Linear compressor

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Solution Overview

Problem

In linear compressors, high-temperature refrigerant discharge leads to heat transfer to the suction side, reducing operating efficiency due to the refrigerant flowing through gaps between the discharge cover and the cylinder, causing increased suction refrigerant temperature.

Innovation Solution

A discharge passage is defined in the discharge cover assembly, directly connected to the frame channel, with a bearing sealer to prevent refrigerant leakage and heat transfer, guiding the refrigerant flow to minimize heat transfer to the suction side by directing it through the inner space rather than the outer circumferential surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the discharge refrigerant flows through the gap between the discharge cover and the cylinder, then the discharge passage is simple to manufacture, but the high-temperature refrigerant transfers heat to the suction side, reducing operating efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge passage structureVSAvoidheat transfer to suction side

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge cover is divided into multiple functional regions: a discharge passage region with a defined flow path for refrigerant, and a sealed region where the bearing sealer prevents unwanted heat transfer. This segmentation allows the refrigerant to flow through a controlled path while preventing heat transfer to the suction side through proper sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing sealer acts as an intermediary element between the discharge cover and the frame. It provides a sealing function that prevents the high-temperature discharge refrigerant from leaking into the suction side region, thereby reducing unwanted heat transfer while maintaining the simplicity of the discharge passage structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the discharge refrigerant is allowed to spread to the outer circumferential surface of the discharge cover, then the flow path is straightforward, but the heat transfer to surrounding structures increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefrigerant flowVSAvoiddischarge refrigerant temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge cover is designed with localized functional zones: the bearing sealer is positioned specifically at the interface between the discharge cover and frame to prevent refrigerant leakage only in the critical heat transfer region. This allows the refrigerant to flow freely in the discharge passage while preventing heat transfer at the specific location where it would otherwise contact surrounding structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing sealer, which could be seen as adding complexity to the discharge cover design, actually converts a potential harmful effect (uncontrolled refrigerant leakage and heat transfer) into a beneficial outcome (reduced heat transfer to suction side). The sealing element transforms the uncontrolled thermal interaction into a controlled flow path that maintains efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 heat transfer from high-temperature refrigerant to the suction side, enhancing the operating efficiency of the compressor by maintaining lower suction refrigerant temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

a bearing sealer may be provided on the hole to prevent a high-temperature refrigerant from leaking to a structure surrounding the discharge cover by getting out of the discharge passage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

The linear compressor may employ a 'gas bearing' technology in which a refrigerant gas is supplied to an outer circumferential surface of a piston to serve as a bearing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas bearing: Air Lubrication

Implementation Method 3

the high-temperature refrigerant transfers heat to a frame or the cylinder coupled to the discharge cover

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11761683B2Linear compressor

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A linear compressor includes a hole that is defined in a discharge cover, and is configured such that a portion of a refrigerant discharged through an opened discharge valve is guided to flow to the hole. Accordingly, a discharge passage for the refrigerant used as a gas bearing may be easily defined.