Flexible Connection Element for Refrigerant Compressor Suction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Refrigerant compressors face challenges in maintaining a secure and leak-tight flow connection between the suction connection piece and the suction sound damper due to relative motion and vibration, leading to potential detachment of flexible connection elements over time.

Innovation Solution

The flexible connection element is attached to the end segment of the suction connection piece, which itself serves as a means of attachment, using an enlargement segment that widens towards the suction sound damper, eliminating the need for separate fastening means and ensuring a stable, cost-effective assembly process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible connection element is used to connect the suction connection piece and suction sound damper, then the connection can accommodate relative motion and vibration, but the connection element may detach over time due to lack of secure attachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of relative motionVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible connection element is inserted into and nested within the suction connection piece, creating a secure fit where the connection element is contained within the structural component. This nesting relationship prevents detachment while allowing the flexible element to accommodate motion and vibration between the suction connection piece and suction sound damper.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If separate fastening means are used to secure the flexible connection element, then attachment reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suction connection piece is designed to integrate both the structural connection function and the fastening function. The fastening means is merged into the suction connection piece itself, eliminating the need for separate attachment components. This unified design secures the flexible connection element while reducing overall device complexity and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The suction connection piece serves multiple functions: it provides the structural connection between components, acts as the fastening means to secure the flexible connection element, and maintains the refrigerant flow path. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate fastening components, simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If separate fastening means are used to attach the flexible connection element, then attachment security is improved, but production costs and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening function is merged into the suction connection piece, which is already a necessary component for refrigerant flow. This integration means that the connection element is secured as part of the normal assembly process without requiring additional separate fastening operations, thereby maintaining connection security while improving assembly efficiency and reducing production costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution prevents slipping-down of the connection element, simplifies the assembly process, reduces production costs, and maintains a stable flow connection even with significant relative movements, while allowing for flexible attachment designs.

Implementation Method 1

Flexible connection elements which can be made of elastomer, for example, have proven particularly useful for this purpose. By means of flexible connection elements of this type, it is possible to produce a not necessarily completely leak-tight flow connection between the end segment of the suction connection piece and the suction sound damper, even with significant relative motion of these two components to one another.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11795930B2Encapsulated refrigerant compressor

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 SECOP GMBH

AI summary

For a refrigerant compressor, a flexible connection element is provided which connects an end segment of a suction connection piece, which end segment protrudes into the interior of a housing, to a suction sound damper, in particular to a suction opening of the suction sound damper. The end segment itself thereby serves for fastening the flexible connection element onto the end segment and/or the inner wall of the housing.