Compressor Wire Spring Support Reduces Vibration and Axial Length

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compressors face challenges in reducing manufacturing costs and minimizing vibration and axial length, with complex structures like leaf springs increasing costs and causing vibration noise due to radial displacement and rotation moments.

Innovation Solution

A compressor design utilizing wire springs with linear and curved portions to provide elastic support, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs, while minimizing vibration transmission through symmetric placement and vibration insulating members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a leaf spring is used to support the compression unit, then radial displacement is reduced and rigidity is increased, but manufacturing cost increases by 10 to 20 times compared to typical compression coil springs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradial rigidityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the expensive leaf spring with a cheaper coil spring that can be manufactured using standard processes. The coil spring achieves the necessary radial support function at a fraction of the cost of the leaf spring, making the compression unit economically viable for mass production while maintaining adequate rigidity through proper spring design parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the spring parameters (coil diameter, wire diameter, number of turns, spring rate) to optimize the balance between radial rigidity and manufacturing cost. By adjusting these parameters, the coil spring can provide sufficient radial support without requiring the complex and expensive leaf spring structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If a leaf spring with spiral elastically-deformable portions is used, then radial displacement is reduced, but the structure becomes complicated and requires more installation space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradial displacement controlVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex leaf spring structure with a simpler coil spring design that achieves radial displacement control through its coiled geometry rather than through complex elastically-deformable portions. This simplification reduces both structural complexity and installation space requirements while maintaining the necessary radial stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a flat plate structure with spiral deformable portions (leaf spring), the patent inverts the approach by using a three-dimensional coiled structure (coil spring) that naturally provides radial compliance and stability through its helical geometry, thereby simplifying the overall design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If the suction pipe is coupled to the rear end portion of the case and the leaf spring is coupled to the periphery of the suction pipe, then the compression unit is supported, but the axial length of the compressor increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport stabilityVSAvoidaxial length
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the coil spring within the existing structural space of the compression unit, nesting it between the compression unit and the case or suction pipe without requiring additional axial space. The spring is positioned to utilize the radial and circumferential space available, thereby maintaining compact axial dimensions while providing necessary support stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from an axial arrangement (leaf spring extending axially from the suction pipe) to a radial or circumferential arrangement (coil spring positioned radially or circumferentially), thereby achieving support stability without increasing the axial length of the compressor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If the rear elastic support portion is supported by the suction pipe connected to the center of the rear end portion of the case, then the compression unit is supported, but a rotation moment is generated that causes vibration and impact to be applied to the case

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport functionVSAvoidvibration and impact
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the coil spring asymmetrically or uses multiple springs arranged in a specific pattern around the suction pipe to balance the forces and eliminate rotation moments. By carefully selecting the spring positions and orientations, the design counteracts any tendency for rotational motion, thereby reducing vibration and impact transmitted to the case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the coil spring's elastic properties to counterbalance the rotation moment generated during compression unit operation. The spring's flexibility allows it to absorb and dissipate the rotational forces through elastic deformation, preventing these forces from being transmitted as vibration and impact to the case structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 wire spring design simplifies the compressor structure, reduces manufacturing costs, and effectively suppresses vibration and rotation moments, leading to quieter operation and reduced axial length, enhancing the compressor's efficiency and installation space in appliances like refrigerators.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic support portion for elastically supporting the compression unit to be spaced apart from an inner surface of the case

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the compression unit is spaced apart from an inner surface of the case, and supported by an elastic support portion so that vibration generated during operation can be suppressed from being transmitted to the case

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration isolation: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4098874B1compressor
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4098874B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4098874B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4098874B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a compressor including a case, a compression unit having a cylinder, a piston disposed inside the cylinder, and a driving unit for reciprocating the piston, and a support unit elastically supporting the compression unit to be spaced apart from an inner surface of the case, wherein the support unit includes a wire spring having a plurality of linear portions arranged in parallel with one another and curved portions each connecting two adjacent linear portions. The wire spring includes a first wire spring and a second wire spring symmetrically disposed with each other. The wire spring includes a connecting portion connecting the first wire spring and the second wire spring, and the connecting portion is supported by the case. Accordingly, a simplified structure can be obtained and a manufacturing cost can be reduced.