the regulating range becomes smaller
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator is separated from the impeller regulating mechanism into an independent component. The regulator can be adjusted independently via the driving gear and driven gear mechanism, allowing precise control of the diffuser outlet width without being coupled to impeller speed control, thus resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and control precision
Solution Approach 2:
A gear transmission mechanism (driving gear and driven gear) is introduced as an intermediary between the motor and the regulator. This intermediary mechanism enables precise angular positioning and controlled movement of the regulator, achieving high control precision while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
2Device complexity
If the regulator is linked with the impeller regulating mechanism (non-independent), then the device complexity is reduced, but the regulating range deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the regulator from the impeller mechanism, the system can independently control diffuser outlet width across a wide range without being constrained by impeller operating conditions, thereby expanding adaptability while keeping the added structural complexity manageable through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator is designed with dynamic adjustment capability through the gear mechanism, allowing continuous variation of the outlet width to adapt to different operating conditions, thus achieving wide regulating range with a relatively simple structural addition
3Measurement precision
If a gear transmission mechanism is added for independent regulator control, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gear transmission mechanism serves as an intermediary that converts motor rotation into precise regulator positioning. The simple two-gear design provides sufficient control precision without introducing excessive complexity, as the gears directly engage with the regulator body for straightforward actuation
Solution Approach 2:
The driven gear is directly sleeved on the regulator body, and the gear teeth engage directly with the regulator's threaded portion, creating a self-contained transmission system that requires minimal additional components or complex assembly, thus achieving good control precision with limited increase in device 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
The regulator assembly achieves a wider range of applications, ensures complete sealing to prevent refrigerant backflow, enhances transmission efficiency and reliability, maintains airflow direction, and reduces impact losses, while being compact and easy to produce and refit.
Implementation Method 1
the driving gear is engaged with the driven gear; the driven gear is sleeved on the regulator; the driven gear is configured to push the regulator sliding members to move; and the regulator sliding members are configured to drive the regulator to rotate relative to the vaned diffuser
Implementation Method 2
the vaned diffuser is provided with internal threads; the regulator is provided with external threads, the external threads are engageable with the internal threads of the vaned diffuser; the regulator sliding members are configured to drive the regulator to rotate relative to the vaned diffuser, thus driving the regulator to move along its axis
Data Source
AI summary
A regulator assembly, comprising a vaned diffuser, a motor, a driving gear engaged with a driven gear, the driven gear having rectangle-shaped through holes thereon, the rectangle-shaped through holes disposed and extending along an axis of the driven gear, and a regulating mechanism including a regulator, a supporting member, wherein the regulator is sleeved on the supporting member, and wherein the vaned diffuser is fixed on the supporting member, and regulator sliding members fixed to the regulator through the rectangle-shaped through holes of the driven gear, whereby the motor is configured to drive the driving gear to rotate, the driving gear is configured to drive the driven gear to rotate, the driven gear is configured to push the regulator sliding members to move, and the regulator sliding members are configured to drive the regulator to rotate relative to the vaned diffuser, thus driving the regulator to move along its axis.