US20040223859A1 - Air compressor assembly - Google Patents
Air compressor assembly Download PDFInfo
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- US20040223859A1 US20040223859A1 US10/434,835 US43483503A US2004223859A1 US 20040223859 A1 US20040223859 A1 US 20040223859A1 US 43483503 A US43483503 A US 43483503A US 2004223859 A1 US2004223859 A1 US 2004223859A1
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- Prior art keywords
- compressor
- fluid
- compressor assembly
- assembly
- motor
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B39/00—Component parts, details, or accessories, of pumps or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids, not otherwise provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B25/00 - F04B37/00
- F04B39/0027—Pulsation and noise damping means
- F04B39/0044—Pulsation and noise damping means with vibration damping supports
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B39/00—Component parts, details, or accessories, of pumps or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids, not otherwise provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B25/00 - F04B37/00
- F04B39/12—Casings; Cylinders; Cylinder heads; Fluid connections
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B39/00—Component parts, details, or accessories, of pumps or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids, not otherwise provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B25/00 - F04B37/00
- F04B39/12—Casings; Cylinders; Cylinder heads; Fluid connections
- F04B39/127—Mounting of a cylinder block in a casing
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to air compressors, and more particularly to air compressor mountings.
- Air compressors are generally known in the art as a source of vibration.
- vibration may be caused by such components of the air compressor including the compressor and the motor driving the compressor.
- causes of the vibration may include rotating unbalance, reciprocating unbalance, misalignment (of the motor and compressor), loose mounting of the motor and/or compressor, and so forth.
- the structure around the air compressor often experiences the vibration.
- elastomeric pads may be used to mount the air compressor to help dampen some of the vibration emitted by the air compressor.
- the elastomeric pads are more effective in damping and/or isolating higher frequencies than lower frequencies of vibrating machinery of equivalent size of a typical air compressor.
- the fundamental frequency comprising a majority of the vibration may be considered a relatively “low frequency” for the size of the air compressor. If this “low frequency” vibration is not effectively damped and/or isolated by the elastomeric pads, it is transmitted to surrounding structure, often causing fatigue and noise problems in the surrounding structure.
- frequency components comprising the vibration's “signature” often change during the lifetime of machine operation.
- the magnitude of the vibration often also changes.
- the frequency components of the vibration signature are dependent upon the operating speed of the motor. As the operating speed of the motor changes (such as the case with variable speed drive (“VSD”) air compressor units), so do the frequency components of vibration. As the operating speed changes, it is also possible that the magnitude of the vibration will change as well.
- the elastomeric pads can not change their damping and/or isolating characteristics unless they are replaced with pads having different damping and/or isolating characteristics. As a result, the elastomeric pads do not accommodate for a constantly changing vibration signature or a wide range of operating frequencies of the motor.
- the present invention provides a compressor assembly including a motor, a compressor operably driven by the motor to discharge a compressed fluid, a tank in fluid communication with the compressor to receive compressed fluid discharged from the compressor, and at least one fluid chamber positioned between the compressor and a support surface.
- the at least one fluid chamber is configured to receive a portion of the compressed fluid discharged from the compressor to generate a desired fluid pressure within the fluid chamber to support the compressor relative to the support surface.
- the present invention also provides a compressor assembly including a motor, a compressor operably driven by the motor to discharge a compressed fluid, a tank in fluid communication with the compressor to receive compressed fluid discharged from the compressor, and at least one inflatable airbag positioned between the compressor and a support surface.
- the at least one inflatable airbag is configured to receive a portion of the compressed fluid discharged from the compressor to generate a desired fluid pressure within the at least one inflatable airbag to support the compressor relative to the support surface.
- the present invention provides a compressor assembly including a motor, a compressor operably driven by the motor to discharge a compressed fluid, a tank in fluid communication with the compressor to receive compressed fluid discharged from the compressor, and a support assembly to support the compressor.
- the support assembly includes a housing defining an interior chamber. The housing is supported by a support surface, and a compressor supporting platform is positioned in the housing such that the platform substantially seals the housing interior chamber to define a substantially confined fluid area between the platform and the support surface.
- the substantially confined fluid area is configured to receive a portion of the compressed fluid discharged from the compressor to generate a desired fluid pressure within the fluid area.
- the present invention also provides a compressor assembly including a motor, a compressor operably driven by the motor to discharge a compressed fluid, a tank in fluid communication with the compressor to receive compressed fluid discharged from the compressor, and a support platform to support the compressor relative to a support surface.
- the support platform is configured to receive a portion of the compressed fluid discharged from the compressor to generate a fluid cushion between the support platform and the support surface.
- the fluid cushion provides a desired gap between the support platform and the support surface.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air compressor assembly embodying the present invention, illustrating inflatable airbags supporting an air compressor.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another construction of the compressor assembly of FIG. 1, illustrating an alternate connection configuration between the compressor and the inflatable airbags.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the air compressor assembly of the present invention, illustrating a suspended platform assembly supporting the air compressor.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the suspended platform assembly shown in FIG. 3 along the section line 4 - 4 .
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the air compressor assembly of the present invention, illustrating a support platform supporting the air compressor.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the air compressor assembly of the present invention, illustrating the air compressor interfacing with a controller.
- FIGS. 1-2 illustrate one embodiment of the present invention.
- a vertically-oriented air compressor 10 includes a motor 14 and a compressor 18 mounted to a pressure vessel, or air tank 22 .
- the illustrated motor 14 is a conventional electric motor 14 , however, the motor 14 may alternatively be a combustion engine.
- the motor 14 may be specified for any horsepower output and operating speed, provided the input needs of the compressor 18 are satisfied.
- the motor 14 includes an output shaft (not shown) having an attached sheave or pulley (not shown) to transfer the motor's torque to the adjacent compressor 18 .
- the compressor 18 includes a pulley (not shown) attached to the input shaft (not shown) of the compressor 18 .
- a belt (not shown) driven by the motor pulley transfers the motor's torque to the compressor pulley to drive the compressor 18 .
- the motor 14 and compressor 18 may be coupled via any suitable power transmission device, such as a chain, a gearbox, a clutch, a direct drive, and so forth.
- the illustrated compressor 18 is a conventional single-stage reciprocating compressor, however, the compressor 18 may alternatively be a dual-stage reciprocating compressor, a rotary screw compressor, a centrifugal compressor, or a scroll compressor among others.
- the compressor 18 may be sized to provide compressed air to the tank 22 until the tank 22 reaches a pressure level limited by the pumping capacity of the compressor 18 .
- the air compressor 10 of the present invention is preferably configured to compress and hold air in the tank 22 .
- the air compressor 10 may be configured to compress any fluid substance, such as a liquid or a gas, and remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
- the air tank 22 is a conventional pressure vessel including a bracket 26 coupled to the tank 22 to mount the motor 14 and compressor 18 .
- the bracket 26 may not be coupled to the tank 22 , and instead support the motor 14 and compressor 18 remotely from the tank 22 .
- the tank 22 is sized to hold a corresponding volume of air, and may alternatively be made in any number of sizes and/or shapes to hold any desired volume of air.
- the tank 22 may also be horizontally oriented, with the motor 14 and compressor 18 supported above the tank 22 by the bracket.
- Various other constructions of the air compressor 10 not disclosed herein are also possible, and fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
- the compressor 18 is fluidly connected to the tank 22 via a conduit 30 , whereby the compressed air exiting the compressor 18 flows through the conduit 30 and into the tank 22 .
- a pressure regulator (not shown) and pressure gauge (not shown) may be fluidly connected with the conduit 30 to regulate the static pressure in the tank 22 .
- the tank 22 further includes conventional features such as an air outlet (not shown) to connect an air hose (not shown), a drain (not shown) positioned at the bottom of the tank 22 to remove any condensate standing at the bottom of the tank 22 , and a base 34 coupled to the tank 22 to support the tank 22 in a freestanding vertical orientation.
- FIG. 1 illustrates the air compressor 10 mounted on multiple fluid chambers in the form of inflatable airbags, or airmounts 38 .
- the airmounts 38 are sized and inflated with air to support the weight of the air compressor 10 on a support surface 40 .
- the airmounts 38 also dampen and/or isolate vibration emanating from the air compressor 10 .
- the airmounts 38 may be in the form of AIRMOUNT® Isolators, manufactured by the Firestone Industrial Products Company of Carmel, Ind. However, the airmounts 38 may also constitute a different, yet functionally equivalent design as that shown in FIG. 1.
