Linear Compressor Cylinder Cooling via Flange Air Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear compressors face issues with reduced compression efficiency due to high cylinder temperatures, which are not effectively dissipated, leading to increased refrigerant temperatures and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
The linear compressor design incorporates a hole in the first flange portion that communicates with an air layer between the flange and the cylinder, allowing for heat transfer from the cylinder to the frame, thereby reducing the cylinder temperature and improving heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the cylinder is fixed directly to the frame without an air layer, then heat dissipation is improved, but the cylinder and frame cannot be perfectly aligned due to tolerance, causing assembly difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a first air layer between the cylinder and frame that serves as a thermal conduit while accommodating dimensional tolerances. This air layer acts as an intermediary element that enables both heat transfer and assembly flexibility, resolving the contradiction between heat dissipation requirements and manufacturing alignment tolerances.
2Power
If the refrigerant is heated in the compression chamber, then compression is achieved, but the suction refrigerant temperature increases leading to reduced compression efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary cooling by conducting heat from the compression chamber through the piston to a second air layer between the piston and cylinder head, before the refrigerant enters the suction chamber. This preliminary heat removal action prevents excessive temperature buildup, maintaining higher compression efficiency while still achieving effective compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The second air layer between the piston and cylinder head serves as a thermal intermediary, facilitating heat transfer from the compression chamber to the cylinder head without requiring direct contact between hot components. This intermediary heat transfer path enables efficient cooling while maintaining the compression function.
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 enhances compression efficiency by reducing cylinder temperatures, which in turn lowers the refrigerant temperature, improving the overall performance of the linear compressor.
Implementation Method 1
a first air layer between the outer surface of the cylinder and the inner surface of the first flange portion, wherein the first air layer is in communication with a hole of the first flange portion through which the refrigerant flows
Implementation Method 2
suction flow path extending from the suction chamber to the compression chamber along the outer circumference of the piston, wherein the suction flow path contacts the outer circumference of the piston
Data Source
AI summary
A linear compressor is provided. The linear compressor includes a shell, a frame disposed in the shell, the frame including a body portion and a first flange portion extending radially from a front of the body portion, a cylinder fixed to the body portion, and a piston disposed in the cylinder and configured to reciprocate axially. The first flange portion includes a hole penetrating a front surface and an inner surface of the first flange portion.