Hermetic Compressor Sealing via Plastic Insulating Plate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hermetic compressors experience refrigerant leaks due to pressure differences and mixing with lubricants, leading to reduced refrigerant amount and lubrication issues, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.

Innovation Solution

A hermetic compressor design featuring a plastic insulating plate between the valve table and cylinder head, with a channel and protrusion for improved sealing, and optional o-rings, cavities, and pins to enhance leak-proofing, preventing refrigerant losses and increasing performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a plastic insulating plate is used between the valve table and cylinder head, then thermal insulation is improved, but sealing reliability deteriorates due to refrigerant leaks under pressure difference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidsealing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing structure is segmented into multiple functional elements: the plastic insulating plate provides thermal insulation, while separate protrusions and channels provide mechanical sealing and pressing force. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its primary function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusion acts as an intermediary element between the insulating plate and the cylinder head, transmitting pressing force through the refrigerant to maintain sealing. The channel serves as an intermediary pathway that allows controlled refrigerant flow to generate additional pressing force on the insulating plate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If pressing force between insulating plate and cylinder head is increased, then sealing is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional clamps or fastening mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesealingVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the refrigerant itself as the pressing medium. The pressure difference of the refrigerant between the interior of the compressor casing and the exhaust chamber automatically generates pressing force on the insulating plate through the channel, eliminating the need for external clamps or fastening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical pressing system (clamps, bolts, or fasteners) is replaced with a fluid pressure system where refrigerant pressure differential provides the necessary sealing force. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Force

If refrigerant pressure difference is utilized for pressing, then additional pressing force is obtained, but refrigerant loss increases due to potential leakage paths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressing forceVSAvoidrefrigerant loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating plate acts as a flexible barrier that can deform under pressure differential, maintaining contact with the sealing surfaces. The protrusion and channel design creates a controlled flexible sealing interface that adapts to pressure changes while preventing refrigerant leakage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure difference that could potentially cause leakage is converted into a beneficial pressing force that enhances sealing. The refrigerant pressure differential, which creates the leak risk, is harnessed to press the insulating plate against the sealing surfaces, turning the harmful pressure into a useful sealing mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 enhanced sealing between the cylinder head and valve table minimizes refrigerant leaks, increases mass flow rate, and improves the coefficient of performance (COP) of the compressor, eliminating the need for elastomer gaskets and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

the pressure difference between the interior of the compressor casing and the exhaust chamber in the cylinder head. In this case, the refrigerant leaks into the interior of the casing through the walls of the cylinder head and valve table

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

A plastic insulating plate is disposed between the valve table and the cylinder head so as to provide leak-proofing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3707380B1A hermetic compressor with improved sealing
Publication Date: 2022.06.08 ARCELIK AS
  • EP3707380B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3707380B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3707380B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a hermetic compressor (1) suitable for use for circulation of the refrigerant fluid in cooling devices, for example refrigerators, comprising a casing (2); a cylinder (3) that is disposed in the casing (2) and that enables the refrigerant to be sucked and pumped; a piston (4) that is operated in the cylinder (3); a body (5) that supports the cylinder (3) and the piston (4); a cylinder head (6) that enables the refrigerant sucked and pumped by means of the cylinder head (4) into the cylinder (3) to be directed; an exhaust chamber (7) that is disposed in the cylinder head (6) and wherein the pumped refrigerant fluid is accumulated; a valve table (8) that is disposed between the cylinder (3) and the cylinder head (6); an insulating plate (11) that is produced from plastic and that is disposed between the valve table (8) and the cylinder head (6); a suction muffler (18), and a muffler head (19) that enables the refrigerant to be delivered to the cylinder (3).