Reciprocating Compressor Connecting Rod Ball Joint Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reciprocating type compressors face challenges in assembly complexity and increased frictional resistance between the crank shaft, connecting rod, and piston, leading to performance degradation and reduced part lifespan.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a ball joint structure between the crank shaft and connecting rod, utilizing a tubular body with a socket portion and a ball bearing, along with a bushing bearing to reduce frictional resistance, and an oil supply system to lubricate the ball bearing, simplifies assembly and reduces friction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a connecting rod with multiple separate parts is used to couple the crank shaft and piston, then the coupling function is achieved, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling functionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate parts of the connecting rod into an integrated single-piece structure. The connecting rod comprises a rod body with a first end coupled to the crank shaft pin and a second end coupled to the piston, eliminating the need for additional coupling parts and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining the coupling function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If a simple connecting rod structure is used, then the assembly is simple, but frictional resistance among the crank shaft, connecting rod, and piston increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidfrictional resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a ball bearing as an intermediary element between the crank shaft pin and the connecting rod's first end. The ball bearing reduces direct metal-to-metal contact and frictional resistance, while a bushing bearing is provided between the pin and the connecting rod to further minimize friction, thus protecting the components from harmful frictional effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If frictional resistance is not reduced, then the structure remains simple, but compressor performance degrades and part lifespan shortens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidcompressor performance and part lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ball bearing and bushing bearing serve as intermediary elements that reduce frictional resistance between moving parts. This reduction in friction prevents performance degradation and extends the lifespan of the crank shaft, connecting rod, and piston, thereby improving overall system reliability without significantly complicating the structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The oil supply system is designed to automatically lubricate the ball bearing during operation. Oil is supplied through an oil supply hole in the crank shaft to the ball bearing, enabling self-lubrication that continuously reduces friction and wear, maintaining compressor performance and extending component life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This configuration simplifies the assembly process, improves compressor performance, and extends the durability of components by minimizing frictional resistance and enhancing lubrication.

Implementation Method 1

a ball bearing, and a bushing bearing that is interposed between the tubular body and the pin portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBall Bearing: Ball Bearing

Implementation Method 2

a bushing bearing that is interposed between the tubular body and the pin portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS10895255B2Reciprocating type compressor
Publication Date: 2021.01.19 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US10895255B2 patent drawing
  • US10895255B2 patent drawing
  • US10895255B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A reciprocating type compressor may include a crank shaft that is coupled to a rotor of a motor to receive a rotational force and a connecting rod that is coupled to a pin of the crank shaft and converts a rotational force of the crank shaft into a linear motion of a piston. The connecting rod may include a first end having a tubular body that includes a pin insertion hole into which the pin of the crank shaft is inserted and a socket that projects from the tubular body, a second end coupled with the piston, and a main body that extends between the first end and the second end and having a ball that is received inside of the socket.