- the airmounts 38 are fluidly connected with the air tank 22 , such that the compressed air within the tank 22 provides inflation to the airmounts 38 .
- Many connection configurations are possible to carry out the fluid connection between the tank 22 and airmounts 38 .
- Conduit 42 fluidly connects the tank 22 and the airmounts 38 via a parallel connection.
- the conduit 42 fluidly connects the airmounts 38 with the tank 22 via appropriate fittings, such as conventional T-fittings 46 .
- the conduit 42 may fluidly connect with each of the airmounts 38 in any conventional manner, including using tube fittings, pipe fittings, flared fittings, or brazing, welding, or soldering the conduit 42 directly to a metal end cap of the airmount 38 .
- conduit 42 may fluidly connect the tank 22 with the airmounts 38 using a manifold (not shown) to distribute a single source of the compressed air amongst the individual airmounts 38 .
- the airmounts 38 and the tank 22 may be fluidly connected via a series connection, whereby conduit 42 fluidly connects a first airmount 38 with the tank 22 , and additional conduit 42 fluidly connects subsequent remaining airmounts 38 in series with each other.
- a pressure regulator 50 is also fluidly connected with the conduit 42 to limit the air pressure in the airmounts 38 .
- a pressure gauge (not shown) may also be fluidly connected with the pressure regulator 50 to display the air pressure in the airmounts 38 .
- the pressure regulator 50 may be in the form of a non-adjustable pressure regulator 50 or an adjustable pressure regulator 50 . In the case of using the non-adjustable pressure regulator 50 , the regulator 50 has a constant setting that allows a pre-determined pressure drop across the regulator 50 . The non-adjustable pressure regulator 50 does not allow any adjustment in the inflation level or stiffness of the airmounts 38 .
- the regulator 50 has an adjustable setting that allows a varying pressure drop across the regulator 50 .
- the adjustable pressure regulator 50 allows adjustment of the inflation level and stiffnless of the airmounts 38 .
- the airmounts 38 provide increased damping and/or isolation of the vibration to surrounding structure caused by the air compressor 10 compared to the conventional elastomeric pads.
- the airmounts 38 are especially adept at damping and/or isolating low frequency vibrations, unlike the conventional elastomeric pads.
- an adjustable pressure regulator 50 is used with the airmounts 38 , their stiffness may be adjusted to vary the overall stiffnless of the system (the air compressor 10 and the airmounts 38 ).
- the system's natural frequency is also varied. This is advantageous in the situation when the air compressor 10 is vibrating at a frequency near or essentially at the natural frequency of the system. In this situation, the magnitude of the vibration is amplified, causing increased fatigue and wear on the system and adjacent structure. This situation is avoidable by tuning the system's natural frequency by either increasing or decreasing the stiffness of the airmounts 38 .
- the airmounts 38 are constantly maintained at or near their pressure setting by the pressure regulator 50 .
- the pressure regulator 50 allows the airmounts 38 to draw compressed air from the tank 22 , when necessary, to maintain their pressure setting.
- the pressure regulator governing the pressure in the tank 22 must be set higher than the level of the desired pressure in the airmounts 38 , such that a pressure differential exists between the tank 22 and the airmounts 38 allowing the compressed air to flow from the tank 22 to the airmounts 38 .
- the volume of the tank 22 is much larger in comparison to the volume of the airmounts 38 , and the pressure in the tank 22 is equal to or higher in comparison to the pressure required by the airmounts 38 .
- the capacity lost from the air compressor 10 to support the airmounts 38 is small and almost negligible.
- the airmounts 38 may be purposefully deflated during a period of inactivity of the air compressor 10 .
- a solenoid valve e.g., a conventional 3-port, 2-position solenoid valve, not shown
- the solenoid valve is energized to fluidly connect the tank 22 and the airmounts 38 to inflate the airmounts 38 , and de-energized (to a biased position) to fluidly disconnect the tank 22 and airmounts 38 and vent the airmount pressure to atmosphere.
- the solenoid valve may be electrically connected with a main power switch (not shown) of the air compressor 10 , such that the solenoid valve is energized to a first position upon turning on the air compressor 10 , and de-energized to a second position (the biased position) upon turning off the air compressor 10 .
- the solenoid valve In the first position, the solenoid valve fluidly connects the tank 22 and the airmounts 38 , and in the second position fluidly disconnects the tank 22 and airmounts 38 and vents the airmount pressure to atmosphere.
- the conduit 30 fluidly connects the airmounts 38 with the compressor 18 , rather than with the air tank 22 .
- the conduit 30 is shown fluidly connecting the compressor 18 and the airmounts 38 via the pressure regulator 50 and the conduit 42 .
- the motor 14 and compressor 18 are not mounted on the air tank 22 , but the motor 14 , compressor 18 , and air tank 22 are supported by the airmounts.
- the motor 14 and compressor 18 are supported with the airmounts 38 at a location remote from the air tank 22 , which is not supported by the airmounts 38 .
- the vibration of the motor 14 and compressor 18 is attenuated by the airmounts 38 such that adjacent structure is less affected by the attenuated vibration.
- any suitable number of airmounts 38 may be used to support the air compressor 10 , provided stiffness and stability requirements are satisfied.
- the air compressor 10 may include a sophisticated control system to control inflation of the airmounts 38 , a description of which is later included and illustrated in FIG. 6.
- FIGS. 3-4 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention.
- the air compressor 10 (from FIG. 1) is shown being supported on an air chamber in the form of a suspended platform assembly 54 .
- the assembly 54 like the airmounts 38 , is provided with compressed air from the tank 22 during operation of the air compressor 10 to essentially float the air compressor 10 to mechanically de-couple the air compressor 10 from a lower support surface (not shown).
- the assembly 54 includes a housing 58 defining an interior chamber 62 .
- a platform 66 directly supporting the air compressor 10 is positioned in the housing 58 and situated in the interior chamber 62 of the housing 58 .
- the housing 58 includes a lower stop ledge 70 , and an upper stop ring 74 coupled to the housing 58 above the lower stop ledge 70 to define a range of movement of the platform 66 between the upper stop ring 74 and the lower stop ledge 70 .
- a seal 78 is also positioned between the interface of the platform 66 and the interior of the housing 58 .
- the seal 78 may be in the form of any type of seal 78 that allows sliding movement of the platform 66 relative to the housing 58 while providing a substantially airtight seal between the platform 66 and housing 58 .
- the seal 78 may be configured to allow some leakage past the seal 78 .
- a fluid area 82 between the platform 66 and the interior chamber 62 creates an “air cushion.”
- the top surface of the platform 66 includes an air inlet 86 fluidly connected with the interior chamber 62 .
- the air inlet 86 branches into multiple air passages 90 through the platform 66 , and the air passages 90 terminate at the bottom surface of the platform 66 as air outlets 94 .
- some of the air passages 90 may also terminate at the outer peripheral surface of the platform 66 to provide lateral stability to the platform 66 within the housing 58 .
- the air passages 90 extend radially outwardly from a central air outlet 94 and have multiple air outlets 94 for each air passage 90 to provide a distribution of air to the fluid area 82 .
- the air passages 90 may branch from the air inlet 86 in any suitable manner such that a distribution of air is provided to the fluid area 82 .
- a pressure regulator 98 is fluidly connected between the tank 22 and the air inlet 86 of the platform 66 to limit the air pressure in the fluid area 82 .
- Conduit 102 fluidly connects the air inlet 86 of the platform 66 with the pressure regulator 98 to provide compressed air to the fluid area 82 to form the air cushion.
- a pressure gauge (not shown) may also be fluidly connected with the pressure regulator 98 to display the air pressure in the fluid area 82 .
- the pressure regulator 98 may be in the form of a non-adjustable pressure regulator 98 or an adjustable pressure regulator 98 .
- the regulator 98 has a constant setting that allows a pre-determined pressure drop across the regulator 98 .
- the non-adjustable pressure regulator 98 does not allow any adjustment of its pre-determined pressure setting.
- the regulator 98 has an adjustable setting that allows a varying pressure drop across the regulator 98 .
- the adjustable pressure regulator 98 allows adjustment to the pressure setting of the regulator 98 to vary the air pressure in the fluid area 82 .
- a conventional 2-port, 2-position solenoid valve 106 is fluidly connected between the pressure regulator 98 and the air inlet 86 of the platform 66 .
