Linear Compressor Discharge Cover Segmentation for Pulsation Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing linear compressor has a large volume, which occupies excessive space in the machine room of refrigerators, and reducing its size to increase storage space compromises performance due to increased drive frequency, leading to friction and noise issues from pulsating refrigerant flow.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a discharge cover with multiple stacked covers and a connection pipe to elongate the discharge passage, optimizing the volume ratio of discharge spaces and reducing pulsation, while maintaining a compact size to enhance storage space and minimize noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If the linear compressor size is reduced to increase storage space, then the machine room volume decreases, but the drive frequency increases causing friction and performance deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine room volumeVSAvoidcompressor performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge cover is divided into multiple stacked covers (first cover, second cover, third cover) that create separate discharge spaces. This segmentation allows the refrigerant to flow through multiple discrete chambers, reducing pulsation effects while maintaining a compact overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The discharge passage is elongated by stacking covers in the axial direction rather than expanding radially. This dimensional approach allows for a longer flow path and larger total discharge space volume without increasing the radial footprint, thus reducing pulsation while keeping the compressor compact.

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

2Productivity

If the drive frequency is increased to compensate for reduced compressor size, then the compression performance is maintained, but friction force from oil circulation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression performanceVSAvoidfriction force
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful pulsating flow is extracted and isolated into separate discharge spaces within the stacked covers. By separating the flow path into distinct chambers, the pulsation effects are minimized, reducing the friction force on the refrigerant and oil circulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If a single discharge cover is used, then the structure is simple, but the discharge space volume is limited and pulsation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge cover structureVSAvoidpulsation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge cover structure is segmented into multiple stacked covers creating separate discharge spaces. This segmentation increases the total discharge space volume and allows the refrigerant to flow through multiple chambers, significantly reducing pulsation effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple discharge spaces are stacked in the axial direction, utilizing the vertical dimension to increase total volume without expanding the radial footprint. This maintains structural compactness while effectively reducing pulsation through extended flow path.

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 configuration reduces pulsation and noise, maintains performance by minimizing friction, and allows for a smaller machine room footprint, thereby increasing storage space within refrigerators.

Implementation Method 1

a spring assembly coupled to the discharge valve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The permanent magnet may linearly reciprocate by an electromagnetic force between the permanent magnet and the inner (or outer) stator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP3242021B1Linear compressor
Publication Date: 2021.11.17 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3242021B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3242021B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3242021B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A linear compressor is provided. The linear compressor may include a discharge cover including a plurality of covers stacked in an axial direction.