Linear Compressor Piston-Rod Structure for Lateral Force Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Linear compressors face issues with lateral force damage to the piston and oil shortages, which affect reliability and efficiency, particularly in oil-lubricated models, while gas-lubricated models are prone to mechanical stress due to the absence of oil.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a piston with a rod and plate configuration, where the rod distributes lateral forces and increases refrigerant intake through flow holes, and an elastic member to mitigate mechanical stress, enhancing the compressor's structural integrity and refrigerant flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If oil lubrication is used in the linear compressor, then the cylinder and piston can be suppressed from overheating and suction loss can be prevented, but oil shortage inside the casing may occur leading to reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lubrication function from oil and implements it through gas pressure instead. The piston is designed with a lubrication groove and lubrication holes that utilize the pressure of refrigerant gas to maintain separation between the piston and cylinder wall, eliminating the need for oil storage and circulation systems while preventing overheating and suction loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using refrigerant gas pressure instead of liquid oil for lubrication. The lubrication groove and holes are designed to utilize the dynamic pressure of the refrigerant gas flowing through the compression chamber, creating a gas film that reduces friction and heat between the piston and cylinder while avoiding oil-related reliability issues.
2Volume of moving object
If gas lubrication is used in the linear compressor, then the compressor size can be reduced and reliability is improved by eliminating oil shortage, but lateral force applied to the piston may cause product damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the piston structure into multiple functional zones: a head portion with a lubrication groove, a connection portion with reinforcement ribs, and a rod connection portion. The lubrication groove is divided into multiple lubrication holes distributed around the circumference, creating localized support points that collectively manage lateral forces while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite structural design by combining the piston head made of durable material resistant to lateral forces with integrated lubrication features. The reinforcement ribs create a composite structure that distributes stress more effectively, allowing the piston to withstand lateral forces from gas lubrication while maintaining a compact design.
3Strength
If a rod is added to the piston to distribute lateral force, then mechanical stress is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rod function into the piston structure itself by creating an integrated piston assembly where the rod is seamlessly connected to the piston head through a reinforcement structure. The lubrication groove and holes are integrated into the piston body, and the rod connection portion is formed as part of the same component, eliminating separate parts while maintaining stress distribution capabilities.
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 effectively distributes lateral forces, reduces mechanical stress, and increases refrigerant intake, improving the compressor's reliability and efficiency by integrating an elastic member to support the piston and plate assembly.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member to mitigate mechanical stress
Implementation Method 2
The plate defines a flow hole configured to receive the refrigerant
Data Source
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AI summary
A compressor for compressing and discharging a refrigerant sucked into a cylinder includes a cylinder (140) forming a compression space (103) of the refrigerant and having a cylindrical shape; a piston (150) configured to reciprocate in the cylinder (140) along an axial direction and having a cylindrical shape; a suction valve (155) disposed at a front of the piston (150); a plate (220) disposed in a rear of the piston (150), the plate (220) comprising a flow groove (222) into which the refrigerant is sucked; and a rod (210) extending along the axial direction, one end of the rod (210) being disposed on the suction valve (155), and other end of the rod (210) being disposed on the plate (220).