Hermetic Compressor Connector Sealing Against Leakage Currents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hermetic electric compressors face contamination issues due to lubricant and refrigerant liquids, which can impair electrical connections and lead to soiling and leakage currents, particularly in applications like heat pumps and refrigeration systems.
Innovation Solution
A sealed connector system is introduced, comprising sockets, a cable housing, and a sealing element that separates the terminal pins from the compression assembly, using a cable seal and snap-lock features to prevent contamination and leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the terminal pins are exposed in the hermetic accommodation, then electrical connection is simplified, but contamination from liquids and metallic particles impairs electrical connections and causes leakage currents
Solution Approach 1:
The hermetic accommodation is segmented into two separate spaces: a first space containing the compression assembly and terminal pins, and a second space containing the sockets. The sealing element creates a physical barrier between these spaces, isolating the electrical connections from contaminants while maintaining functional connectivity through the sealed interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element acts as an intermediary component that bridges the two spaces. It provides both mechanical support for the electrical connections and protective isolation, allowing electrical continuity while preventing contamination from reaching the insulative sealing elements and electrical contacts.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a sealed connector is introduced to protect electrical connections, then contamination is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element combines multiple functions into a single component: it seals the interface between the two spaces, provides structural support for the sockets and terminal pins, and offers electrical insulation. This integration reduces the number of separate parts needed while maintaining effective protection against contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a barrier against contaminants, a structural support element, an electrical insulator, and a mounting surface for the sockets. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall device complexity while achieving comprehensive protection.
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 sealed connector system effectively reduces the risk of contamination and leakage currents, enhancing the reliability and performance of hermetic compressors by maintaining clean electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing element with an outer surface facing the cavity and an opposite inner surface, the sealing element defining a closure for the cavity and thereby separating the cavity from the compression assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An electric hermetic compressor includes a hermetic terminal with terminal pins for electrical connection of a motor inside a hermetic housing. The hermetic terminal forms a cavity, and the compressor further has a non-conductive sealing element which defines an enclosed space in the cavity. The sealing element forms part of a connector which defines a separate cable space isolated from the electric compression assembly in the hermetic accommodation.