Refrigerant Compressor Discharge Pipe Thermal Isolation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigerant compressors face challenges in reducing heat transfer between the discharge pipe and the compressor shell, which leads to inefficient operation and potential damage from high temperatures.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a first connector element as an intermediate element between the discharge pipe and the compressor shell, reducing heat transfer by allowing heat dissipation from the connector element and using a plastic connection sleeve that is not damaged by heat during hermetic connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the discharge pipe is directly connected to the compressor shell, then the hermetic connection is simple and reliable, but heat transfer from the discharge pipe to the compressor shell is excessive causing overheating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehermetic connection reliabilityVSAvoidcompressor shell temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

A connector element is introduced as an intermediary component between the discharge pipe and the compressor shell. This connector includes a connection portion that hermetically connects to the discharge pipe and a distancing portion that extends into the compressor shell, creating thermal isolation. The intermediary structure allows hermetic sealing while preventing excessive heat transfer to the compressor shell.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If a plastic connection sleeve is used to connect the discharge pipe, then heat transfer is reduced and the sleeve is not damaged by heat, but the hermetic connection becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transfer reductionVSAvoidconnection structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector element is made from plastic material that combines thermal insulation properties with hermetic sealing capability. The plastic material allows the connector to resist heat damage while maintaining structural integrity and hermetic connection, eliminating the need for metal-to-plastic thermal management complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Volume of moving object

If the discharge pipe is positioned close to the compressor shell, then the device structure is compact, but heat dissipation is insufficient leading to overheating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressor volumeVSAvoidheat dissipation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The connector element extends in the axial direction into the compressor shell, utilizing the available axial space rather than increasing radial dimensions. This dimensional approach allows heat dissipation through the connector structure without compromising the compact overall volume of the compressor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution effectively reduces heat transfer between the discharge pipe and the compressor shell, preventing overheating and improving the efficiency and reliability of the refrigerant compressor.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of support spring assemblies for supporting the compressor body in the compressor shell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the cylinder head assembly comprising a valve plate, a suction valve spring, a discharge valve spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4170162B1Refrigerant compressor
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 SECOP GMBH
  • EP4170162B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4170162B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4170162B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an encapsulated refrigerant compressor (1) having - a compressor shell (100), wherein a discharge pipe (20) enters the compressor shell (100); - a pump unit (10) comprising: -- a cranktrain having a crankshaft, a crank pin, a connecting rod and a piston; -- an electric drive unit having a stator and a rotor; -- a crankcase with a cylinder housing; -- a cylinder head assembly mounted to the cylinder housing of the crankcase, the cylinder head assembly comprising a discharge muffler, wherein the discharge muffler has a discharge connection tube being connected to the discharge pipe. In order to provide an improved connection of discharge pipe and discharge connection tube, the discharge pipe (20) is connected to the compressor shell (100) via a first connector element (70) and a connection sleeve (760) is mounted on a second end section of the discharge connection tube (750) and the connection sleeve (760) is inserted into a receiving section (21) of the discharge pipe (20), which receiving section (21) extends from a discharge pipe connection section (72) of the first connector element (70) inwards.