- the solenoid valve 106 is selectively energized by a limit switch 110 positioned on the platform 66 .
- the limit switch 110 is a conventional push-button limit switch 110 , and is electrically connected with the solenoid valve 106 .
- the solenoid valve 106 is selectively energized to allow or not allow the through passage of the compressed air to the air inlet 86 of the platform 66 .
- compressed air governed by the pressure regulator 98 is routed from the tank 22 to the air inlet 86 of the platform 66 through the solenoid valve 106 . From the air inlet 86 , the compressed air is distributed throughout the air passages 90 and enters the fluid area 82 .
- the pressure regulator 98 should be set to provide the fluid area 82 with sufficient pressure to initially offset the weight of the platform 66 and the air compressor 10 supported on the platform 66 , and further to continually elevate the platform 66 from the lower stop ledge 70 .
- the regulated pressure is set higher than the static equilibrium pressure required in the fluid area 82 to offset the weight of the platform 66 and air compressor 10 .
- the limit switch 110 is positioned on the platform 66 to engage the upper stop ring 74 upon the platform 66 reaching a pre-determined height relative to the lower stop ledge 70 . Once the limit switch 110 is triggered, the solenoid valve 106 is “closed” to a de-energized (or biased) position, therefore fluidly disconnecting the suspended platform assembly 54 from the tank 22 .
- the remaining compressed air downstream of the solenoid valve 106 which is at an elevated pressure compared to the air pressure in the fluid area 82 , continues to flow into the fluid area 82 until the pressures are equalized into a resultant pressure. Further, if the resultant pressure in the fluid area 82 is higher than the static equilibrium pressure required to offset the weight of the platform 66 and the compressor 10 , the compressed air in the fluid area 82 expands (causing the resultant pressure in the fluid area 82 to drop) to further elevate the platform 66 until the resultant pressure equals the static equilibrium pressure, thereby effectively floating the platform 66 .
- the solenoid valve 106 is again “opened” to an energized position to fluidly re-connect the tank 22 and the suspended platform assembly 54 to replenish the fluid area 82 with compressed air from the tank 22 .
- the suspended platform assembly 54 may be purposefully deflated during a period of inactivity of the air compressor 10 .
- a solenoid valve e.g., a conventional 3-port, 2-position solenoid valve, not shown
- the solenoid valve is energized to fluidly connect the tank 22 and the suspended platform assembly 54 to elevate the platform 66 , and de-energized (to a biased position) to fluidly disconnect the tank 22 and suspended platform assembly 54 and vent the air pressure in the space 82 to atmosphere.
- the solenoid valve may be electrically connected with a main power switch (not shown) of the air compressor 10 , such that the solenoid valve is energized to a first position upon turning on the air compressor 10 , and de-energized to a second position (the biased position) upon turning off the air compressor 10 .
- the solenoid valve in the first position, fluidly connects the tank 22 and the suspended platform assembly 54 , and in the second position, fluidly disconnects the tank 22 and suspended platform assembly 54 and vents the air pressure in the space 82 to atmosphere.
- the air compressor 10 Since the air compressor 10 is floated with the platform 66 , the air compressor 10 is mechanically de-coupled from the lower support surface. As a result, vibration emitted by the air compressor 10 is substantially isolated to the platform 66 and not transferred to the lower support surface or any adjacent structure.
- the solenoid valve may be coupled with the air compressor 10 and the suspended platform assembly 54 such that the assembly receives compressed air directly from the compressor 18 , rather than receiving the compressed air from the tank 22 .
- the solenoid valve is energized to fluidly connect the compressor 18 and the suspended platform assembly 54 to elevate the platform 66 , and de-energized (to a biased position) to fluidly disconnect the compressor 18 and suspended platform assembly 54 and redirect the compressed air intended for the suspended platform assembly 54 toward the tank 22 .
- the push-button limit switch 110 is positioned on the platform 66 to engage and disengage the upper stop ring 74 as described above.
- the solenoid valve is energized to a first position, whereby the solenoid valve fluidly connects the compressor 18 and the suspended platform assembly 54 to supply the fluid area 82 with compressed air to elevate the platform 66 .
- the solenoid valve is de-energized to a second position (the biased position), whereby the solenoid valve fluidly disconnects the compressor 18 and the suspended platform assembly 54 and redirects the compressed air intended for the suspended platform assembly 54 toward the tank 22 .
- the compressed air downstream of the solenoid valve will settle at a static equilibrium pressure to support the platform 66 and air compressor 10 on the air cushion developed in the fluid area 82 .
- the weight of the platform 66 and air compressor 10 will cause the platform 66 to lower, therefore disengaging the limit switch 110 from the upper stop ring 74 .
- the solenoid valve is again energized to the first position to fluidly re-connect the compressor 18 and the suspended platform assembly 54 to replenish the fluid area 82 with compressed air from the tank 22 .
- the suspended platform assembly 54 may be purposefully deflated during a period of inactivity of the air compressor 10 .
- a conventional 2-port, 2-position solenoid valve (not shown) may be fluidly connected between the 3-port, 2-position solenoid valve and the suspended platform assembly 54 , such that the 2-port, 2-position solenoid valve is energized to fluidly connect the 3-port, 2-position solenoid valve and the suspended platform assembly 54 to elevate the platform 66 , and de-energized (to a biased position) to fluidly disconnect the 3-port, 2-position solenoid valve and suspended platform assembly 54 and vent the air pressure in the fluid area 82 to atmosphere.
- Both 3-port and 2-port, 2-position solenoid valves may also be electrically connected with, for example, a main power switch (not shown) of the air compressor 10 to control their operation.
- a main power switch not shown
- other types of valves may be used rather than the 2-port, 2-position solenoid valve and the 3-port, 2-position solenoid valve to accomplish the above-described inflating and deflating of the suspended platform assembly 54 .
- Alternate constructions of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-4 may include supporting the motor 14 and compressor 18 on the suspended platform assembly 54 at a remote location from the air tank 22 .
- the vibration of the motor 14 and compressor 18 is attenuated and/or isolated by the suspended platform assembly 54 such that adjacent structure is less affected by the attenuated vibration.
- FIG. 5 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention.
- the air compressor 10 is shown being supported by the support platform 66 .
- the platform 66 is provided with compressed air from the tank 22 during operation of the air compressor 10 to essentially float the air compressor 10 on an air cushion 114 to mechanically de-couple the air compressor 10 from a lower support surface 118 . Since the air compressor 10 is mechanically de-coupled from the support surface 118 , vibration emanating from the air compressor is substantially damped and/or isolated from other structure surrounding the air compressor 10 .
- the air cushion 114 also allows the air compressor 10 to be moved more easily, since friction between the platform 66 and the support surface 118 is substantially decreased.
- the pressure regulator 98 may be configured to discharge a desired amount of air from the air outlets 94 to establish the air cushion 114 .
- the pressure regulator 98 may be configured to provide an air cushion 114 of about 1 ⁇ 4 th of an inch thick, however, the air cushion 114 may also be lower or higher depending on the configuration of the pressure regulator 98 .
- the pressure regulator 98 may be in the form of a non-adjustable pressure regulator, whereby the pressure regulator 98 is pre-set to a desired pressure value to provide an air cushion 114 of a desired thickness.
- the pressure regulator 98 may also be in the form of an adjustable pressure regulator, whereby the pressure regulator 98 may be adjusted by an end user to establish a user-determined thickness of the air cushion 114 .
- the solenoid valve 106 may be electrically connected with the main power switch (not shown) of the air compressor 10 , such that the solenoid valve 106 is energized to a first position upon turning on the air compressor 10 , in which the solenoid valve 106 fluidly connects the tank 22 and the air inlet 86 of the platform 66 , and de-energized to a second (biased) position upon turning off the air compressor 10 , in which the solenoid valve 106 fluidly disconnects the tank 22 and the air inlet 86 of the platform 66 .
- the solenoid valve 106 when the air compressor 10 is activated, the solenoid valve 106 is actuated to establish the air cushion 114 , causing the platform 66 to rise from the support surface 118 a desired amount.
- the solenoid valve 106 returns to its biased position to cut off the air cushion's supply of compressed air, causing the platform 66 to return to the support surface 118 after the air cushion 114 has dissipated to the surrounding environment.
- the volume of the tank 22 is typically much larger in comparison to the volume of air required to establish the air cushion 114 , and the pressure in the tank 22 is equal to or higher in comparison to the pressure required to establish the air cushion 114 .
