US20040223859A1 - Air compressor assembly - Google Patents

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

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• This invention relates generally to air compressors, and more particularly to air compressor mountings.[0001]
• 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.[0002]
• 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.[0003]
• 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.[0004]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• 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.[0005]
• 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.[0006]
• 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.[0007]
• 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.[0008]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air compressor assembly embodying the present invention, illustrating inflatable airbags supporting an air compressor.[0009]
• 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.[0010]
• 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.[0011]
• FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the suspended platform assembly shown in FIG. 3 along the section line[0012]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.[0013]
• 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.[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• 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.[0015]
• FIGS. 1-2 illustrate one embodiment of the present invention. A vertically-[0016]oriented air compressor10 includes amotor14 and acompressor18 mounted to a pressure vessel, orair tank22. The illustratedmotor14 is a conventionalelectric motor14, however, themotor14 may alternatively be a combustion engine. Themotor14 may be specified for any horsepower output and operating speed, provided the input needs of thecompressor18 are satisfied. Themotor14 includes an output shaft (not shown) having an attached sheave or pulley (not shown) to transfer the motor's torque to theadjacent compressor18. Likewise, thecompressor18 includes a pulley (not shown) attached to the input shaft (not shown) of thecompressor18. A belt (not shown) driven by the motor pulley transfers the motor's torque to the compressor pulley to drive thecompressor18. Alternatively, themotor14 andcompressor18 may be coupled via any suitable power transmission device, such as a chain, a gearbox, a clutch, a direct drive, and so forth. The illustratedcompressor18 is a conventional single-stage reciprocating compressor, however, thecompressor18 may alternatively be a dual-stage reciprocating compressor, a rotary screw compressor, a centrifugal compressor, or a scroll compressor among others. Thecompressor18 may be sized to provide compressed air to thetank22 until thetank22 reaches a pressure level limited by the pumping capacity of thecompressor18. Theair compressor10 of the present invention is preferably configured to compress and hold air in thetank22. Alternatively, theair compressor10 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[0017]air tank22 is a conventional pressure vessel including abracket26 coupled to thetank22 to mount themotor14 andcompressor18. Alternatively, thebracket26 may not be coupled to thetank22, and instead support themotor14 andcompressor18 remotely from thetank22. Thetank22 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. Thetank22 may also be horizontally oriented, with themotor14 andcompressor18 supported above thetank22 by the bracket. Various other constructions of theair compressor10 not disclosed herein are also possible, and fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
• The[0018]compressor18 is fluidly connected to thetank22 via aconduit30, whereby the compressed air exiting thecompressor18 flows through theconduit30 and into thetank22. In addition, a pressure regulator (not shown) and pressure gauge (not shown) may be fluidly connected with theconduit30 to regulate the static pressure in thetank22. Thetank22 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 thetank22 to remove any condensate standing at the bottom of thetank22, and abase34 coupled to thetank22 to support thetank22 in a freestanding vertical orientation.
• FIG. 1 illustrates the[0019]air compressor10 mounted on multiple fluid chambers in the form of inflatable airbags, orairmounts38. Theairmounts38 are sized and inflated with air to support the weight of theair compressor10 on asupport surface40. Theairmounts38 also dampen and/or isolate vibration emanating from theair compressor10. Theairmounts38 may be in the form of AIRMOUNT® Isolators, manufactured by the Firestone Industrial Products Company of Carmel, Ind. However, theairmounts38 may also constitute a different, yet functionally equivalent design as that shown in FIG. 1.
