Refrigerator vibration isolating compressor mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator compressor mounting arrangements fail to adequately attenuate vibrations, leading to noise issues, as they lack enhanced mechanical shock protection and tuned mechanical stiffness, particularly allowing for lateral and fore-to-aft movement.
Innovation Solution
The use of elastomeric mounts with a rounded bottom and vertically spaced rings, optimized through undercuts for mass and frequency, combined with pin elements and a retainer clip system, allows for effective vibration isolation and shock protection while permitting compressor movement in both lateral and fore-to-aft directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional stud or bolt mounting arrangements are used, then the compressor is securely mounted, but vibration transmission is not adequately attenuated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces elastomeric mounts as intermediary elements between the compressor and support base. These mounts include a resilient core surrounded by mounting brackets, creating a mediator structure that decouples the rigid connection while maintaining secure mounting. The elastomeric material absorbs vibrations, preventing their transmission to the refrigerator body while keeping the compressor firmly positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting arrangement combines different materials with complementary properties: elastomeric resilient material for vibration isolation, rigid mounting brackets for structural support, and potentially metal components for the compressor mounting plate. This composite structure achieves both vibration attenuation and secure mounting by leveraging the strengths of each material type.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If rigid mounting is used to secure the compressor, then mounting integrity is maintained, but shock protection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric mounts are designed with pre-compression or pre-loading features that prepare the mounting system to absorb shock impacts before they reach the compressor. The resilient core is positioned and configured to engage with incoming shock forces, providing cushioning protection in advance of actual impact events during compressor operation.
3Ease of operation
If the compressor is firmly constrained, then mounting stability is achieved, but lateral and fore-to-aft movement is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic adaptable connection. The elastomeric mounts allow the compressor to shift position slightly in response to operational forces, thermal expansion, or installation variations, while the resilient material continuously adapts to maintain stable mounting. This dynamic capability enables both positioning flexibility and operational stability.
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 mounting arrangement significantly reduces vibration transmission, providing enhanced mechanical shock protection and tuned stiffness, ensuring quiet operation by pre-loading the mounts and allowing for optimal compressor positioning, thus minimizing noise and ensuring secure mounting integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the refrigeration components are typically mounted to the support base through a vibration isolation element or damper
Implementation Method 2
it is known to use an elastomeric grommet or other resilient material as both a damper and a support for the refrigeration component
Implementation Method 3
each of which includes a rounded bottom to pre-load the mounting arrangement and prevent vibration transmission through a core of the mount
Implementation Method 4
each mount includes a plurality of vertically spaced rings which provide shock protection against any large impact force by deflecting and potentially contacting each other
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting arrangement secures a refrigerator compressor to a support base member through a plurality of elastomeric mounts secured on pin elements with retainers. The mounts include head portions which extend through openings provided in an elongated plate fixed to the compressor. The mounts are specifically formed with a rounded bottom to pre-load the mounting arrangement and prevent vibration transmission through cores of the mounts. In addition, each mount includes a plurality of vertically spaced rings which provide shock protection against a large impact force by deflecting and potentially contacting each other, while normal vertical isolation occurs by deflection of an uppermost one of the rings. The mounts are formed with various undercuts which allow the mounts to be optimized for the mass and operational frequency of the compressor.