A concurrent engineering approach to the development of a scroll compressor

The scroll type of compressor is becoming popular and widely used in refrigeration and air conditioners. But it is time consuming to design and manufacture the compressor since its components are of complex shape and of high precision requirements. This paper presents a concurrent engineering approach to computer-aided design and manufacturing of the compressor. The authors use C++ programming and Pro/ENGINEER as engineering tools to implement the proposed approach and associated design development. A visualised solid model of the compressor was developed. The solid model designed was enhanced by use of an optimisation system. Finite element analysis and an expert system were used to study the model, which is useful for improving the quality of manufacturing and assembly accuracy at the later stages. Manufacturability, process planning and NC tool path code generation are included in the approach. Concurrent engineering concepts were used throughout the design and manufacturing processes.