Honeywell International Inc.

John M Wilson

Gerald Duane Larue

Angus Lemon

Jose Cabrales

Ronren Gu

A compressor impeller for use with a boreless turbocharger is provided in accordance with this invention. The compressor impeller comprises an integral hub projecting axially therefrom that includes a partial bore therein that extends from an open to a close bore end. The bore includes a threaded portion that is configured to accommodate threaded engagement with an end of a common shaft disposed through a turbocharger housing and attached at an opposite end to a turbine wheel. The hub is specially configured so that the threaded portion has a relatively increased wall thickness when compared to a remaining portion of the bore disposed between the threaded portion and the end of the bore. The bore is configured providing a section having a reduced wall thickness, between the threaded portion and the bore closed end, for purposes of providing a preferential stress relief mechanism. Configured in this manner, the compressor impeller operates to ensure that, in the event of a stress-related compressor impeller failure, the shaft will be contained in its proper placement within the turbocharger.

Compressor impeller with stress riser

A buffer chamber and outlet guide provide an air path from an intake passage in a compressor housing to an upstream position relative to an intake port of the compressor. Surging is minimized during low airflow conditions while cyclic forces on the blades of the impeller are minimized during high airflow conditions. By providing an air path through the buffer chamber and outlet guide, ribs or other supporting structures are eliminated within the air pathway through the intake port and intake passage within the compressor housing.

Growing community of inventors

Redondo Beach, CA, United States of America

John M Wilson