Dual Electromechanical Actuator Assembly for Refrigerant Gap Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Refrigerant compressors face challenges in efficiently controlling refrigerant flow due to the lack of effective actuators that can manage the gap near the impeller exit, leading to inefficiencies in refrigerant circulation and system performance.

Innovation Solution

An actuator assembly comprising a first and second actuator with a moving piece positioned between them, featuring C-shaped bodies with coils wound in opposite directions, and channels for refrigerant leakage, which allows for precise control of the gap closure using magnetic forces and current control strategies, ensuring balanced pressure and minimal friction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional single-actuator design is used for gap control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to balance pressure and control refrigerant flow efficiently is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure balancing capabilityVSAvoidactuator assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator assembly is divided into two separate actuators (first actuator and second actuator) positioned on opposite sides of the moving piece. Each actuator independently controls one side of the gap, enabling balanced pressure control and efficient refrigerant flow management while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second actuators are combined with the moving piece to form an integrated actuator assembly. The moving piece serves as a common element that responds to both actuators, merging the functions of pressure balancing and gap control into a unified system that achieves reliable refrigerant flow control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If the moving piece axial thickness is increased to ensure complete gap closure, then the gap closure reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegap closure reliabilityVSAvoidmoving piece manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The moving piece axial thickness is optimized to a specific parameter range (about 1 mm greater than the gap axial thickness). This parameter change ensures complete gap closure and reliable refrigerant flow control while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized dimensional specifications that balance performance requirements with manufacturing feasibility

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 actuator assembly effectively manages refrigerant flow by generating sufficient force to close the impeller throat, balancing pressure, and reducing energy consumption, while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design.

Implementation Method 1

allows for precise control of the gap closure using magnetic forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS11466698B2Electromechanical actuators for refrigerant flow control

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 DANFOSS AS

AI summary

An actuator assembly includes a first actuator, a second actuator, and a moving piece that is disposed between the first actuator and the second actuator. The moving piece is positionable to close a gap in the compressor.