Compressor Device and a Cooling Device Having the Compressor Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressor devices for cryocoolers, such as those using rotary valves, suffer from significant power losses and require complex, space-consuming configurations with multiple pistons and feed-throughs.
Innovation Solution
A compressor device with a cylinder, piston, and metal bellows compressor element, where the working gas is periodically compressed indirectly by a transfer fluid displaced by the piston, eliminating the need for a rotary valve and reducing mechanical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a rotary valve is used to alternately connect the high and low pressure sides of the gas compressor to the cryocooler, then the compression function is achieved, but approximately 50% of the input power is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary valve is completely removed from the system. Instead of using a rotary valve to alternately connect high and low pressure sides, the patent uses a single piston with variable stroke length to directly achieve compression and expansion of the working gas, eliminating the energy losses associated with the rotary valve while maintaining the necessary compression function
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical rotary valve system is replaced with a piston-based system that uses variable stroke length control. The piston rod length is adjusted to change the compression ratio and pressure levels, eliminating the need for mechanical valve switching and associated energy losses
2Device complexity
If multiple pressure cylinders and feed-throughs are used in series configuration, then compression function is achieved, but the apparatus requires a relatively large amount of space and has increased structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pressure cylinders and feed-throughs are merged into a single integrated piston system. The piston operates within one cylinder and achieves both compression and expansion functions through variable stroke length, eliminating the need for separate pressure cylinders and reducing installation space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The single piston serves multiple functions: it performs both compression and expansion of the working gas, and by adjusting its stroke length, it can achieve different pressure levels. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required multiple specialized components, reducing both complexity and space
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
This configuration minimizes power losses, reduces installation space requirements, and increases the reliability and efficiency of the compressor device, while also preventing contamination and gas leakage.
Implementation Method 1
the compressor element and the working gas contained therein are periodically compressed indirectly by way of the transfer fluid that is displaced by the piston
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling device with a novel compressor includes a cylinder, a connector, a working gas line, a cryocooler, a piston, a drive device and a compressor element. The connector is disposed at the end of the cylinder. The working gas line connects the connector to the cryocooler. The piston is movable back and forth inside the cylinder. A transfer space exists inside the cylinder between the piston and the end of the cylinder. A portion of the transfer space contains a transfer fluid. The drive device is adapted to move the piston back and forth inside the cylinder. The compressor element is disposed inside the transfer space. A working space that contains a working gas exists inside the compressor element. The working gas contained in the working space inside the compressor element is periodically compressed by the transfer fluid as the piston periodically moves back and forth inside the cylinder.