Compressor Terminal Cover Power Line Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In hermetic compressors, the six power connection lines extending from the compressor to the inverter often become confusingly connected, leading to incorrect connections between the first and second sealed terminals.

Innovation Solution

A compressor design featuring glass-sealed terminal assemblies with dedicated guides and protectors, and a terminal cover that directs power lines away from each other, ensuring clear distinction and preventing incorrect connections by using separate outlets for each set of power lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If six power connection lines extend through a single opening in the terminal box, then the structure is simple, but it becomes difficult to determine which line connects to which terminal, leading to incorrect connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal box structureVSAvoidpower line connection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single opening is segmented into multiple separate openings (first opening and second opening), with each opening dedicated to a specific terminal assembly. This segmentation allows clear identification of which power lines connect to which terminals, eliminating confusion while maintaining structural simplicity through organized separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Power line guides are introduced as intermediary components that physically guide and distinguish the power lines extending from each terminal assembly. These guides act as mediators that prevent line entanglement and provide visual/physical cues for correct connection, thereby improving connection accuracy without significantly complicating the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If power lines are allowed to extend freely, then installation is simple, but incorrect connections occur due to line confusion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidconnection correctness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal cover and power line guides are pre-configured with specific pathways and openings before assembly. This preliminary arrangement ensures that power lines are automatically directed to the correct terminals during assembly, preventing incorrect connections without requiring complex manual routing or identification procedures during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal cover serves as an intermediary component that houses and organizes the power lines before they extend outward. By providing a structured environment within the terminal cover, it ensures proper line arrangement and connection accuracy while maintaining ease of assembly through a modular design that integrates smoothly with the existing terminal box structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3660307B1Compressor and outdoor unit for air conditioner
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3660307B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3660307B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3660307B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A compressor includes a terminal cover. The terminal cover includes a first terminal protector protecting a first glass-sealed terminal assembly, a first power line guide guiding first power lines connected to the first glass-sealed terminal assembly, a first power line outlet through which the first power lines extend outward, a second terminal protector protecting a second glass-sealed terminal assembly, a second power line guide guiding second power lines connected to the second glass-sealed terminal assembly, and a second power line outlet through which the second power lines extend outward. The first power line guide guides the first power lines in a guiding direction away from the second terminal protector. The second power line guide guides the second power lines such that the second power lines bypass the first terminal protector and are directed in a direction identical to the guiding direction.