Linear Compressor Coil Spring Support for Noise and Vibration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing linear compressors require a large number of components and bolts for assembly, leading to increased material costs, lengthy assembly times, and a high probability of bolting faults, while their plate spring support structure is inferior in noise and vibration absorption compared to coil spring structures.

Innovation Solution

A linear compressor design featuring a cylindrical shell with a coil spring support system that reduces the number of components and eliminates the need for separate coupling members, improving noise and vibration absorption by using a pair of damping units and coil springs to securely attach the compressor main body to the shell.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If plate springs are used to support the compressor main body, then the structure is simple, but the noise and vibration absorption capability is inferior

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise and vibration absorption capabilityVSAvoidsupport structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the spring support system by introducing coil springs with specific elasticity coefficients and damping coefficients, transforming the support structure from rigid plate springs to flexible coil springs with optimized mechanical properties for vibration absorption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite support structure combining coil springs with damping materials (such as rubber or viscoelastic compounds) to create a hybrid system that leverages both elastic deformation and energy dissipation mechanisms for superior noise and vibration control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If a large number of bolts and components are used to connect plate springs to the shell, then the connection is secure, but the material costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of components and bolts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the connection function into the coil spring assembly itself, where the spring ends are directly attached to mounting points on the shell and compressor body, eliminating the need for separate plate springs and multiple bolts, thus reducing component quantity while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components (plate springs and multiple coupling bolts) from the support system, retaining only the essential coil springs that perform both support and connection functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If a large number of components are used for assembly, then the connection is secure, but the assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple assembly steps into a single integrated coil spring installation process, where the spring serves as both the support element and the coupling mechanism, reducing the number of discrete assembly operations required while ensuring secure connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If plate springs are used to support the compressor main body, then the structure is simple, but the probability of bolting faults is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport structure complexityVSAvoidbolting fault probability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the bolted plate spring connection system entirely and replaces it with a direct coil spring mounting system that eliminates multiple bolting interfaces, thereby removing the sources of bolting faults while keeping the overall structure relatively simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 coil spring support system significantly reduces manufacturing costs, assembly time, and fault rates, while enhancing noise and vibration absorption capabilities compared to traditional plate spring structures.

Implementation Method 1

both ends of which are respectively coupled to a support head and the inner circumferential surface of the shell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a pair of damping units disposed at both ends of the support head in an inverted V shape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3438453B1Linear compressor
Publication Date: 2021.08.25 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3438453B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3438453B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3438453B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A linear compressor is provided that may include a shell having a cylindrical shape, a compressor main body inserted into the shell, a first shell cover coupled to a rear end of the shell, a first support coupled to a front end of the compressor main body that supports the front end of the compressor main body, and a second support that couples a rear end of the compressor main body to the first shell cover and supports the rear end of the compressor main body. The first support may include a support head coupled to a center of the front end of the compressor main body, and a pair of dampers having both ends respectively coupled to the support head and an inner circumferential surface of the shell.