Linear Compressor Elastic Support Eliminates Slide Bearings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Linear compressors used in compact refrigeration systems face issues with vibration, noise generation, and limited lifespan due to the use of slide bearings, which also require lubrication and increase dimensions and weight.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a linear compressor design that minimizes lateral loads on reciprocating parts using elastic means, such as resonant helical springs, to support lateral loads and maintain alignment, eliminating the need for slide bearings and lubrication, while allowing for phase-opposed displacement of the piston and actuating means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If slide bearings are used to guide the movable part of the motor, then lateral movements are prevented and alignment is maintained, but friction increases, lifetime is limited due to wear, noise is generated, and lubrication is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the slide bearing component entirely from the system. Instead of using a bearing to guide the movable part, the invention uses elastic means (springs) to provide guidance and support, completely extracting the problematic bearing element that caused friction, wear, and noise issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical slide bearing system with an elastic spring-based guidance system. The movable part is guided by elastic means that provide lateral support without contact friction, substituting a high-friction mechanical contact system with a low-friction elastic deformation system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If slide bearings are used to guide the movable part, then alignment is maintained, but noise is generated due to contact between movable parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the slide bearing component that generates noise through contact. By eliminating the bearing entirely and using elastic springs for guidance, the source of contact noise is extracted from the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the contact-based mechanical bearing system with a non-contact elastic spring system, substituting a noise-generating frictional contact mechanism with a quiet elastic deformation mechanism.
3Volume of moving object
If compact dimensions are pursued for electronic appliance refrigeration, then miniaturization is achieved, but space for lubrication systems and bearings is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary components (slide bearings, lubrication systems) from the compact compressor design, extracting only the essential functional elements needed for operation, thereby achieving miniaturization without compromising manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical bearing and lubrication systems with simple elastic spring mechanisms, substituting multi-component mechanical subsystems with compact elastic elements that require no lubrication and minimal space.
4Force
If slide bearings are used, then lateral loads are supported, but friction increases requiring lubrication oil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the slide bearing and lubrication oil system from the design, extracting the friction-based load support mechanism and replacing it with an elastic spring system that supports lateral loads through deformation rather than friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the friction-based bearing lubrication system with an elastic spring guidance system, substituting a substance-consuming (oil) mechanical contact system with a substance-free elastic deformation system.
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 reduces friction, noise, and weight, while maintaining compressor efficiency and compactness, allowing for operation without lubricant oil and minimizing axial misalignments, thus enhancing the compressor's reliability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a supporting elastic means connecting the actuating means to the shell and presenting a radial stiffness capable to support the lateral loads actuating on the assembly defined by the movable part of the linear electric motor and by the actuating means
Implementation Method 2
presenting a radial stiffness capable to support the lateral loads actuating on the assembly defined by the movable part of the linear electric motor and by the actuating means
Implementation Method 3
said supporting elastic means presenting a minimum axial stiffness, so as to allow the desired displacement of the piston and of the actuating means
Data Source
AI summary
The linear compressor comprises a shell (10) which affixes a cylinder (20) defining a compression chamber (21) housing a piston (30); a linear electric motor (40) having a fixed part (41) and a reciprocating movable part (42); an actuating means (50) driven by the movable part (42); an elastic means (60a) coupling the actuating means (50) to the piston (30), so that they are reciprocated in phase opposition. A supporting elastic means (70) connects the actuating means (50) to the shell (10) and presents a radial stiffness for supporting the lateral loads actuating on said movable part (42) and actuating means (50), and for minimizing the axial misalignments between the movable part (42) and the fixed part (41) of the linear electric motor (40), the supporting elastic means (70) presenting a minimum axial stiffness for allowing the displacement of both the piston (30) and the actuating means (50).