Linear Compressor Spring Coupling Groove Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear compressor designs face challenges with stress concentration, increased size and manufacturing costs due to bent resonant spring components, and assemblability issues with misaligned axes, which affect the compressor's efficiency and durability.
Innovation Solution
A linear compressor with a simplified spring coupling mechanism featuring a spring fitted into coupling grooves on supporters, allowing for automatic axis alignment and reduced stress concentration, enhancing resonance frequency and operational speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the resonant spring unit is designed to surround the cylinder crank case, then the spring stiffness is maintained, but the spring unit increases in size and mass and requires separate design and manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The resonant spring unit is nested within the cylinder crank case rather than surrounding it. The spring unit fits inside the hollow interior space of the crank case, utilizing the existing internal volume. This nesting approach maintains the required spring stiffness while significantly reducing the overall size and mass of the spring unit, eliminating the need for separate design and manufacturing processes.
2Reliability
If the first and second diameter end segments are fixed to the driving unit and cylinder crank case by fastening units, then the spring unit is securely attached, but work convenience of the user is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening units are extracted from the design and replaced with a snap-fit coupling mechanism. The first and second diameter end segments of the resonant spring unit are designed with coupling features that directly engage with corresponding features on the driving unit and cylinder crank case. This extraction of the fastening units simplifies the assembly process, allowing users to quickly assemble and disassemble the spring unit without tools, while maintaining secure attachment through the engineered coupling interfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the axes of the first and second diameter end segments cross the axes of the cylindrical sections, then the spring unit can be configured to surround the crank case, but stress concentrates into the bent portions causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The resonant spring unit is designed with an asymmetric configuration where the axes of the first and second diameter end segments are aligned with the axis of the cylinder crank case rather than crossing it. This asymmetric alignment eliminates the need for bent portions in the spring structure. The spring maintains its structural integrity and durability while still being configured to fit within the crank case, preventing stress concentration and potential damage.
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 solution increases resonance frequency for high-speed operation, simplifies assembly, prevents stress concentration, and ensures proper axis alignment, thereby improving the compressor's efficiency and reducing wear and manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism configured to allow the piston to be resonant
Implementation Method 2
a spring mechanism configured to allow the piston to be resonant
Implementation Method 3
The permanent magnet is driven to linearly reciprocate by electromagnetic force between the permanent magnet and the inner (or outer) stator
Data Source
AI summary
A linear compressor of the present invention comprises: a shell having a suction portion; a cylinder disposed in the shell and forming a compression space for a refrigerant; a piston arranged to axially reciprocate in the cylinder; and a spring device for inducing a resonant motion of the piston, wherein the spring device comprises a spring, a first supporter to which one side of the spring is connected and which moves together with the piston, and a second supporter to which the other side of the spring is connected, and each of the supporters has a coupling groove for fitting the spring therein.