Reciprocating Compressor Discharge Hose Connector Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional reciprocating compressors face issues with the unstable coupling of discharge hoses and pipes, leading to damage from high temperatures and refrigerant leaks due to loose connections, and difficulties in assembling connectors within restricted spaces.

Innovation Solution

A reciprocating compressor design featuring a steel connector with ring members and a hose fixing member that securely couples the discharge hose to the discharge pipe, using a caulking process to stabilize the connection and prevent movement, while allowing easy assembly despite the connector's insertion depth being restricted.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a connector is used to couple the discharge hose to the discharge pipe, then the coupling stability is improved, but the assembly difficulty increases due to restricted space within the shell

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling stabilityVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into multiple functional segments: a first portion inserted into the discharge pipe, a second portion extending outward to receive the discharge hose, and ring members positioned at the interface. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, facilitating assembly in restricted spaces while ensuring stable coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Ring members are introduced as intermediary elements between the connector and the discharge pipe. These ring members facilitate the coupling process by providing a stable interface and preventing direct damage to the connector during assembly, thereby enabling reliable connection despite space constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the discharge hose is securely coupled to prevent movement, then the damage from high temperatures is prevented, but the coupling complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat damage preventionVSAvoidcoupling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hose fixing member is extracted as a separate component from the connector itself. This member is specifically designed to secure the discharge hose to the shell, separating the heat protection function from the connection function. This simplifies the overall coupling design while ensuring the discharge hose is firmly fixed to prevent heat damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is designed with multi-functionality: it provides both the mechanical connection between discharge hose and pipe, and structural support through its rigid construction. The ring members simultaneously serve as positioning elements and protective elements, reducing the need for additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If the connector is made of steel for strength, then the durability is improved, but the assembly difficulty increases due to deformation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector durabilityVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The steel connector is designed with varying local qualities: the first portion inserted into the discharge pipe has specific dimensional characteristics to facilitate insertion, while the second portion extending outward has different characteristics optimized for hose reception. This local differentiation allows the rigid steel material to be assembled easily despite its strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Object-generated harmful factors

If the connector insertion depth is restricted to maintain positioning, then the vibration noise is prevented, but the assembly flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration noise preventionVSAvoidassembly flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ring members are positioned in advance on the connector before insertion into the discharge pipe. This preliminary positioning ensures that the connector reaches the correct insertion depth automatically during assembly, preventing excessive insertion that would cause vibration and noise, while simplifying the assembly process itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3343035B1Reciprocating compressor
Publication Date: 2020.08.26 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3343035B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3343035B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3343035B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A reciprocating compressor is provided. The reciprocating compressor may include a discharge hose configured to discharge a refrigerant compressed in a cylinder, a connector coupled to the discharge hose and provided inside of the discharge pipe, and a hose fixing member provided on an outer circumferential surface of the discharge hose and configured to support the discharge hose, thereby stably coupling the discharge hose with the discharge pipe.