Heat Pump Compressor Spring Mounting to Reduce Structure-Borne Noise

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heat pumps suffer from significant structure-borne noise transmission due to direct contact between the compressor and other components, which is not adequately addressed by existing decoupling methods.

Innovation Solution

The compressor and other heat pump components are rigidly connected exclusively via fluid lines and spring elements to the housing, with fluid lines made of metallic materials and designed to minimize contact and vibration transmission, while maintaining a firm connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a heat pump system uses a conventional compressor design, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the compressor efficiency is insufficient and power consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcompressor structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compressor is divided into multiple independent components: a drive mechanism with drive shaft and drive piston, and a compression mechanism with compression piston connected to the suction valve assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for efficiency while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The suction valve assembly is designed to dynamically adjust the suction port opening area based on operating conditions. The suction valve moves relative to the suction port, allowing the system to optimize gas intake efficiency across different load conditions, thereby improving overall compressor efficiency and reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the suction valve assembly structure is simplified, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sealing performance deteriorates and gas leakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidsuction valve assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suction valve assembly incorporates localized sealing features at critical positions where sealing is most needed. The suction valve includes sealing surfaces that mate with the suction port, and the check valve assembly includes sealing elements positioned at the discharge port. This localized approach ensures reliable sealing without requiring complex sealing mechanisms throughout the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The suction valve acts as an intermediary element between the compression chamber and the suction port, providing a controlled sealing interface. The check valve assembly serves as an intermediary at the discharge port, allowing unidirectional flow while maintaining sealing. These intermediary components enable reliable sealing with relatively simple structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the compressor increases cooling capacity through larger components, then the cooling performance is improved, but the device size and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling capacityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The compressor achieves variable cooling capacity through parameter changes rather than physical size changes. The suction valve assembly dynamically adjusts the suction port opening area, and the compression ratio can be varied by changing the clearance volume or piston stroke. This allows the same physical compressor to deliver different cooling capacities, improving productivity without increasing device size or manufacturing cost.

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

This configuration effectively suppresses structure-borne noise by decoupling the compressor from other components, resulting in a quieter operation.

Implementation Method 1

the suction valve assembly is movable between a first position in which the suction port is uncovered and a second position in which the suction port is covered

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the check valve is movable between a first position in which the discharge port is uncovered and a second position in which the discharge port is covered

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure-driven flow: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

a compression mechanism (140) comprising a compression piston (141) disposed in the compression chamber (111)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas compression: Compression

Implementation Method 4

a drive mechanism (120) comprising a drive piston (121) disposed in a drive chamber (112) and a connecting rod (160) coupling the drive piston (121) to the compression piston (141)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical motion conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP4291832B1Heat pump
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 VIESSMANN HOLDING INTERNATIONAL GMBH
  • EP4291832B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4291832B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4291832B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a heat pump, comprising a compressor (1) for compressing a coolant and a further heat pump component (2) through which the coolant flows, the compressor (1) being designed to be connected to the further heat pump component (2) in order to convey the coolant via fluid lines (3), and the compressor (1) and the further heat pump component (2) being designed to be connected to a housing (6) of the heat pump via spring elements (4, 5) in order to reduce transmission of structure-borne sound. According to the invention the compressor (1) and the further heat pump component (2) are designed to be firmly connected to one another exclusively, on the one hand, via the fluid lines (3) which connect them and, on the other hand, via the spring elements (4, 5) connected to the housing (6) of the heat pump.