- a dedicated air tank (not shown) separate from the tank 22 may be used to provide a dedicated air supply for the air cushion 114 .
- Such a dedicated air tank may be fluidly connected with the compressor 14 like the air tank 22 to receive compressed air from the compressor 14 .
- a dedicated air tank may be desirable in such cases where sudden variations in air demand occur (i.e., loading spikes on the air compressor). The dedicated air tank would then make available a source of compressed air to generate the air cushion 114 without disruption caused by such variations in air demand.
- FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention.
- the air compressor 10 of FIGS. 1-4 is shown being supported by multiple airmounts 38 .
- a controller 122 is utilized to adjust inflation levels of the airmounts 38 to affect the stiffness of the airmounts 38 , thereby changing their damping and/or isolating characteristics. Integrating the controller 122 with the air compressor 10 allows monitoring the air compressor's vibration signature, such that the stiffness of the airmounts 38 may be varied in real time in response to the air compressor's vibration signature to effectively dampen and/or isolate dominant frequencies of the compressor's vibration signature.
- FIG. 6 illustrates one configuration of the controller 122 electrically connected with the components of the air compressor 10 .
- the controller 122 is operable to receive an input speed signal from the motor 14 , whereby the speed signal is proportional to the rotational speed of the motor 14 .
- the controller 122 may receive the input speed signal from the compressor 18 .
- the controller 122 may extrapolate a desired stiffness of the airmounts 38 to sufficiently dampen and/or isolate the vibration emitted by the motor 14 and/or the compressor 18 .
- the controller 122 may also be operable to receive a pressure signal from the airmounts 38 using a pressure sensor 126 , whereby the pressure signal is proportional to the pressure in the airmounts 38 .
- the controller 122 may calculate a pressure differential to indicate to the controller 122 whether to supply additional air to the airmounts 38 to stiffen the airmounts 38 , or remove existing air from the airmounts 38 to soften the airmounts 38 .
- the controller 122 may control operation of the pressure regulator 50 and solenoid valve 130 to selectively inflate or deflate the airmounts 38 . More specifically, the pressure regulator 50 may be adjusted by the controller 122 to a determined value based upon the speed signal input to the controller 122 . Further, the solenoid valve 130 (e.g., a 3-port, 2-position solenoid valve), may be actuated to a first position, in which additional air from the tank 22 is allowed to fill and stiffen the airmounts 38 , or a second position, in which excess air in the airmounts 38 is discharged to the atmosphere via a discharge port (not shown) in the solenoid valve 130 to soften the airmounts 38 . The stiffness of the airmounts 38 may also be varied by adaptive control technologies.
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Abstract
A compressor assembly including a motor, a compressor operably driven by the motor to discharge a compressed fluid, a tank in fluid communication with the compressor to receive compressed fluid discharged from the compressor, and at least one fluid chamber positioned between the compressor and a support surface, the at least one fluid chamber being configured to receive a portion of the compressed fluid discharged from the compressor to generate a desired fluid pressure within the fluid chamber to support the compressor relative to the support surface.
Description
- This invention relates generally to air compressors, and more particularly to air compressor mountings.
- Air compressors are generally known in the art as a source of vibration. In particular, vibration may be caused by such components of the air compressor including the compressor and the motor driving the compressor. Causes of the vibration may include rotating unbalance, reciprocating unbalance, misalignment (of the motor and compressor), loose mounting of the motor and/or compressor, and so forth. As a result of the motor and/or compressor vibrating, the structure around the air compressor often experiences the vibration.
- Large, stationary air compressors are typically rigidly mounted to a support surface to prevent unwanted movement of the air compressor. In some instances, elastomeric pads may be used to mount the air compressor to help dampen some of the vibration emitted by the air compressor. Typically, the elastomeric pads are more effective in damping and/or isolating higher frequencies than lower frequencies of vibrating machinery of equivalent size of a typical air compressor. With the operating speeds of a typical air compressor, and depending on the cause of the vibration, the fundamental frequency comprising a majority of the vibration may be considered a relatively “low frequency” for the size of the air compressor. If this “low frequency” vibration is not effectively damped and/or isolated by the elastomeric pads, it is transmitted to surrounding structure, often causing fatigue and noise problems in the surrounding structure.
- Also, frequency components comprising the vibration's “signature” often change during the lifetime of machine operation. The magnitude of the vibration often also changes. With consideration to operating the air compressor, the frequency components of the vibration signature are dependent upon the operating speed of the motor. As the operating speed of the motor changes (such as the case with variable speed drive (“VSD”) air compressor units), so do the frequency components of vibration. As the operating speed changes, it is also possible that the magnitude of the vibration will change as well. The elastomeric pads can not change their damping and/or isolating characteristics unless they are replaced with pads having different damping and/or isolating characteristics. As a result, the elastomeric pads do not accommodate for a constantly changing vibration signature or a wide range of operating frequencies of the motor.
- The present invention provides a compressor assembly including a motor, a compressor operably driven by the motor to discharge a compressed fluid, a tank in fluid communication with the compressor to receive compressed fluid discharged from the compressor, and at least one fluid chamber positioned between the compressor and a support surface. The at least one fluid chamber is configured to receive a portion of the compressed fluid discharged from the compressor to generate a desired fluid pressure within the fluid chamber to support the compressor relative to the support surface.
- The present invention also provides a compressor assembly including a motor, a compressor operably driven by the motor to discharge a compressed fluid, a tank in fluid communication with the compressor to receive compressed fluid discharged from the compressor, and at least one inflatable airbag positioned between the compressor and a support surface. The at least one inflatable airbag is configured to receive a portion of the compressed fluid discharged from the compressor to generate a desired fluid pressure within the at least one inflatable airbag to support the compressor relative to the support surface.
- Further, the present invention provides a compressor assembly including a motor, a compressor operably driven by the motor to discharge a compressed fluid, a tank in fluid communication with the compressor to receive compressed fluid discharged from the compressor, and a support assembly to support the compressor. The support assembly includes a housing defining an interior chamber. The housing is supported by a support surface, and a compressor supporting platform is positioned in the housing such that the platform substantially seals the housing interior chamber to define a substantially confined fluid area between the platform and the support surface. The substantially confined fluid area is configured to receive a portion of the compressed fluid discharged from the compressor to generate a desired fluid pressure within the fluid area.
- The present invention also provides a compressor assembly including a motor, a compressor operably driven by the motor to discharge a compressed fluid, a tank in fluid communication with the compressor to receive compressed fluid discharged from the compressor, and a support platform to support the compressor relative to a support surface. The support platform is configured to receive a portion of the compressed fluid discharged from the compressor to generate a fluid cushion between the support platform and the support surface. The fluid cushion provides a desired gap between the support platform and the support surface.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air compressor assembly embodying the present invention, illustrating inflatable airbags supporting an air compressor.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another construction of the compressor assembly of FIG. 1, illustrating an alternate connection configuration between the compressor and the inflatable airbags.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the air compressor assembly of the present invention, illustrating a suspended platform assembly supporting the air compressor.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the suspended platform assembly shown in FIG. 3 along the section line4-4.
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the air compressor assembly of the present invention, illustrating a support platform supporting the air compressor.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the air compressor assembly of the present invention, illustrating the air compressor interfacing with a controller.
- The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawing figures wherein like numbers represent like elements throughout. Certain terminology, for example, “right”, “left”, “front”, “frontward”, “forward”, “back”, “rear” and “rearward”, is used in the following description for relative descriptive clarity only and is not intended to be limiting.
