Elastic Suction Valve Stopper for Reciprocating Compressor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reciprocating compressors face challenges in limiting the opening amount of suction valves effectively, leading to potential valve fracture during high-pressure and high-speed operations, and inefficient refrigerant suction which reduces cooling power and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A reciprocating compressor design that includes a suction valve stopper made of an elastic member, which is configured to interfere with the reed valve portion of the suction valve, thereby limiting the opening amount of the suction valve while ensuring sufficient opening for efficient refrigerant suction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid member is used to limit the opening amount of the suction valve, then the valve opening is limited, but the suction amount is excessively reduced, deteriorating compressor efficiency and maximum cooling power

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve opening limitationVSAvoidsuction amount
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter of the suction valve stopper from rigid to elastic. The elastic member can dynamically adjust its deformation based on operating conditions, allowing sufficient valve opening during high-load operation while providing limitation during normal operation, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The suction valve stopper is designed as an elastic member that can dynamically change its position and deformation according to pressure differential and operating conditions. This dynamic behavior allows the stopper to provide appropriate limitation only when necessary, maintaining high suction amount during high-load operation while preventing excessive opening during normal operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the suction valve opening amount is limited using a rigid member, then the valve opening is limited, but dead volume is generated, worsening compression efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve opening limitationVSAvoidcompression efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the stopper material from rigid to elastic, the patent enables the stopper to deform and retract when high pressure differential exists during compression stroke. This prevents the creation of dead volume that would occur with a rigid stopper, thereby maintaining compression efficiency while still providing valve opening limitation when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If no opening limitation structure is provided for the suction valve, then the valve can open fully, but the valve may fracture due to excessive leaning back during high-pressure and high-speed operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve opening amountVSAvoidvalve fracture resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an elastic suction valve stopper that provides opening limitation only when necessary. During high-pressure and high-speed operation, the elastic member's flexibility allows sufficient valve opening for high productivity, while during normal operation it provides gentle limitation to prevent excessive leaning back and fracture, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability

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 design allows for proper limitation of the suction valve opening, preventing valve damage and ensuring high cooling power during high-load operations, while also minimizing dead volume and enhancing energy efficiency across various operational ranges.

Implementation Method 1

a suction valve stopper disposed between the suction valve and the cylinder, the suction valve stopper being made of an elastic member and configured to interfere with the reed valve portion to thereby limit an opening amount of the reed valve portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4542037A1Reciprocating compressor
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4542037A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4542037A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4542037A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A reciprocating compressor include a shell, a driving motor, a drive shaft, a piston, a cylinder, a valve plate, a suction valve, and a suction valve stopper. The suction valve stopper is made of an elastic member and disposed between the suction valve and the cylinder to support a reed valve portion of the suction valve and limit an opening amount of the reed valve portion. The opening amount is controlled to increase cooling power in a high load operation area and prevent dead volume to thereby increase energy efficiency in a low load operation area and a high load operation area.