Refrigerator vibration isolating compressor mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator compressor mounting arrangements fail to effectively attenuate vibrations during operation, 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 for shock protection, combined with undercuts for optimal tuning, and retention members to allow for lateral and fore-to-aft movement, ensuring effective vibration isolation and secure compressor mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional vibration isolation elements (elastomeric grommets) are used to mount the compressor, then vibration attenuation is provided, but the arrangement lacks enhanced mechanical shock protection and tuned mechanical stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric mount is segmented into multiple functional zones: a rounded bottom portion for initial vibration isolation, vertically spaced rings for progressive shock absorption, and an undercut configuration for mechanical engagement. This segmentation allows each portion to handle specific aspects of vibration and shock, providing both attenuation and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertically spaced rings are positioned in advance to provide progressive cushioning against large impact forces. When shock occurs, the rings deflect and contact each other in sequence, absorbing energy before it reaches the compressor, thereby providing beforehand cushioning against mechanical shock.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the compressor is securely fixed to prevent movement, then mounting stability is improved, but lateral and fore-to-aft shifting capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric mount transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system that adapts to different operational conditions. The rounded bottom allows initial settling and lateral movement, while the undercut configuration provides progressive engagement. This dynamic behavior enables the mount to permit necessary lateral and fore-to-aft shifting during installation and operation while maintaining mounting stability through its resilient properties and geometric constraints.
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 solution provides enhanced vibration isolation and shock protection, reducing noise and ensuring secure compressor mounting while allowing for necessary movement, thus addressing the limitations of prior mounting arrangements.
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 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.