- FIGS. 1-2 illustrate one embodiment of the present invention. A vertically-
oriented air compressor 10 includes amotor 14 and acompressor 18 mounted to a pressure vessel, orair tank 22. The illustratedmotor 14 is a conventionalelectric motor 14, however, themotor 14 may alternatively be a combustion engine. Themotor 14 may be specified for any horsepower output and operating speed, provided the input needs of thecompressor 18 are satisfied. Themotor 14 includes an output shaft (not shown) having an attached sheave or pulley (not shown) to transfer the motor's torque to theadjacent compressor 18. Likewise, thecompressor 18 includes a pulley (not shown) attached to the input shaft (not shown) of thecompressor 18. A belt (not shown) driven by the motor pulley transfers the motor's torque to the compressor pulley to drive thecompressor 18. Alternatively, themotor 14 andcompressor 18 may be coupled via any suitable power transmission device, such as a chain, a gearbox, a clutch, a direct drive, and so forth. The illustratedcompressor 18 is a conventional single-stage reciprocating compressor, however, thecompressor 18 may alternatively be a dual-stage reciprocating compressor, a rotary screw compressor, a centrifugal compressor, or a scroll compressor among others. Thecompressor 18 may be sized to provide compressed air to thetank 22 until thetank 22 reaches a pressure level limited by the pumping capacity of thecompressor 18. Theair compressor 10 of the present invention is preferably configured to compress and hold air in thetank 22. Alternatively, theair compressor 10 may be configured to compress any fluid substance, such as a liquid or a gas, and remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention. - The
air tank 22 is a conventional pressure vessel including abracket 26 coupled to thetank 22 to mount themotor 14 andcompressor 18. Alternatively, thebracket 26 may not be coupled to thetank 22, and instead support themotor 14 andcompressor 18 remotely from thetank 22. Thetank 22 is sized to hold a corresponding volume of air, and may alternatively be made in any number of sizes and/or shapes to hold any desired volume of air. Thetank 22 may also be horizontally oriented, with themotor 14 andcompressor 18 supported above thetank 22 by the bracket. Various other constructions of theair compressor 10 not disclosed herein are also possible, and fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. - The
compressor 18 is fluidly connected to thetank 22 via aconduit 30, whereby the compressed air exiting thecompressor 18 flows through theconduit 30 and into thetank 22. In addition, a pressure regulator (not shown) and pressure gauge (not shown) may be fluidly connected with theconduit 30 to regulate the static pressure in thetank 22. Thetank 22 further includes conventional features such as an air outlet (not shown) to connect an air hose (not shown), a drain (not shown) positioned at the bottom of thetank 22 to remove any condensate standing at the bottom of thetank 22, and abase 34 coupled to thetank 22 to support thetank 22 in a freestanding vertical orientation. - FIG. 1 illustrates the
air compressor 10 mounted on multiple fluid chambers in the form of inflatable airbags, orairmounts 38. Theairmounts 38 are sized and inflated with air to support the weight of theair compressor 10 on asupport surface 40. Theairmounts 38 also dampen and/or isolate vibration emanating from theair compressor 10. Theairmounts 38 may be in the form of AIRMOUNT® Isolators, manufactured by the Firestone Industrial Products Company of Carmel, Ind. However, theairmounts 38 may also constitute a different, yet functionally equivalent design as that shown in FIG. 1. - The
airmounts 38 are fluidly connected with theair tank 22, such that the compressed air within thetank 22 provides inflation to theairmounts 38. Many connection configurations are possible to carry out the fluid connection between thetank 22 andairmounts 38. One possible configuration is illustrated in FIG. 1.Conduit 42 fluidly connects thetank 22 and theairmounts 38 via a parallel connection. Theconduit 42 fluidly connects theairmounts 38 with thetank 22 via appropriate fittings, such as conventional T-fittings 46. Also, theconduit 42 may fluidly connect with each of theairmounts 38 in any conventional manner, including using tube fittings, pipe fittings, flared fittings, or brazing, welding, or soldering theconduit 42 directly to a metal end cap of theairmount 38. Alternatively, theconduit 42 may fluidly connect thetank 22 with theairmounts 38 using a manifold (not shown) to distribute a single source of the compressed air amongst theindividual airmounts 38. Further, theairmounts 38 and thetank 22 may be fluidly connected via a series connection, wherebyconduit 42 fluidly connects afirst airmount 38 with thetank 22, andadditional conduit 42 fluidly connects subsequent remainingairmounts 38 in series with each other. - A
pressure regulator 50 is also fluidly connected with theconduit 42 to limit the air pressure in theairmounts 38. A pressure gauge (not shown) may also be fluidly connected with thepressure regulator 50 to display the air pressure in theairmounts 38. Thepressure regulator 50 may be in the form of anon-adjustable pressure regulator 50 or anadjustable pressure regulator 50. In the case of using thenon-adjustable pressure regulator 50, theregulator 50 has a constant setting that allows a pre-determined pressure drop across theregulator 50. Thenon-adjustable pressure regulator 50 does not allow any adjustment in the inflation level or stiffness of theairmounts 38. - In the case of using the
adjustable pressure regulator 50, theregulator 50 has an adjustable setting that allows a varying pressure drop across theregulator 50. Theadjustable pressure regulator 50 allows adjustment of the inflation level and stiffnless of theairmounts 38. - During operation of the
air compressor 10, theairmounts 38 provide increased damping and/or isolation of the vibration to surrounding structure caused by theair compressor 10 compared to the conventional elastomeric pads. Theairmounts 38 are especially adept at damping and/or isolating low frequency vibrations, unlike the conventional elastomeric pads. Also, if anadjustable pressure regulator 50 is used with theairmounts 38, their stiffness may be adjusted to vary the overall stiffnless of the system (theair compressor 10 and the airmounts 38). By varying the stiffness of the system, the system's natural frequency is also varied. This is advantageous in the situation when theair compressor 10 is vibrating at a frequency near or essentially at the natural frequency of the system. In this situation, the magnitude of the vibration is amplified, causing increased fatigue and wear on the system and adjacent structure. This situation is avoidable by tuning the system's natural frequency by either increasing or decreasing the stiffness of theairmounts 38. - Also, during operation of the
air compressor 10, theairmounts 38 are constantly maintained at or near their pressure setting by thepressure regulator 50. Thepressure regulator 50 allows theairmounts 38 to draw compressed air from thetank 22, when necessary, to maintain their pressure setting. As a result, if theairmounts 38 leak after a period of inactivity, then the lost pressure is continually replaced by additional compressed air from thetank 22. Of course, for this to occur, the pressure regulator governing the pressure in thetank 22 must be set higher than the level of the desired pressure in theairmounts 38, such that a pressure differential exists between thetank 22 and theairmounts 38 allowing the compressed air to flow from thetank 22 to theairmounts 38. The volume of thetank 22 is much larger in comparison to the volume of theairmounts 38, and the pressure in thetank 22 is equal to or higher in comparison to the pressure required by theairmounts 38. As a result, the capacity lost from theair compressor 10 to support theairmounts 38 is small and almost negligible. - Alternatively, the
airmounts 38 may be purposefully deflated during a period of inactivity of theair compressor 10. To accomplish this, a solenoid valve (e.g., a conventional 3-port, 2-position solenoid valve, not shown) may be fluidly connected between thetank 22 and theairmounts 38, such that the solenoid valve is energized to fluidly connect thetank 22 and theairmounts 38 to inflate theairmounts 38, and de-energized (to a biased position) to fluidly disconnect thetank 22 and airmounts 38 and vent the airmount pressure to atmosphere. In one manner of operating theair compressor 10, the solenoid valve may be electrically connected with a main power switch (not shown) of theair compressor 10, such that the solenoid valve is energized to a first position upon turning on theair compressor 10, and de-energized to a second position (the biased position) upon turning off theair compressor 10. In the first position, the solenoid valve fluidly connects thetank 22 and theairmounts 38, and in the second position fluidly disconnects thetank 22 and airmounts 38 and vents the airmount pressure to atmosphere. - In another construction of the air compressor10 (see FIG. 2), the
conduit 30 fluidly connects theairmounts 38 with thecompressor 18, rather than with theair tank 22. As shown in FIG. 2, theconduit 30 is shown fluidly connecting thecompressor 18 and theairmounts 38 via thepressure regulator 50 and theconduit 42. Also, in another construction of theair compressor 10, themotor 14 andcompressor 18 are not mounted on theair tank 22, but themotor 14,compressor 18, andair tank 22 are supported by the airmounts. In a further construction of theair compressor 10, themotor 14 andcompressor 18 are supported with theairmounts 38 at a location remote from theair tank 22, which is not supported by theairmounts 38. With all of the aforementioned constructions, the vibration of themotor 14 andcompressor 18 is attenuated by theairmounts 38 such that adjacent structure is less affected by the attenuated vibration. Also, in yet other constructions, any suitable number ofairmounts 38 may be used to support theair compressor 10, provided stiffness and stability requirements are satisfied. - Further, yet other constructions, the
