Compressor unit of cryocooler

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cryocoolers operate with a motor at a constant rotation rate, leading to inefficiencies in energy consumption and limited adaptability to varying input voltages across different regions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an inverter to adjust the compressor motor's rotation rate and a transformer to convert AC power to a suitable voltage for the cold head, along with a control panel housing these components, along with a noise filter and DC reactor, to enhance energy efficiency and adaptability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a motor operates at a constant rotation rate, then the compressor unit structure is simple, but energy saving properties are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy saving propertiesVSAvoidcompressor unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies an inverter to enable dynamic adjustment of the compressor motor's rotation rate based on actual cooling needs and operating conditions. This transforms the previously static, constant-speed operation into a dynamic, variable-speed system that optimizes energy consumption while maintaining system reliability through electronic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If AC power voltage varies by country or region, then the cryocooler has wide applicability, but voltage compatibility is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage compatibilityVSAvoidpower supply stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a transformer as an intermediary device between the variable-voltage AC power source and the cold head. This transformer converts different input voltages to a standardized output voltage, enabling the cryocooler to adapt to various regional power standards while ensuring stable and reliable power supply to the cold head component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If an inverter and transformer are added to the compressor unit, then energy efficiency and adaptability improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the inverter, transformer, and control devices into an integrated control unit. This merging of components consolidates multiple functions into a single modular assembly, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the operational flexibility and adaptability benefits of having both variable-speed control and voltage transformation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 improves energy saving properties and allows the cryocooler to operate efficiently across different voltage inputs, enhancing its energy efficiency and adaptability.

Implementation Method 1

an inverter that converts, into drive power of the compressor motor, AC power input to the compressor unit from an external power source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPower conversion:

Implementation Method 2

a transformer that converts the AC power into drive power of a cold head of the cryocooler of which a voltage is different from a voltage of the AC power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP4596876B1Compressor unit of cryocooler
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 SUMITOMO HEAVY IND LTD
  • EP4596876B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4596876B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4596876B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To provide the energy saving properties of a cryocooler (10). A compressor unit (12) of the cryocooler (10), includes a compressor motor (28), an inverter (60) that converts, into drive power of the compressor motor (28), AC power input to the compressor unit (12) from an external power source, a transformer (62) that converts the AC power into drive power of a cold head (14) of the cryocooler (10) of which a voltage is different from a voltage of the AC power, and a control panel (50) on which the inverter (60) and the transformer (62) are mounted. The transformer (62) may be disposed below the inverter (60).