Linear Compressor Gas Bearing Passage for Efficient Piston Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear compressors with gas bearing structures require a large amount of refrigerant to effectively support the piston, which reduces the flow rate and compression efficiency, and are prone to orifice closure due to foreign substances, leading to potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A linear compressor design featuring a bearing inflow passage system with a narrow first passage and a larger second passage to accommodate a small amount of refrigerant, allowing effective piston support while maintaining high flow rates, and incorporating a filter to prevent foreign substance ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a relatively large amount of gas refrigerant is supplied to the gas bearing to effectively support the piston, then the piston support effectiveness is improved, but the flow rate of the refrigerant in the whole system is reduced and compression efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing a gas bearing structure specifically at the location where piston support is needed (between the piston and cylinder), rather than requiring a large amount of refrigerant throughout the entire system. The refrigerant is locally supplied to the gas bearing passage to provide just enough support where required, improving compression efficiency while maintaining piston support effectiveness.
2Reliability
If a relatively large amount of gas refrigerant is supplied to the gas bearing to effectively support the piston, then the piston support effectiveness is improved, but the flow rate of the refrigerant in the whole system is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The gas bearing structure is localized to provide support only where needed between the piston and cylinder. The refrigerant is supplied locally through the gas bearing passage rather than being distributed throughout the entire system, thereby maintaining high refrigerant flow rate while achieving effective piston support.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas bearing passage acts as an intermediary that efficiently delivers a small amount of refrigerant directly to where it is needed for piston support. This intermediary structure minimizes refrigerant consumption while ensuring adequate support, allowing the majority of the refrigerant to maintain high flow rate for compression operations.
3Reliability
If an orifice is provided to supply gas refrigerant to the piston, then the gas bearing function is achieved, but the orifice may be closed by foreign substances contained in the gas refrigerant
Solution Approach 1:
The gas bearing passage serves as an intermediary structure that is more resistant to foreign substance accumulation compared to a narrow orifice. The passage design allows refrigerant flow to continue even with the presence of foreign substances, preventing closure while still delivering sufficient refrigerant for the gas bearing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas bearing structure is designed to accommodate potential foreign substance contamination before it can cause closure. The passage geometry and refrigerant flow characteristics are preliminarily configured to prevent foreign substances from blocking the refrigerant supply, ensuring continuous operation of the gas bearing function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design reduces refrigerant consumption, enhances compression efficiency, and prevents damage by ensuring sufficient refrigerant support and flow rate while filtering out contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
a gas bearing structure using the refrigerant without using a separate bearing fluid such as oil
Implementation Method 2
The first bearing inflow passage may be provided as an orifice that restricts a flow of the bearing refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a linear compressor. The linear compressor includes a piston, a cylinder, and a bearing inflow passage. The bearing inflow passage includes a first bearing inflow passage extending inward from an outer circumferential surface of the cylinder in the radial direction and a second bearing inflow passage extending from the first bearing inflow passage to an inner circumferential surface of the cylinder. The second bearing inflow passage extends from the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder in a circumferential direction.