air compressor 10 may include a sophisticated control system to control inflation of theairmounts 38, a description of which is later included and illustrated in FIG. 6. - FIGS. 3-4 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. The air compressor10 (from FIG. 1) is shown being supported on an air chamber in the form of a suspended
platform assembly 54. Theassembly 54, like theairmounts 38, is provided with compressed air from thetank 22 during operation of theair compressor 10 to essentially float theair compressor 10 to mechanically de-couple theair compressor 10 from a lower support surface (not shown). Theassembly 54 includes ahousing 58 defining an interior chamber 62. Aplatform 66 directly supporting theair compressor 10 is positioned in thehousing 58 and situated in the interior chamber 62 of thehousing 58. Thehousing 58 includes alower stop ledge 70, and anupper stop ring 74 coupled to thehousing 58 above thelower stop ledge 70 to define a range of movement of theplatform 66 between theupper stop ring 74 and thelower stop ledge 70. Aseal 78 is also positioned between the interface of theplatform 66 and the interior of thehousing 58. Theseal 78 may be in the form of any type ofseal 78 that allows sliding movement of theplatform 66 relative to thehousing 58 while providing a substantially airtight seal between theplatform 66 andhousing 58. Alternatively, theseal 78 may be configured to allow some leakage past theseal 78. When pressurized, afluid area 82 between theplatform 66 and the interior chamber 62 creates an “air cushion.” - The top surface of the
platform 66 includes anair inlet 86 fluidly connected with the interior chamber 62. Theair inlet 86 branches intomultiple air passages 90 through theplatform 66, and theair passages 90 terminate at the bottom surface of theplatform 66 asair outlets 94. Alternatively, some of theair passages 90 may also terminate at the outer peripheral surface of theplatform 66 to provide lateral stability to theplatform 66 within thehousing 58. As shown in FIG. 3, theair passages 90 extend radially outwardly from acentral air outlet 94 and havemultiple air outlets 94 for eachair passage 90 to provide a distribution of air to thefluid area 82. However, theair passages 90 may branch from theair inlet 86 in any suitable manner such that a distribution of air is provided to thefluid area 82. Apressure regulator 98 is fluidly connected between thetank 22 and theair inlet 86 of theplatform 66 to limit the air pressure in thefluid area 82.Conduit 102 fluidly connects theair inlet 86 of theplatform 66 with thepressure regulator 98 to provide compressed air to thefluid area 82 to form the air cushion. A pressure gauge (not shown) may also be fluidly connected with thepressure regulator 98 to display the air pressure in thefluid area 82. Thepressure regulator 98 may be in the form of anon-adjustable pressure regulator 98 or anadjustable pressure regulator 98. In the case of using thenon-adjustable pressure regulator 98, theregulator 98 has a constant setting that allows a pre-determined pressure drop across theregulator 98. Thenon-adjustable pressure regulator 98 does not allow any adjustment of its pre-determined pressure setting. - In the case of using the
adjustable pressure regulator 98, theregulator 98 has an adjustable setting that allows a varying pressure drop across theregulator 98. Theadjustable pressure regulator 98 allows adjustment to the pressure setting of theregulator 98 to vary the air pressure in thefluid area 82. - A conventional 2-port, 2-
position solenoid valve 106 is fluidly connected between thepressure regulator 98 and theair inlet 86 of theplatform 66. Thesolenoid valve 106 is selectively energized by alimit switch 110 positioned on theplatform 66. Thelimit switch 110 is a conventional push-button limit switch 110, and is electrically connected with thesolenoid valve 106. Depending on the input of thelimit switch 110, thesolenoid valve 106 is selectively energized to allow or not allow the through passage of the compressed air to theair inlet 86 of theplatform 66. - In one manner of operating the
air compressor 10, and assuming theplatform 66 is initially being supported by thelower stop ledge 70, compressed air governed by thepressure regulator 98 is routed from thetank 22 to theair inlet 86 of theplatform 66 through thesolenoid valve 106. From theair inlet 86, the compressed air is distributed throughout theair passages 90 and enters thefluid area 82. Thepressure regulator 98 should be set to provide thefluid area 82 with sufficient pressure to initially offset the weight of theplatform 66 and theair compressor 10 supported on theplatform 66, and further to continually elevate theplatform 66 from thelower stop ledge 70. To continually elevate theplatform 66 from thelower stop ledge 70, the regulated pressure is set higher than the static equilibrium pressure required in thefluid area 82 to offset the weight of theplatform 66 andair compressor 10. Thelimit switch 110 is positioned on theplatform 66 to engage theupper stop ring 74 upon theplatform 66 reaching a pre-determined height relative to thelower stop ledge 70. Once thelimit switch 110 is triggered, thesolenoid valve 106 is “closed” to a de-energized (or biased) position, therefore fluidly disconnecting the suspendedplatform assembly 54 from thetank 22. The remaining compressed air downstream of thesolenoid valve 106, which is at an elevated pressure compared to the air pressure in thefluid area 82, continues to flow into thefluid area 82 until the pressures are equalized into a resultant pressure. Further, if the resultant pressure in thefluid area 82 is higher than the static equilibrium pressure required to offset the weight of theplatform 66 and thecompressor 10, the compressed air in thefluid area 82 expands (causing the resultant pressure in thefluid area 82 to drop) to further elevate theplatform 66 until the resultant pressure equals the static equilibrium pressure, thereby effectively floating theplatform 66. If any air leaks from thefluid area 82, the weight of theplatform 66 andair compressor 10 will cause theplatform 66 to lower, therefore disengaging thelimit switch 110 from theupper stop ring 74. Once thelimit switch 110 disengages, thesolenoid valve 106 is again “opened” to an energized position to fluidly re-connect thetank 22 and the suspendedplatform assembly 54 to replenish thefluid area 82 with compressed air from thetank 22. - The suspended
platform assembly 54 may be purposefully deflated during a period of inactivity of theair compressor 10. To accomplish this, a solenoid valve (e.g., a conventional 3-port, 2-position solenoid valve, not shown) may be fluidly connected between thetank 22 and the suspendedplatform assembly 54, such that the solenoid valve is energized to fluidly connect thetank 22 and the suspendedplatform assembly 54 to elevate theplatform 66, and de-energized (to a biased position) to fluidly disconnect thetank 22 and suspendedplatform assembly 54 and vent the air pressure in thespace 82 to atmosphere. - In one manner of operating the
air compressor 10, the solenoid valve may be electrically connected with a main power switch (not shown) of theair compressor 10, such that the solenoid valve is energized to a first position upon turning on theair compressor 10, and de-energized to a second position (the biased position) upon turning off theair compressor 10. Whereby in the first position, the solenoid valve fluidly connects thetank 22 and the suspendedplatform assembly 54, and in the second position, fluidly disconnects thetank 22 and suspendedplatform assembly 54 and vents the air pressure in thespace 82 to atmosphere. - Since the
air compressor 10 is floated with theplatform 66, theair compressor 10 is mechanically de-coupled from the lower support surface. As a result, vibration emitted by theair compressor 10 is substantially isolated to theplatform 66 and not transferred to the lower support surface or any adjacent structure. - Alternatively, in another configuration (not shown) of the
air compressor 10 and suspendedplatform assembly 54, the solenoid valve may be coupled with theair compressor 10 and the suspendedplatform assembly 54 such that the assembly receives compressed air directly from thecompressor 18, rather than receiving the compressed air from thetank 22. The solenoid valve is energized to fluidly connect thecompressor 18 and the suspendedplatform assembly 54 to elevate theplatform 66, and de-energized (to a biased position) to fluidly disconnect thecompressor 18 and suspendedplatform assembly 54 and redirect the compressed air intended for the suspendedplatform assembly 54 toward thetank 22. The push-button limit switch 110 is positioned on theplatform 66 to engage and disengage theupper stop ring 74 as described above. - In another manner of operating the
air compressor 10, the solenoid valve is energized to a first position, whereby the solenoid valve fluidly connects thecompressor 18 and the suspendedplatform assembly 54 to supply thefluid area 82 with compressed air to elevate theplatform 66. Once thelimit switch 110 is triggered by engaging theupper stop ring 74, the solenoid valve is de-energized to a second position (the biased position), whereby the solenoid valve fluidly disconnects thecompressor 18 and the suspendedplatform assembly 54 and redirects the compressed air intended for the suspendedplatform assembly 54 toward thetank 22. After being fluidly disconnected from thecompressor 18, the compressed air downstream of the solenoid valve will settle at a static equilibrium pressure to support theplatform 66 andair compressor 10 on the air cushion developed in thefluid area 82. Similarly, if any air leaks from thefluid area 82, the weight of theplatform 66 andair compressor 10 will cause theplatform 66 to lower, therefore disengaging thelimit switch 110 from theupper stop ring 74. Once thelimit switch 110 disengages, the solenoid valve is again energized to the first position to fluidly re-connect thecompressor 18 and the suspendedplatform assembly 54 to replenish thefluid area 82 with compressed air from thetank 22. - Likewise, the suspended