• The[0020]airmounts38 are fluidly connected with theair tank22, such that the compressed air within thetank22 provides inflation to theairmounts38. Many connection configurations are possible to carry out the fluid connection between thetank22 andairmounts38. One possible configuration is illustrated in FIG. 1.Conduit42 fluidly connects thetank22 and theairmounts38 via a parallel connection. Theconduit42 fluidly connects theairmounts38 with thetank22 via appropriate fittings, such as conventional T-fittings46. Also, theconduit42 may fluidly connect with each of theairmounts38 in any conventional manner, including using tube fittings, pipe fittings, flared fittings, or brazing, welding, or soldering theconduit42 directly to a metal end cap of theairmount38. Alternatively, theconduit42 may fluidly connect thetank22 with theairmounts38 using a manifold (not shown) to distribute a single source of the compressed air amongst theindividual airmounts38. Further, theairmounts38 and thetank22 may be fluidly connected via a series connection, wherebyconduit42 fluidly connects afirst airmount38 with thetank22, andadditional conduit42 fluidly connects subsequent remainingairmounts38 in series with each other.
• A[0021]pressure regulator50 is also fluidly connected with theconduit42 to limit the air pressure in theairmounts38. A pressure gauge (not shown) may also be fluidly connected with thepressure regulator50 to display the air pressure in theairmounts38. Thepressure regulator50 may be in the form of anon-adjustable pressure regulator50 or anadjustable pressure regulator50. In the case of using thenon-adjustable pressure regulator50, theregulator50 has a constant setting that allows a pre-determined pressure drop across theregulator50. Thenon-adjustable pressure regulator50 does not allow any adjustment in the inflation level or stiffness of theairmounts38.
• In the case of using the[0022]adjustable pressure regulator50, theregulator50 has an adjustable setting that allows a varying pressure drop across theregulator50. Theadjustable pressure regulator50 allows adjustment of the inflation level and stiffnless of theairmounts38.
• During operation of the[0023]air compressor10, theairmounts38 provide increased damping and/or isolation of the vibration to surrounding structure caused by theair compressor10 compared to the conventional elastomeric pads. Theairmounts38 are especially adept at damping and/or isolating low frequency vibrations, unlike the conventional elastomeric pads. Also, if anadjustable pressure regulator50 is used with theairmounts38, their stiffness may be adjusted to vary the overall stiffnless of the system (theair compressor10 and the airmounts38). By varying the stiffness of the system, the system's natural frequency is also varied. This is advantageous in the situation when theair compressor10 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 theairmounts38.
• Also, during operation of the[0024]air compressor10, theairmounts38 are constantly maintained at or near their pressure setting by thepressure regulator50. Thepressure regulator50 allows theairmounts38 to draw compressed air from thetank22, when necessary, to maintain their pressure setting. As a result, if theairmounts38 leak after a period of inactivity, then the lost pressure is continually replaced by additional compressed air from thetank22. Of course, for this to occur, the pressure regulator governing the pressure in thetank22 must be set higher than the level of the desired pressure in theairmounts38, such that a pressure differential exists between thetank22 and theairmounts38 allowing the compressed air to flow from thetank22 to theairmounts38. The volume of thetank22 is much larger in comparison to the volume of theairmounts38, and the pressure in thetank22 is equal to or higher in comparison to the pressure required by theairmounts38. As a result, the capacity lost from theair compressor10 to support theairmounts38 is small and almost negligible.
• Alternatively, the[0025]airmounts38 may be purposefully deflated during a period of inactivity of theair compressor10. To accomplish this, a solenoid valve (e.g., a conventional 3-port, 2-position solenoid valve, not shown) may be fluidly connected between thetank22 and theairmounts38, such that the solenoid valve is energized to fluidly connect thetank22 and theairmounts38 to inflate theairmounts38, and de-energized (to a biased position) to fluidly disconnect thetank22 and airmounts38 and vent the airmount pressure to atmosphere. In one manner of operating theair compressor10, the solenoid valve may be electrically connected with a main power switch (not shown) of theair compressor10, such that the solenoid valve is energized to a first position upon turning on theair compressor10, and de-energized to a second position (the biased position) upon turning off theair compressor10. In the first position, the solenoid valve fluidly connects thetank22 and theairmounts38, and in the second position fluidly disconnects thetank22 and airmounts38 and vents the airmount pressure to atmosphere.
