Internal Inverter Compressor Cover Interlock for Safe Disassembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional compressors with internally mounted inverters require complex safety apparatuses for both the inverter and compressor mechanism, leading to increased manufacturing costs and potential risks of accidental motor operation during disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A compressor design with a single safety apparatus that includes a protective cover for the inverter, which restricts access and power supply manipulation, ensuring power is cut off when the cover is removed, thereby preventing accidental operation and electric shocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If safety apparatus is provided in both inverter and compressor mechanism, then safety is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the safety functions for both the inverter and compressor mechanism into a single integrated safety apparatus. The power supply breaking means is configured to cut power to both systems through a unified control mechanism, eliminating the need for separate safety devices and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining comprehensive safety coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The single safety apparatus performs multiple functions: it protects both the inverter and compressor mechanism from accidental operation, integrates power supply breaking for both systems, and provides unified control through a single controller. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components and simplifies the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If protective cover covers inverter and fixing member, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply breaking means is activated in advance when the protective cover is removed, cutting power before any potential accidental operation can occur. This preliminary safety action ensures that the system is protected during maintenance operations without requiring complex interlocks or continuous monitoring mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the protective cover position detection and the power supply breaking mechanism. It monitors the cover's position and intelligently controls the power cutting action, providing a smooth transition between protected and accessible states while maintaining safety.
3Reliability
If power supply breaking means is provided, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety apparatus utilizes the existing protective cover structure and its position detection capability to automatically trigger the power supply breaking function. The system serves itself by using the cover's presence or absence as the triggering condition, eliminating the need for separate sensors or complex control logic while maintaining effective safety protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor having an internally mounted inverter and having improved safety at low cost is provided. The compressor has a motor; a compressor mechanism driven by the motor; a first housing section having an opening and within which the motor is housed; a second housing section which is mounted on the first housing section and which closes the opening; a fixing member which fixes the second housing section to the first housing section; a controller which is provided on the first housing section and which controls the operation of the motor; a power supply section which supplies power to the controller; a protective cover which covers the controller; and a power source control apparatus which stops the supply of power to the controller by the power supply section or carries out a prescribed safety measure operation when the protective cover is removed from the controller. The protective cover has a shape which restricts manipulation of the fixing member by covering a manipulation section of the fixing member when the controller is covered.