platform assembly 54 may be purposefully deflated during a period of inactivity of theair compressor 10. To accomplish this, a conventional 2-port, 2-position solenoid valve (not shown) may be fluidly connected between the 3-port, 2-position solenoid valve and the suspendedplatform assembly 54, such that the 2-port, 2-position solenoid valve is energized to fluidly connect the 3-port, 2-position solenoid valve and the suspendedplatform assembly 54 to elevate theplatform 66, and de-energized (to a biased position) to fluidly disconnect the 3-port, 2-position solenoid valve and suspendedplatform assembly 54 and vent the air pressure in thefluid area 82 to atmosphere. Both 3-port and 2-port, 2-position solenoid valves may also be electrically connected with, for example, a main power switch (not shown) of theair compressor 10 to control their operation. Alternatively, other types of valves may be used rather than the 2-port, 2-position solenoid valve and the 3-port, 2-position solenoid valve to accomplish the above-described inflating and deflating of the suspendedplatform assembly 54. - Alternate constructions of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-4 may include supporting the
motor 14 andcompressor 18 on the suspendedplatform assembly 54 at a remote location from theair tank 22. With this particular construction, the vibration of themotor 14 andcompressor 18 is attenuated and/or isolated by the suspendedplatform assembly 54 such that adjacent structure is less affected by the attenuated vibration. - FIG. 5 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention. Previously-described like components are labeled with like reference numerals, as such, those like components will not be discussed in further detail. The
air compressor 10 is shown being supported by thesupport platform 66. Theplatform 66 is provided with compressed air from thetank 22 during operation of theair compressor 10 to essentially float theair compressor 10 on anair cushion 114 to mechanically de-couple theair compressor 10 from alower support surface 118. Since theair compressor 10 is mechanically de-coupled from thesupport surface 118, vibration emanating from the air compressor is substantially damped and/or isolated from other structure surrounding theair compressor 10. Theair cushion 114 also allows theair compressor 10 to be moved more easily, since friction between theplatform 66 and thesupport surface 118 is substantially decreased. - The
pressure regulator 98 may be configured to discharge a desired amount of air from theair outlets 94 to establish theair cushion 114. Thepressure regulator 98 may be configured to provide anair cushion 114 of about ¼th of an inch thick, however, theair cushion 114 may also be lower or higher depending on the configuration of thepressure regulator 98. Thepressure regulator 98 may be in the form of a non-adjustable pressure regulator, whereby thepressure regulator 98 is pre-set to a desired pressure value to provide anair cushion 114 of a desired thickness. Thepressure regulator 98 may also be in the form of an adjustable pressure regulator, whereby thepressure regulator 98 may be adjusted by an end user to establish a user-determined thickness of theair cushion 114. - In one manner of operating the
air compressor 10 of FIG. 5, thesolenoid valve 106 may be electrically connected with the main power switch (not shown) of theair compressor 10, such that thesolenoid valve 106 is energized to a first position upon turning on theair compressor 10, in which thesolenoid valve 106 fluidly connects thetank 22 and theair inlet 86 of theplatform 66, and de-energized to a second (biased) position upon turning off theair compressor 10, in which thesolenoid valve 106 fluidly disconnects thetank 22 and theair inlet 86 of theplatform 66. In other words, when theair compressor 10 is activated, thesolenoid valve 106 is actuated to establish theair cushion 114, causing theplatform 66 to rise from the support surface 118 a desired amount. When theair compressor 10 is de-activated, thesolenoid valve 106 returns to its biased position to cut off the air cushion's supply of compressed air, causing theplatform 66 to return to thesupport surface 118 after theair cushion 114 has dissipated to the surrounding environment. - The volume of the
tank 22 is typically much larger in comparison to the volume of air required to establish theair cushion 114, and the pressure in thetank 22 is equal to or higher in comparison to the pressure required to establish theair cushion 114. As a result, the capacity lost from theair compressor 10 to provide theair cushion 114 is small and almost negligible. However, a dedicated air tank (not shown) separate from thetank 22 may be used to provide a dedicated air supply for theair cushion 114. Such a dedicated air tank may be fluidly connected with thecompressor 14 like theair tank 22 to receive compressed air from thecompressor 14. A dedicated air tank may be desirable in such cases where sudden variations in air demand occur (i.e., loading spikes on the air compressor). The dedicated air tank would then make available a source of compressed air to generate theair cushion 114 without disruption caused by such variations in air demand. - FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. Previously-described like components are labeled with like reference numerals, as such, those like components will not be discussed in further detail. The
air compressor 10 of FIGS. 1-4 is shown being supported bymultiple airmounts 38. Acontroller 122 is utilized to adjust inflation levels of theairmounts 38 to affect the stiffness of theairmounts 38, thereby changing their damping and/or isolating characteristics. Integrating thecontroller 122 with theair compressor 10 allows monitoring the air compressor's vibration signature, such that the stiffness of theairmounts 38 may be varied in real time in response to the air compressor's vibration signature to effectively dampen and/or isolate dominant frequencies of the compressor's vibration signature. - FIG. 6 illustrates one configuration of the
controller 122 electrically connected with the components of theair compressor 10. Thecontroller 122 is operable to receive an input speed signal from themotor 14, whereby the speed signal is proportional to the rotational speed of themotor 14. Alternatively, thecontroller 122 may receive the input speed signal from thecompressor 18. Using the speed signal from the motor 14 (or the compressor 18), thecontroller 122 may extrapolate a desired stiffness of theairmounts 38 to sufficiently dampen and/or isolate the vibration emitted by themotor 14 and/or thecompressor 18. Thecontroller 122 may also be operable to receive a pressure signal from theairmounts 38 using apressure sensor 126, whereby the pressure signal is proportional to the pressure in theairmounts 38. Using the pressure signal, and having determined the desired stiffness of the airmounts 38 (i.e., the desired pressure in the airmounts 38) for a particular rotational speed of themotor 14, thecontroller 122 may calculate a pressure differential to indicate to thecontroller 122 whether to supply additional air to theairmounts 38 to stiffen theairmounts 38, or remove existing air from theairmounts 38 to soften theairmounts 38. Using the speed and pressure signals as inputs, thecontroller 122 may control operation of thepressure regulator 50 and solenoid valve 130 to selectively inflate or deflate theairmounts 38. More specifically, thepressure regulator 50 may be adjusted by thecontroller 122 to a determined value based upon the speed signal input to thecontroller 122. Further, the solenoid valve 130 (e.g., a 3-port, 2-position solenoid valve), may be actuated to a first position, in which additional air from thetank 22 is allowed to fill and stiffen theairmounts 38, or a second position, in which excess air in theairmounts 38 is discharged to the atmosphere via a discharge port (not shown) in the solenoid valve 130 to soften theairmounts 38. The stiffness of theairmounts 38 may also be varied by adaptive control technologies.
Claims (40)
1. A compressor assembly comprising:
a motor;
a compressor operably driven by the motor to discharge a compressed fluid;
a tank in fluid communication with the compressor to receive compressed fluid discharged from the compressor; and
at least one fluid chamber positioned between the compressor and a support surface, the at least one fluid chamber being configured to receive a portion of the compressed fluid discharged from the compressor to generate a desired fluid pressure within the fluid chamber to support the compressor relative to the support surface.
2. The compressor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the at least one fluid chamber includes at least one airbag.
3. The compressor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the at least one fluid chamber includes
a housing defining an interior chamber above the support surface, and
a compressor supporting platform positioned in the housing such that the platform substantially seals the housing interior chamber to define a substantially confined fluid area between the platform and the support surface, the substantially confined fluid area configured to receive the portion of the compressed fluid discharged from the compressor to generate a desired fluid pressure within the fluid chamber.
4. The compressor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the fluid chamber receives the portion of the compressed fluid via a conduit fluidly connecting a compressor outlet to the fluid chamber.
5. The compressor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the fluid chamber receives the portion of the compressed fluid via a conduit fluidly connecting the tank to the fluid chamber.
6. The compressor assembly of claim 1 further comprising a pressure regulator configured to regulate the amount of compressed fluid received by the at least one fluid chamber to maintain the desired pressure within the fluid chamber.
