Compressor Integrated Muffler Structure to Reduce Refrigerant Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
The distance between the discharge port of a compressor's compression mechanism and an external muffling device leads to noise generation in the refrigerant flow, compromising low-noise properties.
Innovation Solution
A compressor design with an integrated muffler structure comprising a first and second muffler portion connected in series, forming expansion and contraction spaces, and an oil separator to attenuate refrigerant noise upstream, reducing the need for separate muffling devices and minimizing noise generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a muffling device is attached outside the compressor, then the compressor structure remains simple, but the distance from the discharge port to the muffling device causes refrigerant noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the muffling function with the existing discharge chamber structure by adding a partition wall with a small passage. This integration eliminates the need for a separate external muffling device, maintaining structural simplicity while reducing the distance between the discharge port and muffling element, thereby suppressing refrigerant noise effectively.
2Loss of energy
If the passage cross-sectional area in the muffler is increased, then refrigerant flow resistance decreases, but the noise attenuation effect is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a localized narrow passage within the partition wall of the discharge chamber. This local restriction is strategically positioned to generate pressure fluctuations that attenuate noise, while the overall discharge path remains sufficiently large to maintain acceptable flow characteristics. The small passage area is confined to a specific location rather than the entire flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the passage parameters (cross-sectional area and length) to achieve the desired balance between noise attenuation and flow resistance. By carefully selecting these dimensional parameters, the system achieves effective noise suppression while minimizing energy loss in the refrigerant flow.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the passage length in the muffler is increased, then noise attenuation effect improves, but the compressor size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the muffling passage within the existing discharge chamber volume by using a partition wall structure. This approach allows the passage length to be extended for better noise attenuation without significantly increasing the overall compressor external dimensions, as the passage utilizes the available internal space of the discharge chamber.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If a separate muffling device is added, then noise reduction is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the muffling function into the existing compressor discharge chamber structure by adding a partition wall with a small passage. This eliminates the need for a separate external muffling device, reducing the number of parts, assembly steps, and manufacturing costs while achieving effective noise reduction.
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 integrated muffler structure effectively attenuates refrigerant noise by repeating expansion and contraction, improving noise reduction efficiency and reducing costs by eliminating the need for external muffling devices.
Implementation Method 1
the first muffler portion (S1) and the second muffler portion (S2) are connected in series such that a refrigerant gas repeats expansion and contraction
Implementation Method 2
the pressure pulsations of the refrigerant gas discharged through the compression-chamber outlet (26) can be attenuated on a relatively upstream side
Implementation Method 3
a separation space (51) for separating oil from the refrigerant is formed
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A compressor (10) includes a compression mechanism (20) and a muffler structure (M) that is disposed at a discharge flow path (38) through which a compression-chamber outlet (26) of the compression mechanism (20) and the inflow end of the discharge pipe (8) are in communication with each other. The muffler structure (M) includes a first muffler portion (S1) and a second muffler portion (S2) that are connected in series such that a refrigerant gas repeats expansion and contraction.