Linear Compressor Gas Bearing Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear compressors with gas bearing structures face issues such as reduced compression efficiency due to high refrigerant flow rates, orifice clogging by foreign substances, and complex designs that are difficult to implement.
Innovation Solution
A linear compressor design featuring a piston that reciprocates within a cylinder, with a frame surrounding the cylinder, utilizing a network of bearing inflow passages and a bearing side passage to distribute refrigerant effectively, reducing the amount of refrigerant needed for support and enhancing flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a relatively large amount of gas refrigerant is supplied to support the piston through multiple structures in the cylinder, then the piston support stability is improved, but the refrigerant flow rate in the entire system is reduced and compression efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The gas bearing structure is segmented into multiple independent flow paths (first gas flow path, second gas flow path, third gas flow path) with different functions. The first path supplies refrigerant to the outer circumferential surface for general support, while the second and third paths supply refrigerant to specific regions for enhanced support during suction and discharge strokes respectively. This segmentation allows optimized refrigerant distribution that maintains piston stability without requiring excessive refrigerant flow.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the piston-cylinder interface receive refrigerant with different characteristics. The outer circumferential surface receives refrigerant through the first gas flow path for general bearing support, while specific regions receive additional refrigerant through the second and third gas flow paths during specific strokes. This local quality approach ensures that refrigerant is supplied precisely where and when needed, improving support stability without increasing overall refrigerant consumption.
2Reliability
If multiple structures are formed in the cylinder for refrigerant flow, then the piston support is more stable, but the structure becomes complex and difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple gas flow paths (first, second, and third gas flow paths) are merged into a single integrated gas bearing structure within the cylinder. These paths share common components such as the gas inflow part and utilize the same basic structural framework, allowing complex multi-path refrigerant distribution to be achieved without proportionally increasing structural complexity. The merged structure simplifies manufacturing and implementation while maintaining reliable piston support.
3Reliability
If a gas bearing structure with multiple orifices is used to support the piston, then the support coverage is improved, but the risk of orifice clogging by foreign substances increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas bearing structure transitions from relying solely on radial orifices through the cylinder wall to a three-dimensional network of gas flow paths. The first gas flow path supplies refrigerant to the outer circumferential surface, while the second and third gas flow paths extend along the inner circumferential surface to provide support during suction and discharge strokes. This dimensional expansion provides multiple redundant pathways, reducing the criticality of any single orifice and minimizing clogging risk while maintaining comprehensive support coverage.
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 design effectively supports the piston with a smaller amount of refrigerant, increasing the overall system's refrigerant flow rate and improving compression efficiency while simplifying the structure for easier implementation.
Implementation Method 1
a gas bearing structure in which a refrigerant gas is supplied into a space between a cylinder and a piston to perform a bearing function
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a linear compressor. The linear compressor includes a piston, a cylinder, a frame, a first bearing gap formed between an inner circumferential surface of the frame and the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder, a second bearing gap formed between an inner circumferential surface of the cylinder and the outer circumferential surface of the piston, a bearing inflow passage and a bearing side passage formed in the cylinder such that fluid flows from the first bearing gap to the second bearing gap.