Compressor Module Segmented Support to Reduce Vibration and Weight

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Solution Overview

Problem

The compressor module in vehicular air-conditioning devices is heavy due to the need for high rigidity to counteract vibration, which limits weight reduction efforts.

Innovation Solution

A compressor module configuration where the supporting member is given sufficient rigidity to avoid resonance, allowing the base to indirectly support the compressor via a shock-absorbing body, reducing the need for high rigidity throughout the base and enabling weight reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the base is made with high rigidity to avoid resonance from compressor vibration, then the reliability of ancillary equipment is improved, but the weight of the compressor module increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of ancillary equipmentVSAvoidweight of compressor module
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into two functional parts: a supporting member with high rigidity that directly contacts the compressor to prevent resonance, and a base with lower rigidity that supports ancillary equipment. This segmentation allows each part to have optimized properties for its specific function, avoiding the need for the entire base to be heavy and rigid.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

High rigidity is applied locally only to the supporting member that直接接触 the compressor, while the base has lower rigidity. This local quality approach ensures that rigidity is provided exactly where needed to prevent resonance, without unnecessarily increasing the weight of the entire compressor module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the natural vibrational frequency of the base is increased to avoid resonance, then the reliability is improved, but the weight increases due to improved rigidity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavoidance of resonanceVSAvoidweight of base
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration control function is segmented from the base to a dedicated supporting member. The supporting member is designed with high rigidity and appropriate natural frequency to handle compressor vibration, while the base is freed from this requirement and can be made lighter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting member acts as an intermediary between the compressor and the base. It mediates the vibration control function, isolating the base from the need to have high rigidity or specific natural frequency characteristics, thereby allowing weight reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the base supports the compressor directly, then the structure is simplified, but resonance occurs causing ancillary equipment to break

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural complexityVSAvoidstability of ancillary equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is segmented into a supporting member for the compressor and a base for ancillary equipment. This segmentation prevents direct support of the compressor by the base, avoiding resonance transmission to ancillary equipment while maintaining clear functional separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting member serves as an intermediary component between the compressor and the base. It absorbs and isolates vibration from the compressor, preventing resonance from being transmitted to the base and ancillary equipment, thus protecting them from damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration results in a lighter vehicular air-conditioning device by minimizing the weight of the compressor module while effectively suppressing vibration-induced resonance, thus enhancing manufacturing efficiency and stability.

Implementation Method 1

a shock-absorbing body that supports the compressor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3381724B1Vehicular air-conditioning device
Publication Date: 2021.12.29 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3381724B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3381724B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3381724B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A compressor module (100), as a component of a refrigerant cycle device, is attached to a casing that houses a refrigeration cycle device. The compressor module (100) includes a compressor (110) that compresses refrigerant, a supporting member (120) that supports the compressor (110), a vibration-reducing rubber body (130) that is attached to the supporting member (120), ancillary equipment (140) that is added to the compressor (110), a base (150) supporting the supporting member (120) via the vibration-reducing rubber body (130) and supporting the ancillary equipment (140) with a portion of the base (150) other than the portion supporting the supporting member (120).