Integrated Stator Support Elements in Compressor Motor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compressors for refrigerant require complex machining processes and assembly restrictions due to stator support elements, necessitating a reduction in end winding diameter to avoid collisions during assembly, which complicates manufacturing and assembly.

Innovation Solution

The stator support elements are integrated into the stator core, allowing for simplified machining and assembly, improved cooling through refrigerant flow, and increased flow cross-section without increasing the compressor's outer diameter or length, with support elements arranged to maintain or reduce the radial distance of end windings from the axis of rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If stator support elements are provided separately on the stator core, then the stator can be supported in the housing sleeve, but the machining process becomes complicated and assembly restrictions occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestator supportVSAvoidmachining process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stator support elements are integrated directly into the stator core structure, merging two previously separate components (stator core and support elements) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate machining of support elements and simplifies the overall manufacturing process while maintaining reliable stator support in the housing sleeve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If end winding outer diameter is reduced to avoid collision with stator support elements, then assembly is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveassemblyVSAvoidmanufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the support elements into the stator core, the invention eliminates the spatial conflict between end windings and separate support elements. This allows the end windings to maintain their required outer diameter for proper electrical function while still enabling smooth assembly, as there are no protruding support elements to collide with during the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If stator support elements are integrated into stator core, then machining is simplified, but cooling efficiency may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemachiningVSAvoidcooling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The support elements integrated into the stator core are designed with specific local characteristics - they include cooling channels or passages that allow refrigerant flow. This local modification ensures that while the overall structure is simplified through integration, the critical cooling function is maintained or even enhanced through the incorporated flow paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Temperature

If flow cross section is increased, then cooling efficiency improves, but outer diameter or length of housing sleeve must increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidhousing sleeve
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The support elements are designed with cooling channels that utilize the radial and axial dimensions efficiently. By creating three-dimensional cooling pathways within and around the support elements, the invention increases the effective flow cross-section for refrigerant without requiring an increase in the overall outer diameter or length of the housing sleeve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design simplifies manufacturing, enhances cooling efficiency, reduces the load on the bearing system, and allows for a more compact motor design by optimizing the arrangement of stator support elements and end windings, while maintaining or increasing the flow cross-section.

Implementation Method 1

a channel for guiding at least a portion of refrigerant entering through the suction inlet along an outer side of the stator before entering the compression unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

the stator support elements are fixed to the stator core enabling an improved cooling of the stator core by the flow of refrigerant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3342030B1compressor
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 BITZER KUEHLMASCHINENBAU GMBH
  • EP3342030B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3342030B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3342030B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a compressor for refrigerant having a compressor housing, said compressor housing being provided with a suction inlet and a pressure outlet, said compressor comprising a compression unit, arranged in a compression housing section of said compressor housing and an electric motor arranged in a motor housing section of said compressor housing, said electric motor comprising a stator arranged within a stator receiving sleeve of said motor housing section and a rotor surrounded by said stator and arranged on a drive shaft of said electric motor for rotation about an axis of rotation together with said drive shaft, said stator comprising a stator core having a stack of laminations and extending parallel to said axis of rotation from a first front side to a second front side, said stator having windings extending through said stator core and forming end windings arranged in front of said front surfaces, and a channel for guiding at least a portion of said refrigerant entering through said suction inlet along an outer side of said stator before entering said compression unit.