• In another construction of the air compressor[0026]10 (see FIG. 2), theconduit30 fluidly connects theairmounts38 with thecompressor18, rather than with theair tank22. As shown in FIG. 2, theconduit30 is shown fluidly connecting thecompressor18 and theairmounts38 via thepressure regulator50 and theconduit42. Also, in another construction of theair compressor10, themotor14 andcompressor18 are not mounted on theair tank22, but themotor14,compressor18, andair tank22 are supported by the airmounts. In a further construction of theair compressor10, themotor14 andcompressor18 are supported with theairmounts38 at a location remote from theair tank22, which is not supported by theairmounts38. With all of the aforementioned constructions, the vibration of themotor14 andcompressor18 is attenuated by theairmounts38 such that adjacent structure is less affected by the attenuated vibration. Also, in yet other constructions, any suitable number ofairmounts38 may be used to support theair compressor10, provided stiffness and stability requirements are satisfied.
• Further, yet other constructions, the[0027]air compressor10 may include a sophisticated control system to control inflation of theairmounts38, 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[0028]10 (from FIG. 1) is shown being supported on an air chamber in the form of a suspendedplatform assembly54. Theassembly54, like theairmounts38, is provided with compressed air from thetank22 during operation of theair compressor10 to essentially float theair compressor10 to mechanically de-couple theair compressor10 from a lower support surface (not shown). Theassembly54 includes ahousing58 defining an interior chamber62. Aplatform66 directly supporting theair compressor10 is positioned in thehousing58 and situated in the interior chamber62 of thehousing58. Thehousing58 includes alower stop ledge70, and anupper stop ring74 coupled to thehousing58 above thelower stop ledge70 to define a range of movement of theplatform66 between theupper stop ring74 and thelower stop ledge70. Aseal78 is also positioned between the interface of theplatform66 and the interior of thehousing58. Theseal78 may be in the form of any type ofseal78 that allows sliding movement of theplatform66 relative to thehousing58 while providing a substantially airtight seal between theplatform66 andhousing58. Alternatively, theseal78 may be configured to allow some leakage past theseal78. When pressurized, afluid area82 between theplatform66 and the interior chamber62 creates an “air cushion.”
• The top surface of the[0029]platform66 includes anair inlet86 fluidly connected with the interior chamber62. Theair inlet86 branches intomultiple air passages90 through theplatform66, and theair passages90 terminate at the bottom surface of theplatform66 asair outlets94. Alternatively, some of theair passages90 may also terminate at the outer peripheral surface of theplatform66 to provide lateral stability to theplatform66 within thehousing58. As shown in FIG. 3, theair passages90 extend radially outwardly from acentral air outlet94 and havemultiple air outlets94 for eachair passage90 to provide a distribution of air to thefluid area82. However, theair passages90 may branch from theair inlet86 in any suitable manner such that a distribution of air is provided to thefluid area82. Apressure regulator98 is fluidly connected between thetank22 and theair inlet86 of theplatform66 to limit the air pressure in thefluid area82.Conduit102 fluidly connects theair inlet86 of theplatform66 with thepressure regulator98 to provide compressed air to thefluid area82 to form the air cushion. A pressure gauge (not shown) may also be fluidly connected with thepressure regulator98 to display the air pressure in thefluid area82. Thepressure regulator98 may be in the form of anon-adjustable pressure regulator98 or anadjustable pressure regulator98. In the case of using thenon-adjustable pressure regulator98, theregulator98 has a constant setting that allows a pre-determined pressure drop across theregulator98. Thenon-adjustable pressure regulator98 does not allow any adjustment of its pre-determined pressure setting.
• In the case of using the[0030]adjustable pressure regulator98, theregulator98 has an adjustable setting that allows a varying pressure drop across theregulator98. Theadjustable pressure regulator98 allows adjustment to the pressure setting of theregulator98 to vary the air pressure in thefluid area82.
• A conventional 2-port, 2-[0031]position solenoid valve106 is fluidly connected between thepressure regulator98 and theair inlet86 of theplatform66. Thesolenoid valve106 is selectively energized by alimit switch110 positioned on theplatform66. Thelimit switch110 is a conventional push-button limit switch110, and is electrically connected with thesolenoid valve106. Depending on the input of thelimit switch110, thesolenoid valve106 is selectively energized to allow or not allow the through passage of the compressed air to theair inlet86 of theplatform66.
