Refrigerator with a compressor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerator compressors generate vibrations that are transmitted to other parts of the appliance, causing unwanted noise and vibration, which existing solutions struggle to effectively decouple due to the broad frequency spectrum of these vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A connecting part comprising an inner element with higher stiffness and an outer element with lower stiffness, both featuring elastic elements, is used to dampen a wide range of compressor vibrations. The inner element, typically made of plastic, has elastic hooks that engage with the compressor base, while the outer element, made of rubber, absorbs vibrations, allowing for efficient decoupling and noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-element connection part is used to connect the compressor to the mounting structure, then the structure is simple, but it cannot effectively dampen the broad frequency spectrum of compressor vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The connection part is divided into two distinct elements: an inner element with higher stiffness and an outer element with lower stiffness. This segmentation allows each element to target different frequency ranges of vibrations, with the stiffer inner element handling high frequencies and the softer outer element handling low frequencies, thereby effectively dampening the broad spectrum of compressor vibrations without requiring an overly complex multi-component system.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection part employs composite construction by combining materials with different stiffness properties - the inner element uses stiffer material (such as plastic) while the outer element uses more compliant material (such as rubber). This composite approach enables the connection part to simultaneously address both high-frequency and low-frequency vibrations, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and vibration dampening effectiveness.
2Strength
If a stiff connection part is used to securely mount the compressor, then the mounting is stable, but vibrations are transmitted more strongly to the refrigerator structure
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the connection system are assigned different stiffness qualities to fulfill different functions. The inner element maintains higher stiffness to provide secure mounting stability and strong mechanical connection, while the outer element uses lower stiffness to absorb and dampen vibrations. This local differentiation of material properties allows the system to simultaneously achieve both mounting stability and vibration reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection part acts as an intermediary element between the compressor and the mounting structure. By incorporating both stiff and compliant components, it mediates the transmission of forces - maintaining secure mechanical attachment while filtering out harmful vibrations before they reach the refrigerator structure, thus resolving the contradiction between stable mounting and vibration isolation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a compliant connection part is used to dampen vibrations, then vibration transmission is reduced, but the mounting stability and secure attachment are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into functional zones: the inner element provides the stable mechanical anchor point with higher stiffness for secure attachment, while the outer element provides the compliant vibration-dampening interface. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve both vibration dampening and mounting stability without compromising either function.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining materials with contrasting mechanical properties - stiff plastic for the inner element and compliant rubber for the outer element - the connection part achieves a balance between compliance for vibration dampening and structural integrity for stable mounting. The composite structure ensures that neither function dominates to the detriment of the other.
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 design significantly reduces compressor vibrations transmitted to the refrigerator structure, leading to reduced noise and improved user experience, while enabling automatic assembly and cost-effective production.
Implementation Method 1
both the inner element and the outer element are built as having respective elastic elements
Implementation Method 2
the inner element has a larger stiffness compared to the outer element, whereby both components have elastic elements. In this way a broad range of frequencies of the vibration spectrum of the compressor can be damped
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Refrigerator (2), comprising a coolant compressor (50) which comprises a hermetically sealed housing (52) as well as a drive unit arranged inside said housing with a unit for cyclic compression of a coolant and an electric motor for driving said unit, whereby said coolant compressor (50) further comprises at least one connecting part (70) for connecting said compressor (50) to a mounting structure (64) of said refrigerator (2), whereby said connecting part (70) comprises an inner element (82) and an outer element (84) encompassing said inner element (82), whereby said inner element (82) has a larger stiffness compared to said outer element (84), whereby both said inner element (82) and said outer element (84) are built as having respective elastic elements (82, 84).