7. The compressor assembly of claim 6 , wherein the pressure regulator is a non-adjustable pressure regulator.
8. The compressor assembly of claim 6 , wherein the pressure regulator is an adjustable pressure regulator operable to vary the desired pressure accumulated in the at least one fluid chamber.
9. The compressor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the motor and the compressor are supported by the at least one fluid chamber.
10. The compressor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the motor and the compressor are supported on the tank which is supported by the at least one fluid chamber.
11. The compressor assembly of claim 1 , further comprising:
a pressure regulator configured to regulate the amount of compressed fluid received by the fluid chamber to maintain the desired pressure within the fluid chamber; and
a controller electrically connected with the pressure regulator and one of the motor and the compressor, the controller being operable to receive a speed signal from the one of the motor and the compressor and adjust the pressure regulator in response to the speed signal.
12. The compressor assembly of claim 11 , further comprising a valve fluidly connected between the compressor and the fluid chamber, the valve being selectively operable by the controller to discharge fluid from fluid chamber.
13. The compressor assembly of claim 11 , further comprising a pressure sensor fluidly connected with the fluid chamber, the pressure sensor being operable to send a pressure signal to the controller.
14. A compressor assembly comprising:
a motor;
a compressor operably driven by the motor to discharge a compressed fluid;
a tank in fluid communication with the compressor to receive compressed fluid discharged from the compressor; and
at least one inflatable airbag positioned between the compressor and a support surface, the at least one inflatable airbag being configured to receive a portion of the compressed fluid discharged from the compressor to generate a desired fluid pressure within the at least one inflatable airbag to support the compressor relative to the support surface.
15. The compressor assembly of claim 14 , wherein the at least one inflatable airbag receives the portion of the compressed fluid via a conduit fluidly connecting a compressor outlet to the at least one airbag.
16. The compressor assembly of claim 14 , wherein the at least one inflatable airbag receives the portion of the compressed fluid via a conduit fluidly connecting the tank to the at least one inflatable airbag.
17. The compressor assembly of claim 14 , further comprising a pressure regulator configured to regulate the amount of compressed fluid received by the at least one airbag to maintain the desired pressure within the airbag.
18. The compressor assembly of claim 17 , wherein the pressure regulator is a non-adjustable pressure regulator.
19. The compressor assembly of claim 17 , wherein the pressure regulator is an adjustable pressure regulator operable to vary the desired pressure accumulated in the at least one inflatable airbag.
20. The compressor assembly of claim 14 , wherein the motor and the compressor are supported by the at least one inflatable airbag.
21. The compressor assembly of claim 14 , wherein the motor and the compressor are supported on the tank which is supported by the at least one inflatable airbag.
22. A compressor assembly comprising:
a motor;
a compressor operably driven by the motor to discharge a compressed fluid;
a tank in fluid communication with the compressor to receive compressed fluid discharged from the compressor; and
a support assembly to support the compressor, the support assembly including
a housing defining an interior chamber, the housing being supported by a support surface, and
a compressor supporting platform positioned in the housing such that the platform substantially seals the housing interior chamber to define a substantially confined fluid area between the platform and the support surface, the substantially confined fluid area configured to receive a portion of the compressed fluid discharged from the compressor to generate a desired fluid pressure within the fluid area.
23. The compressor assembly of claim 22 , wherein the fluid area receives the portion of the compressed fluid via a conduit fluidly connecting a compressor outlet to the fluid area.
24. The compressor assembly of claim 22 , wherein the fluid area receives the portion of the compressed fluid via a conduit fluidly connecting the tank to the fluid area.
25. The compressor assembly of claim 22 , wherein the fluid area receives the portion of the compressed fluid via a fluid passage through the platform.
26. The compressor assembly of claim 25 , wherein the fluid passage includes at least one divergent fluid passage to distribute the compressed fluid into the fluid area.
27. The compressor assembly of claim 22 , further comprising a pressure regulator configured to regulate the amount of compressed fluid received by the fluid area to maintain the desired pressure within the fluid area.
28. The compressor assembly of claim 27 , wherein the pressure regulator is a non-adjustable pressure regulator.
29. The compressor assembly of claim 27 , wherein the pressure regulator is an adjustable pressure regulator operable to vary the desired pressure accumulated in the fluid area.
30. The compressor assembly of claim 22 , wherein the motor and the compressor are supported by the fluid area.
31. The compressor assembly of claim 22 , wherein the motor and the compressor are supported on the tank which is supported by the fluid area.
32. The compressor assembly of claim 22 , further comprising a seal around the platform to fluidly plug the housing interior chamber.
33. A compressor assembly comprising:
a motor;
a compressor operably driven by the motor to discharge a compressed fluid;
a tank in fluid communication with the compressor to receive compressed fluid discharged from the compressor; and
a support platform to support the compressor relative to a support surface, the support platform being configured to receive a portion of the compressed fluid discharged from the compressor to generate a fluid cushion between the support platform and the support surface, the fluid cushion providing a desired gap between the support platform and the support surface.
34. The compressor assembly of claim 33 , wherein the support platform receives the portion of the compressed fluid via a conduit fluidly connecting a compressor outlet to the support platform.
35. The compressor assembly of claim 33 , wherein the support platform receives the portion of the compressed fluid via a conduit fluidly connecting the tank to the support platform.
36. The compressor assembly of claim 33 , further comprising at least one fluid passage through the support platform, the compressed fluid from the compressor being routed through the fluid passage and discharged below the support platform.
37. The compressor assembly of claim 33 , further comprising a pressure regulator configured to regulate the amount of compressed fluid received by the support platform to maintain the desired gap provided by the air cushion.
38. The compressor assembly of claim 33 , further comprising a solenoid fluidly connected between the compressor and the support platform, the solenoid being selectively operable to disrupt fluid flow between the compressor and the support platform.
39. The compressor assembly of claim 33 , wherein the motor and the compressor are supported by the support platform on the fluid cushion.
40. The compressor assembly of claim 33 , wherein the motor and the compressor are supported on the tank which is supported by the support platform on the fluid cushion.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/434,835 US20040223859A1 (en) | 2003-05-09 | 2003-05-09 | Air compressor assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/434,835 US20040223859A1 (en) | 2003-05-09 | 2003-05-09 | Air compressor assembly |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20040223859A1 true US20040223859A1 (en) | 2004-11-11 |
Family
ID=33416807
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/434,835 Abandoned US20040223859A1 (en) | 2003-05-09 | 2003-05-09 | Air compressor assembly |
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US (1) | US20040223859A1 (en) |
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US20070214720A1 (en) * | 2006-03-17 | 2007-09-20 | Nongas Petrochemical Inc. | Low pressure liquid fuel gasification device and method |
US20080052995A1 (en) * | 2006-08-22 | 2008-03-06 | Chia-Chen Wen | Gasification apparatus for atmospheric liquid fuel |
US20080186346A1 (en) * | 2004-01-21 | 2008-08-07 | Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd | Inkjet Printer Assembly With A Controller For Detecting A Performance Characteristic Of A Printer Cartridge |
US8016503B2 (en) * | 2004-01-21 | 2011-09-13 | Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd | Inkjet printer assembly with a central processing unit configured to determine a performance characteristic of a print cartridge |
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USD912762S1 (en) | 2017-11-29 | 2021-03-09 | Megadyne Medical Products, Inc. | Fluid trap |
US11234754B2 (en) | 2017-11-29 | 2022-02-01 | Megadyne Medical Products, Inc. | Smoke evacuation device |
US11280328B2 (en) * | 2018-07-13 | 2022-03-22 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Linear compressor |
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US11389225B2 (en) | 2017-11-29 | 2022-07-19 | Megadyne Medical Products, Inc. | Smoke evacuation device remote activation system |
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CN106351816A (en) * | 2016-11-29 | 2017-01-25 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | Compressor reinforcing assembly and air conditioner unit |
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USD868236S1 (en) | 2017-11-29 | 2019-11-26 | Megadyne Medical Products, Inc. | Smoke evacuation device control panel |
USD886976S1 (en) | 2017-11-29 | 2020-06-09 | Megadyne Medical Products, Inc. | Filter cartridge |
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US10758856B2 (en) | 2017-11-29 | 2020-09-01 | Megadyne Medical Products, Inc. | Filter medium compression system for smoke evacuation |
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Owner name: INGERSOLL-RAND COMPANY, NEW JERSEY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SHARP, STEPHEN J.;REEL/FRAME:014068/0040 Effective date: 20030507 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
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