Linear Compressor Suspension Stop Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suspension systems for linear compressors, particularly those using flat springs, face issues during handling and transport where intense relative movements can cause parts of the motor-compressor assembly to impact the shell, leading to potential damage and risk of accidents, and the springs may break under great forces.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of stop elements with a mounting portion attached to the shell and a free end portion that includes a through hole for the mounting element, positioned to prevent impacts between the motor-compressor assembly and the shell, while maintaining the vibration-dampening functionality of the flat springs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If flat springs with low transversal flexibility are used to support the compressor, then the compressor is well supported with minimal deformation, but the springs can break under great forces during handling and transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport capabilityVSAvoidspring durability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces stop elements that limit the travel of the motor-compressor assembly beforehand, preventing excessive deformation of the flat springs during handling and transport. The stop elements act as a protective measure in advance, cushioning against forces that would otherwise break the springs while maintaining their support capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If flat springs with low transversal flexibility are used, then vibration transmission to the shell is minimized, but the motor-compressor assembly can impact the shell during intense movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration transmissionVSAvoidimpact damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stop elements serve as intermediary components between the motor-compressor assembly and the shell. They mediate the interaction by providing a controlled stopping point that prevents direct impact with the shell while allowing the flat springs to continue functioning as vibration dampeners.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If the suspension system allows free movement to dampen vibrations, then vibration attenuation is effective, but parts can impact the shell during transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration dampingVSAvoidimpact risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension system is segmented into two functional zones: the flat springs provide vibration damping through controlled deformation, while the stop elements provide impact prevention through geometric constraints. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between vibration attenuation and impact protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Prevents impacts between the motor-compressor assembly and the shell, thereby protecting sensitive parts and preventing suspension spring breakage, while maintaining effective vibration attenuation.

Implementation Method 1

the suspension springs, due to their little transversal and lateral flexibility, can break when submitted to great forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

stop elements, each having a mounting portion rigidly attached to the shell and a free end portion disposed between a respective end of the motor-compressor assembly and the adjacent suspension spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical constraint:

Implementation Method 3

The function of the suspension springs is to minimize the transmission of vibration from the motor-compressor assembly to the shell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration transmission: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP2148987B1Suspension system for a linear compressor
Publication Date: 2018.04.04 WHIRPOOL SA
  • EP2148987B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1A
  • EP2148987B1 patent drawingFigure 2~2A
  • EP2148987B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The suspension system is applied in a compressor, presenting: a shell (1) in which interior is horizontally suspended a motor-compressor assembly (10) having opposite ends (10a, 10b) that are spaced from the shell (1) by an axial spacing (AA). Mounting elements (20) are each axially attached to an end (10a, 10b) of the motor-compressor assembly (10) and suspension springs (30) are mounted to the shell (1) and to each respective mounting element (20). The suspension system comprises stop elements (40) attached to the shell (1) and having a free end portion (42) disposed between a respective end (10a, 10b) of the motor-compressor assembly (10) and the adjacent suspension spring (30). A first distance (d) defined between the stop element (40) and the adjacent end (10a, 10b) of the motor-compressor assembly (10) is smaller than the axial spacing (AA) and smaller than a second distance (D) defined between the stop element (40) and an adjacent suspension spring (30).