• In one manner of operating the[0032]air compressor10, and assuming theplatform66 is initially being supported by thelower stop ledge70, compressed air governed by thepressure regulator98 is routed from thetank22 to theair inlet86 of theplatform66 through thesolenoid valve106. From theair inlet86, the compressed air is distributed throughout theair passages90 and enters thefluid area82. Thepressure regulator98 should be set to provide thefluid area82 with sufficient pressure to initially offset the weight of theplatform66 and theair compressor10 supported on theplatform66, and further to continually elevate theplatform66 from thelower stop ledge70. To continually elevate theplatform66 from thelower stop ledge70, the regulated pressure is set higher than the static equilibrium pressure required in thefluid area82 to offset the weight of theplatform66 andair compressor10. Thelimit switch110 is positioned on theplatform66 to engage theupper stop ring74 upon theplatform66 reaching a pre-determined height relative to thelower stop ledge70. Once thelimit switch110 is triggered, thesolenoid valve106 is “closed” to a de-energized (or biased) position, therefore fluidly disconnecting the suspendedplatform assembly54 from thetank22. The remaining compressed air downstream of thesolenoid valve106, which is at an elevated pressure compared to the air pressure in thefluid area82, continues to flow into thefluid area82 until the pressures are equalized into a resultant pressure. Further, if the resultant pressure in thefluid area82 is higher than the static equilibrium pressure required to offset the weight of theplatform66 and thecompressor10, the compressed air in thefluid area82 expands (causing the resultant pressure in thefluid area82 to drop) to further elevate theplatform66 until the resultant pressure equals the static equilibrium pressure, thereby effectively floating theplatform66. If any air leaks from thefluid area82, the weight of theplatform66 andair compressor10 will cause theplatform66 to lower, therefore disengaging thelimit switch110 from theupper stop ring74. Once thelimit switch110 disengages, thesolenoid valve106 is again “opened” to an energized position to fluidly re-connect thetank22 and the suspendedplatform assembly54 to replenish thefluid area82 with compressed air from thetank22.
• The suspended[0033]platform assembly54 may be purposefully deflated during a period of inactivity of theair compressor10. To accomplish this, a solenoid valve (e.g., a conventional 3-port, 2-position solenoid valve, not shown) may be fluidly connected between thetank22 and the suspendedplatform assembly54, such that the solenoid valve is energized to fluidly connect thetank22 and the suspendedplatform assembly54 to elevate theplatform66, and de-energized (to a biased position) to fluidly disconnect thetank22 and suspendedplatform assembly54 and vent the air pressure in thespace82 to atmosphere.
• In one manner of operating the[0034]air compressor10, the solenoid valve may be electrically connected with a main power switch (not shown) of theair compressor10, such that the solenoid valve is energized to a first position upon turning on theair compressor10, and de-energized to a second position (the biased position) upon turning off theair compressor10. Whereby in the first position, the solenoid valve fluidly connects thetank22 and the suspendedplatform assembly54, and in the second position, fluidly disconnects thetank22 and suspendedplatform assembly54 and vents the air pressure in thespace82 to atmosphere.
• Since the[0035]air compressor10 is floated with theplatform66, theair compressor10 is mechanically de-coupled from the lower support surface. As a result, vibration emitted by theair compressor10 is substantially isolated to theplatform66 and not transferred to the lower support surface or any adjacent structure.
• Alternatively, in another configuration (not shown) of the[0036]air compressor10 and suspendedplatform assembly54, the solenoid valve may be coupled with theair compressor10 and the suspendedplatform assembly54 such that the assembly receives compressed air directly from thecompressor18, rather than receiving the compressed air from thetank22. The solenoid valve is energized to fluidly connect thecompressor18 and the suspendedplatform assembly54 to elevate theplatform66, and de-energized (to a biased position) to fluidly disconnect thecompressor18 and suspendedplatform assembly54 and redirect the compressed air intended for the suspendedplatform assembly54 toward thetank22. The push-button limit switch110 is positioned on theplatform66 to engage and disengage theupper stop ring74 as described above.
