Compressor Terminal Plug Assembly for Vibration-Isolated Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Compressor terminal assemblies face issues with vibration transmission between the cover and the plug, leading to inefficiencies in electrical communication and potential damage due to mechanical stress.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a resilient member, such as an elastomer or a piston with a biasing member, within a cavity defined by a protrusion on the cover, which maintains engagement between the plug and the terminal block while limiting vibration transmission, and a seal surrounding the terminal block to enhance mechanical stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the plug is rigidly engaged with the terminal block, then electrical connection stability is improved, but vibration transmission between the cover and plug increases causing mechanical stress and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidvibration transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A resilient member is introduced as an intermediary element between the plug and the cover. This resilient member absorbs vibrations while maintaining electrical connection, preventing vibration transmission from the cover to the plug while preserving electrical connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The physical state of the connection between the plug and cover is changed from rigid to compliant by introducing the resilient member. This parameter change allows the connection to maintain electrical continuity while accommodating vibrational movements, thereby reducing mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the plug is spaced from the cover to reduce vibration transmission, then vibration isolation is improved, but engagement between the plug and terminal block pins may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration transmissionVSAvoidelectrical connection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient member serves as a mediator that allows the plug to be spaced from the cover for vibration isolation while simultaneously maintaining adequate engagement with the terminal block pins through its compliant properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is made dynamic by introducing the resilient member, allowing the plug to move independently from the cover to isolate vibrations while maintaining electrical connection through the compliant interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the plug is allowed to move freely to isolate vibrations, then vibration transmission is reduced, but mechanical stability and sealing effectiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration transmissionVSAvoidmechanical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical stability is maintained through parameter changes in the resilient member's physical properties (elasticity, damping characteristics) which allow vibration isolation while preserving adequate mechanical stability and sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively reduces vibration transmission, ensuring reliable electrical communication and improved mechanical stability by maintaining at least fifty percent engagement between the plug and pins while compressing the seal to prevent leakage and enhance sealing.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient member engaged with the protrusion and the wall of the cover to maintain engagement between the plug and the terminal block while limiting vibration transmission therebetween

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

The resilient member may include a plug formed from an elastomer and abutting the protrusion and the wall of the cover

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2307731B1Compressor having terminal plug assembly
Publication Date: 2014.07.09 EMERSON CLIMATE TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • EP2307731B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2307731B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2307731B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A compressor may include a shell, a compression mechanism supported within the shell, a motor drivingly engaged with the compression mechanism, and a terminal assembly. The terminal assembly may include a cover secured relative to the shell, a terminal block fixed to the shell and in electrical communication with the motor, and a plug. The plug may be engaged with the terminal block and may provide electrical communication between the terminal block and a wire. The plug may include a first side facing the terminal block and a second side facing a wall of the cover. The second side may include a protrusion extending toward the wall and spaced a distance therefrom.