Compressor Suspension System for Portable Oxygen Concentrator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suspension systems for compressors, such as those in portable oxygen concentrators, face challenges in minimizing noise and vibration due to the transmission of dynamic forces and high internal air pressures, which affect the effectiveness of vibration isolation and lead to increased noise and structural vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system comprising a suspension member and a frame member, where the suspension member includes fluid conduits connected to the compressor's motor housing and outlets, and the frame member provides support through mounting regions that align with the compressor's center of gravity, reducing vibration and noise by decoupling the compressor from external tubes and allowing flexible inlet tube configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional suspension designs use rigid inlet tubes to support compressor weight, then structural strength is improved, but vibration isolation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system divides the support function into separate components: rigid mounting brackets provide structural strength at fixed points, while flexible hoses handle fluid transmission. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible hoses act as intermediaries between the rigid compressor body and external fluid lines. These hoses isolate vibrations while maintaining fluid communication, effectively decoupling the vibration source from the fluid transmission path.
2Stress or pressure
If outlet tubes are made stiff to handle high internal air pressures, then pressure containment is improved, but vibration transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
Flexible hoses serve as intermediary elements between the high-pressure outlet and external components. They contain the necessary pressure while absorbing and isolating vibrations generated by the piston operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet connection uses flexible hoses that can withstand high internal pressures while providing vibration isolation. The flexibility of these hoses allows them to deform under pressure fluctuations without transmitting rigid vibrations to attached structures.
3Force
If suspension components are positioned to support compressor weight, then mechanical support is improved, but alignment with dynamic force vectors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system strategically positions mounting brackets and flexible connections to counterbalance the alternating dynamic forces generated by piston movement. The configuration creates opposing force vectors that neutralize vibrations at the source.
Solution Approach 2:
The system addresses force alignment by operating in multiple dimensions - using flexible hoses that can accommodate movement in various directions while maintaining connection. This multi-dimensional approach allows the suspension to adapt to dynamic force vectors rather than being constrained to a single alignment plane.
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 proposed suspension system effectively minimizes noise and vibration transmission, improving the operational performance of compressor assemblies and portable oxygen concentrators by aligning the support axis with the compressor's center of gravity, thus enhancing vibration isolation and reducing structural-borne noise.
Implementation Method 1
A suspension system, compressor assembly and portable oxygen concentrator including a first cylinder, a first piston reciprocating within the first cylinder along a first reciprocating axis, a first inlet, a second cylinder, a second piston reciprocating within the second cylinder along a second reciprocating axis, a second inlet, a common outlet, a motor housing, a suspension member and a frame member. The suspension member includes a coupling portion coupled with the motor housing of the compressor assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension system for a compressor assembly is provided. The compressor assembly includes at least one cylinder, at least one inlet fluidly connected with the at least one cylinder, an outlet fluidly connected with the at least one cylinder, and a motor housing. The suspension system includes a suspension member and a frame member. The suspension member includes a first fluid conduit connected with the coupling portion and including a first fluid terminal. The first fluid conduit is disposed in fluid communication with one of the outlet and the at least one inlet of the compressor assembly. The frame member includes a base portion, a first support portion, and a second support portion. A first mounting region is formed between the first support portion and the first fluid terminal. The first mounting region defines a first volume that at least partially encloses the first fluid terminal.