Compressor Offset Terminal Box Angled Studs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing scroll compressor designs lack an efficient and accessible electrical terminal box configuration that effectively manages power and control signals while maintaining refrigerant sealing and protecting against electrical issues such as shorts and overheating.

Innovation Solution

A compressor assembly with an electrical terminal box featuring a hinged cover, a modular design with a terminal block and protection module, and feedthroughs for signal and power transmission, secured by angled studs, which provides a sealed and space-efficient interface for power and control connections within the compressor housing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the electrical terminal box is mounted directly on the compressor housing, then the electrical connections are secure, but the accessibility for maintenance and the space for electrical components are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility for maintenanceVSAvoidElectrical terminal box configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical terminal box is segmented from the main compressor housing, allowing it to be positioned independently on the housing exterior. This segmentation enables better accessibility for maintenance while maintaining secure electrical connections, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal box is positioned in a different spatial dimension relative to the compressor housing, utilizing the external surface area rather than internal space. This dimensional change provides improved accessibility and space for electrical components without complicating the overall device structure.

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

2Ease of operation

If the terminal box is positioned to maximize accessibility, then maintenance is easier, but the refrigerant sealing may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility for maintenanceVSAvoidRefrigerant sealing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical terminal box is extracted from the sealed refrigerant environment and positioned on the exterior of the housing. This extraction allows easy accessibility for maintenance while preventing any compromise to refrigerant sealing, as the terminal box operates in a separate, non-refrigerated space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A feedthrough structure acts as an intermediary between the refrigerated compressor interior and the non-refrigerated terminal box exterior. This intermediary maintains refrigerant sealing while enabling electrical connections and accessibility, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If the electrical components are densely packed to save space, then the device size is reduced, but the heat dissipation and electrical stress management are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTerminal box volumeVSAvoidHeat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

Heat-generating electrical components are extracted from the confined terminal box space and positioned in the larger external environment. This extraction improves heat dissipation while maintaining a compact terminal box design, resolving the contradiction between volume reduction and temperature management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal box design incorporates localized thermal management features such as ventilation openings or heat sinks in specific areas. This local quality approach enables efficient heat dissipation from critical components while maintaining overall compact dimensions, addressing both volume and temperature requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2836715B1Compressor with offset electrical terminal box with angled studs
Publication Date: 2017.10.04 BITZER KUEHLMASCHINENBAU GMBH
  • EP2836715B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2836715B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2836715B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A compressor assembly including a housing and a terminal box is provided. The terminal box is offset relative to the housing and coupled with the housing with angled studs.