Flexible Compressor Discharge Conduit for Heat Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigeration compressors face challenges in efficiently managing heat transfer between the compressor housing and the flexible discharge conduit, leading to potential overheating and reduced efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A flexible discharge conduit made of a material with lower heat conductivity than the housing, such as PTFE, is used to connect the compressor to the housing, with a seal formed by crimping or swaging, and a metal outlet tube to insulate and secure the connection, reducing heat transfer and mechanical stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible discharge conduit is used to connect the compressor to the housing, then the conduit can accommodate movement and reduce mechanical stress, but heat transfer from the housing to the conduit increases causing overheating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of discharge conduitVSAvoidheat transfer to conduit

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

A hollow insulating body is introduced as an intermediary between the discharge conduit and the housing. This insulating body has a cavity that receives the conduit and provides thermal insulation, preventing heat transfer from the housing to the conduit while allowing the conduit to remain flexible and movable within the cavity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the conduit passes directly through the housing wall, then the connection is simple and direct, but heat transfer occurs and mechanical stress increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of connectionVSAvoidheat loss through conduit

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The hollow insulating body serves as a mediator between the conduit and housing wall. The conduit passes through the insulating body rather than directly through the housing wall, and the insulating material fills the space between them, providing thermal insulation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If a rigid connection is used between the conduit and housing, then structural strength is improved, but mechanical wear and stress increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strength of connectionVSAvoidmechanical wear resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge conduit is made flexible and is received within a cavity of the insulating body, allowing it to move and flex without creating rigid stress points. This flexibility reduces mechanical wear and stress while maintaining adequate structural strength for the application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 configuration effectively reduces heat transfer from hot gases to the compressor housing, enhancing efficiency and preventing overheating, while maintaining a secure and durable connection.

Implementation Method 1

The conduit is formed of a material of lower heat conductivity than the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS20080245094A1Refrigeration Compressor with Flexible Discharge Conduit

Publication Date: 2008.10.09 FISHER & PAYKEL APPLIANCES LTD

AI summary

A refrigeration compressor includes a housing having a suction gases inlet and a compressed gases outlet. A linear compressor is supported for operation within the housing. A compressed gases discharge conduit extends from the linear compressor to the housing to connect with the outlet. The conduit is formed of a material of lower heat conductivity than the housing. The conduit passes through the wall of the housing at the compressed gases outlet.