• In another manner of operating the[0037]air compressor10, the solenoid valve is energized to a first position, whereby the solenoid valve fluidly connects thecompressor18 and the suspendedplatform assembly54 to supply thefluid area82 with compressed air to elevate theplatform66. Once thelimit switch110 is triggered by engaging theupper stop ring74, the solenoid valve is de-energized to a second position (the biased position), whereby the solenoid valve fluidly disconnects thecompressor18 and the suspendedplatform assembly54 and redirects the compressed air intended for the suspendedplatform assembly54 toward thetank22. After being fluidly disconnected from thecompressor18, the compressed air downstream of the solenoid valve will settle at a static equilibrium pressure to support theplatform66 andair compressor10 on the air cushion developed in thefluid area82. Similarly, if any air leaks from thefluid area82, the weight of theplatform66 andair compressor10 will cause theplatform66 to lower, therefore disengaging thelimit switch110 from theupper stop ring74. Once thelimit switch110 disengages, the solenoid valve is again energized to the first position to fluidly re-connect thecompressor18 and the suspendedplatform assembly54 to replenish thefluid area82 with compressed air from thetank22.
• Likewise, the suspended[0038]platform assembly54 may be purposefully deflated during a period of inactivity of theair compressor10. 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 assembly54, such that the 2-port, 2-position solenoid valve is energized to fluidly connect the 3-port, 2-position solenoid valve and the suspendedplatform assembly54 to elevate theplatform66, and de-energized (to a biased position) to fluidly disconnect the 3-port, 2-position solenoid valve and suspendedplatform assembly54 and vent the air pressure in thefluid area82 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 compressor10 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 assembly54.
• Alternate constructions of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-4 may include supporting the[0039]motor14 andcompressor18 on the suspendedplatform assembly54 at a remote location from theair tank22. With this particular construction, the vibration of themotor14 andcompressor18 is attenuated and/or isolated by the suspendedplatform assembly54 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[0040]air compressor10 is shown being supported by thesupport platform66. Theplatform66 is provided with compressed air from thetank22 during operation of theair compressor10 to essentially float theair compressor10 on anair cushion114 to mechanically de-couple theair compressor10 from alower support surface118. Since theair compressor10 is mechanically de-coupled from thesupport surface118, vibration emanating from the air compressor is substantially damped and/or isolated from other structure surrounding theair compressor10. Theair cushion114 also allows theair compressor10 to be moved more easily, since friction between theplatform66 and thesupport surface118 is substantially decreased.
• The[0041]pressure regulator98 may be configured to discharge a desired amount of air from theair outlets94 to establish theair cushion114. Thepressure regulator98 may be configured to provide anair cushion114 of about ¼^thof an inch thick, however, theair cushion114 may also be lower or higher depending on the configuration of thepressure regulator98. Thepressure regulator98 may be in the form of a non-adjustable pressure regulator, whereby thepressure regulator98 is pre-set to a desired pressure value to provide anair cushion114 of a desired thickness. Thepressure regulator98 may also be in the form of an adjustable pressure regulator, whereby thepressure regulator98 may be adjusted by an end user to establish a user-determined thickness of theair cushion114.
• In one manner of operating the[0042]air compressor10 of FIG. 5, thesolenoid valve106 may be electrically connected with the main power switch (not shown) of theair compressor10, such that thesolenoid valve106 is energized to a first position upon turning on theair compressor10, in which thesolenoid valve106 fluidly connects thetank22 and theair inlet86 of theplatform66, and de-energized to a second (biased) position upon turning off theair compressor10, in which thesolenoid valve106 fluidly disconnects thetank22 and theair inlet86 of theplatform66. In other words, when theair compressor10 is activated, thesolenoid valve106 is actuated to establish theair cushion114, causing theplatform66 to rise from the support surface118 a desired amount. When theair compressor10 is de-activated, thesolenoid valve106 returns to its biased position to cut off the air cushion's supply of compressed air, causing theplatform66 to return to thesupport surface118 after theair cushion114 has dissipated to the surrounding environment.
