Variable Width Anti-Rotation Ring for Scroll Compressor Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In scroll compressors, the Oldham ring's design, particularly when coupled to the non-orbiting scroll with the orbiting scroll interposed, leads to increased weight, moment load, and friction loss due to the axial length and thickness of the second key, compromising motor efficiency and compressor performance.
Innovation Solution
The Oldham ring is redesigned with weight-reduced portions and varying radial widths to distribute stress evenly, incorporating reinforcing features at key locations to stabilize the ring and reduce deformation, while maintaining rigidity and minimizing weight increase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the Oldham ring is coupled to the non-orbiting scroll with the orbiting scroll interposed, then the number of components is reduced and alignment is improved, but the axial length and thickness of the second key increase causing increased weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the radial width of the ring variable rather than uniform. Specifically, the ring has a first radial width at the first key location and a second radial width at the second key location, with the second radial width being smaller than the first. This localized variation in geometry allows the ring to maintain sufficient strength and stiffness where needed while reducing material usage and weight in less critical areas, directly resolving the contradiction between component integration benefits and weight increase.
2Reliability
If the second key is located outside the outer diameter of the orbiting scroll, then the coupling is achieved, but the axial length of the second key increases requiring increased thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the geometric dimensions of the ring in the radial direction rather than increasing axial length. By reducing the second radial width of the ring at the second key location, the design accommodates the external positioning of the second key without requiring increased axial length or thickness, thus maintaining coupling reliability while avoiding the detrimental dimensional increases.
3Device complexity
If the first and second keys are provided at one surface of the ring, then the structure is simplified, but the amount of deformation of the ring increases due to increased moment load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the deformation issue through local quality by implementing non-uniform radial widths at different key locations. The first radial width at the first key is larger to handle higher moment loads, while the second radial width at the second key is smaller. This localized geometric optimization allows the simplified single-surface key configuration to maintain adequate structural stability and minimize ring deformation under operational loads.
Data Source
AI summary
A scroll compressor may include a frame, an orbiting scroll provided with at least one first key groove, a non-orbiting scroll provided with at least one second key groove and coupled to the orbiting scroll to form a compression chamber, and an anti-rotation ring disposed between the frame and the orbiting scroll. The anti-rotation ring may include a ring, at least one first key that axially extends from a first surface of the ring and slidingly coupled to the at least one first key groove of the orbiting scroll, and at least one second key that axially extends from the first surface of the ring and slidingly coupled to the at least one second key groove of the non-orbiting scroll. The first and second keys may be provided along a circumferential direction. This may allow processability of a one-way anti-rotation ring. Further, increase in weight may be prevented while reducing deformation by providing a weight-reduced portion in addition to a reinforcing portion.