Deformable Fastener for Reciprocating Compressor Acoustic Filter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening methods for the suction acoustic filter in reciprocating compressors, such as metal clips, lead to thermal penalties by increasing heat exchange between the head cover and the filter, resulting in reduced cooling efficiency and increased noise due to mobility issues.

Innovation Solution

A deformable metal fastener is used between the head cover and the suction acoustic filter's outlet pipe, which is accommodated within a housing space defined by ribs on the head cover and interface wall, minimizing direct contact and heat transfer while providing a robust and efficient attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a metal clip is used to fasten the suction acoustic filter to the head cover, then the filter is securely attached and mobility is prevented, but thermal penalties occur due to increased heat exchange between the head cover and the filter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoidcooling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

A deformable fastener is introduced as an intermediary element between the head cover and the suction acoustic filter. This fastener provides mechanical attachment while its deformable nature creates thermal isolation, preventing direct thermal contact between the hot head cover and the filter, thus resolving the contradiction between secure fastening and thermal efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastener is designed with flexible, deformable characteristics that allow it to conform to the housing space while maintaining mechanical attachment. This flexibility enables the fastener to provide secure fastening while simultaneously acting as a thermal barrier, reducing heat transfer between the head cover and filter

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Strength

If penetrating elements or glutinous resins are used to fasten the suction acoustic filter, then attachment strength is improved, but thermal contact and heat exchange increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidthermal efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The deformable fastener serves as a mediator that provides attachment strength without creating thermal pathways. Unlike penetrating elements or resins that create direct thermal contact, this fastener maintains mechanical strength while interrupting thermal conduction between the head cover and filter

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastener's deformable properties allow it to change its physical state during installation, enabling it to provide strong attachment while maintaining thermal isolation. The material properties are selected to balance mechanical strength with thermal resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the suction acoustic filter is fastened directly to the head cover, then fastening simplicity is achieved, but noise increases due to mobility and resonant effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening complexityVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The deformable fastener acts as a vibration-damping intermediary between the head cover and the suction acoustic filter. This intermediary element reduces the transmission of vibrational energy and prevents direct mechanical coupling that would amplify resonant effects, thereby reducing noise while maintaining secure attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastener is designed with cushioning properties that absorb and dampen vibrations before they can be transmitted to the filter and amplified. This beforehand cushioning prevents the mobility-induced resonant effects that would otherwise increase noise levels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 reduces thermal penalties, prevents mobility and noise, and maintains high efficiency by minimizing heat exchange between the suction acoustic filter and the head cover, ensuring effective fastening without impairing exposure to the internal environment.

Implementation Method 1

the fastener is compressed between the ribs (23) of the wall segment (22) of the head cover (1) and the ribs (51) of the interface wall (5) of the outlet pipe (4), in order to be deformed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12066016B2Reciprocating compressor having a suction acoustic filter with a fastener that deforms when in place

Publication Date: 2024.08.20 NIDEC GLOBAL APPLIANCE BRASIL LTDA

AI summary

A reciprocating compressor is provided. The compressor includes at least one functional assembly integrated by at least one compression cylinder and at least one reciprocating piston; at least one electric motor capable of moving the reciprocating piston inside the compression cylinder; at least one set of valves capable of controlling the flow of fluid entering and leaving the compression cylinder, the valves being arranged in a head of the reciprocating compressor; at least one head cover capable of being arranged next to the head of the reciprocating compressor; and at least one suction acoustic filter integrated by at least one outlet pipe provided with at least one outlet path capable of being arranged next to the head of the reciprocating compressor. The suction acoustic filter is fastened to the head cover using a fastener.