Linear Compressor Gas Bearing Passages for Stable Piston Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear compressors with gas bearing structures require a large amount of refrigerant to effectively support the piston, which reduces the flow rate and compression efficiency, and are prone to orifice closure due to foreign substances, leading to potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A linear compressor design featuring a bearing inflow passage system with a narrow first passage and a larger second passage to accommodate a smaller amount of refrigerant, where the first passage acts as an orifice to restrict flow and the second passage supports the piston with a pocket-like structure, maintaining high pressure and preventing orifice closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large amount of gas refrigerant is supplied to the gas bearing to effectively support the piston, then the piston support effectiveness is improved, but the flow rate of the refrigerant in the whole system is reduced and compression efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gas bearing structure is segmented into multiple independent passages (first gas passage, second gas passage, third gas passage) instead of using a single large passage. This segmentation allows the refrigerant flow to be distributed across multiple paths, reducing the required amount of refrigerant while maintaining adequate bearing support for the piston.
Solution Approach 2:
Different passages are designed with different cross-sectional areas to optimize local flow characteristics. The first gas passage has a smaller cross-sectional area for restricted flow control, while the second and third passages have larger areas for adequate refrigerant supply to the bearing surface, creating localized quality variations that improve overall efficiency.
2Reliability
If a large amount of gas refrigerant is supplied to the gas bearing to effectively support the piston, then the piston support effectiveness is improved, but the flow rate of the refrigerant in the whole system is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The gas bearing structure is segmented into multiple independent passages (first gas passage, second gas passage, third gas passage) instead of using a single large passage. This segmentation allows the refrigerant flow to be distributed across multiple paths, reducing the required amount of refrigerant while maintaining adequate bearing support for the piston.
Solution Approach 2:
The first gas passage is designed with a restricted cross-sectional area that provides just enough flow control to maintain bearing pressure without excessive refrigerant consumption. This partial action approach supplies the minimum necessary refrigerant for effective piston support while preserving overall system flow rate.
3Ease of operation
If an orifice is provided from the gas inflow part to the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder, then the gas refrigerant can be supplied to the piston, but the orifice may be closed by foreign substances contained in the gas refrigerant
Solution Approach 1:
The single orifice structure is segmented into multiple passages (first gas passage, second gas passage, third gas passage). This segmentation ensures that if foreign substances block one passage, the other passages remain open and functional, maintaining reliable gas refrigerant supply to the piston.
Solution Approach 2:
The design anticipates the potential harm of foreign substance accumulation by providing multiple alternative flow paths before the orifice can be completely blocked. This prior cushioning approach ensures continuous operation even when some passages become partially obstructed.
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 the refrigerant flow rate required for gas bearing, increases compression efficiency, and effectively supports the piston with a smaller amount of refrigerant, while preventing damage from foreign substances by maintaining high pressure and stable support.
Implementation Method 1
The first bearing inflow passage may be provided as an orifice that restricts a flow of the bearing refrigerant. The first bearing inflow passage may have a very narrow cross-sectional area.
Implementation Method 2
a gas bearing structure in which a refrigerant gas is supplied into a space between a cylinder and a piston to perform a bearing function
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a linear compressor. The linear compressor includes a piston, a cylinder, and a bearing inflow passage. The bearing inflow passage includes a first bearing inflow passage extending inward from an outer circumferential surface of the cylinder in the radial direction and a second bearing inflow passage extending from the first bearing inflow passage to an inner circumferential surface of the cylinder. The second bearing inflow passage extends from the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder in a circumferential direction.