Pressure switch and hermetically sealed electric compressor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure switches in hermetically sealed electric compressors either allow or prevent reset operations but not both, and their miniaturization is hindered by the need for separate mounting spaces for resettable and non-resettable configurations, especially in high-density compressor designs.
Innovation Solution
A pressure switch with a dual-mode operation that can be reset under lower pressures but not under higher pressures, utilizing a metallic pressure vessel with distinct diaphragms and plungers to manage contact states, allowing for both resettable and non-resettable modes within a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional pressure switch is designed to be resettable, then it can be reused after temporary overload, but it cannot prevent restarts after severe damage causing safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure switch dynamically changes its reset capability based on the severity of pressure abnormality. For moderate pressure increases, the switch remains resettable to allow recovery after temporary overload. For severe pressure increases indicating damage, the switch becomes non-resettable to prevent unsafe restarts. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between reliability and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch changes its operational parameter (reset capability) based on the magnitude of pressure abnormality. By monitoring pressure threshold exceedance, the system transitions the switch from resettable to non-resettable state, enabling both safety protection and operational flexibility without requiring multiple separate switches.
2Reliability
If separate resettable and non-resettable pressure switches are installed to cover all scenarios, then both safety and operational flexibility are achieved, but the mounting space and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of separate resettable and non-resettable pressure switches into a single integrated device. By combining multiple pressure sensing mechanisms and control logic within one switch housing, the system achieves the safety and operational flexibility of multiple switches while reducing mounting space and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure switch is designed with multi-functionality to serve both resettable and non-resettable roles depending on operating conditions. This universal design eliminates the need for separate specialized switches, reducing the number of components while maintaining comprehensive safety coverage and operational adaptability.
3Volume of moving object
If the hermetically sealed vessel houses devices with high density for miniaturization, then compressor size is reduced, but mounting space for multiple pressure switches becomes unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple pressure switch functions into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate mounting spaces for multiple switches. This merging approach maintains comprehensive pressure monitoring capability while accommodating the high-density packaging requirements of miniaturized compressors.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pressure switch unit performs multiple functions that would traditionally require separate switches. This multi-functional design reduces the total mounting area required, enabling the compressor to achieve miniaturization while maintaining full safety and operational control capabilities.
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
Enables efficient management of compressor operations by preventing restarts during excessive pressure abnormalities while allowing resets for temporary overloads, reducing the need for multiple switches and promoting compressor miniaturization by consolidating components and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first diaphragm (51) which is moved by a first moving pressure (4.0MPa) and is reset by a reset pressure (3.0MPa) which is lower than the first moving pressure
Implementation Method 2
a second diaphragm (52) which is moved by a second moving pressure (10.0MPa) which is higher than the first moving pressure (4.0MPa) and is not to be reset under at least an atmospheric pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure switch includes an airtight metallic pressure vessel. A contact mechanism is normally in a closed state and assumes an open state when a pressing force acts thereon. An airtight terminal, provided through an end surface section of the pressure vessel, is connected to the contact mechanism. A metallic first diaphragm is secured to a surface section at one end of the pressure vessel, is moved by a first moving pressure, and is reset by a reset pressure that is lower than the first moving pressure. A first plunger causes the contact mechanism to switch the open state. A metallic second diaphragm is secured to pressure vessel, is moved by a second moving pressure that is higher than the first moving pressure, and is not reset under at least an atmospheric pressure. A second plunger causes the contact mechanism to switch to the open state.