• The volume of the[0043]tank22 is typically much larger in comparison to the volume of air required to establish theair cushion114, and the pressure in thetank22 is equal to or higher in comparison to the pressure required to establish theair cushion114. As a result, the capacity lost from theair compressor10 to provide theair cushion114 is small and almost negligible. However, a dedicated air tank (not shown) separate from thetank22 may be used to provide a dedicated air supply for theair cushion114. Such a dedicated air tank may be fluidly connected with thecompressor14 like theair tank22 to receive compressed air from thecompressor14. 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 cushion114 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[0044]air compressor10 of FIGS. 1-4 is shown being supported bymultiple airmounts38. Acontroller122 is utilized to adjust inflation levels of theairmounts38 to affect the stiffness of theairmounts38, thereby changing their damping and/or isolating characteristics. Integrating thecontroller122 with theair compressor10 allows monitoring the air compressor's vibration signature, such that the stiffness of theairmounts38 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[0045]controller122 electrically connected with the components of theair compressor10. Thecontroller122 is operable to receive an input speed signal from themotor14, whereby the speed signal is proportional to the rotational speed of themotor14. Alternatively, thecontroller122 may receive the input speed signal from thecompressor18. Using the speed signal from the motor14 (or the compressor18), thecontroller122 may extrapolate a desired stiffness of theairmounts38 to sufficiently dampen and/or isolate the vibration emitted by themotor14 and/or thecompressor18. Thecontroller122 may also be operable to receive a pressure signal from theairmounts38 using apressure sensor126, whereby the pressure signal is proportional to the pressure in theairmounts38. Using the pressure signal, and having determined the desired stiffness of the airmounts38 (i.e., the desired pressure in the airmounts38) for a particular rotational speed of themotor14, thecontroller122 may calculate a pressure differential to indicate to thecontroller122 whether to supply additional air to theairmounts38 to stiffen theairmounts38, or remove existing air from theairmounts38 to soften theairmounts38. Using the speed and pressure signals as inputs, thecontroller122 may control operation of thepressure regulator50 and solenoid valve130 to selectively inflate or deflate theairmounts38. More specifically, thepressure regulator50 may be adjusted by thecontroller122 to a determined value based upon the speed signal input to thecontroller122. Further, the solenoid valve130 (e.g., a 3-port, 2-position solenoid valve), may be actuated to a first position, in which additional air from thetank22 is allowed to fill and stiffen theairmounts38, or a second position, in which excess air in theairmounts38 is discharged to the atmosphere via a discharge port (not shown) in the solenoid valve130 to soften theairmounts38. The stiffness of theairmounts38 may also be varied by adaptive control technologies.

Claims (40)

What is claimed is:

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 ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one fluid chamber includes at least one airbag.

3. The compressor assembly ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 6, wherein the pressure regulator is a non-adjustable pressure regulator.

8. The compressor assembly ofclaim 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 ofclaim 1, wherein the motor and the compressor are supported by the at least one fluid chamber.

10. The compressor assembly ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 17, wherein the pressure regulator is a non-adjustable pressure regulator.

19. The compressor assembly ofclaim 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 ofclaim 14, wherein the motor and the compressor are supported by the at least one inflatable airbag.

21. The compressor assembly ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 22, wherein the fluid area receives the portion of the compressed fluid via a fluid passage through the platform.

26. The compressor assembly ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 27, wherein the pressure regulator is a non-adjustable pressure regulator.

29. The compressor assembly ofclaim 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 ofclaim 22, wherein the motor and the compressor are supported by the fluid area.

31. The compressor assembly ofclaim 22, wherein the motor and the compressor are supported on the tank which is supported by the fluid area.

32. The compressor assembly ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 33, wherein the motor and the compressor are supported by the support platform on the fluid cushion.

40. The compressor assembly ofclaim 33, wherein the motor and the compressor are supported on the tank which is supported by the support platform on the fluid cushion.

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