Linear Compressor Cylinder Alignment via Lock Ring Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Linear compressors face challenges in centering and alignment of the cylinder and frame, leading to passage resistance, increased manufacturing costs, vibration, and noise due to bolt coupling and press-fitting methods, which can result in deformation and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A coupling structure is introduced where the cylinder is inserted into a frame with a lock ring, preventing direct contact and using press rings to maintain spacing, thereby reducing vibration transmission and assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bolt coupling is used to connect the cylinder to the frame, then the connection strength is improved, but the alignment precision between cylinder center and frame center deteriorates due to difficulty in centering operation
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling part protruding from the cylinder outer circumferential surface and a groove in the frame top surface act as intermediary elements that facilitate precise alignment and centering between the cylinder and frame during assembly, while the bolt provides the connection strength
2Device complexity
If press-fitting method is used to insert the cylinder into the frame, then the assembly complexity is reduced, but the cylinder shape stability deteriorates due to deformation from high pressing force
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into multiple components: a coupling part on the cylinder, a groove in the frame, and a bolt as the coupling member. This segmentation allows for precise alignment without requiring high pressing forces, thus preventing cylinder deformation while maintaining assembly simplicity
3Strength
If the cylinder and frame are directly coupled without spacing, then the structural rigidity is improved, but the vibration and noise increase due to direct transmission of piston reciprocation vibration
Solution Approach 1:
A gas passage is introduced as an intermediary element between the cylinder and frame, maintaining a predetermined spacing that prevents direct contact. This allows the structural rigidity to be maintained through proper positioning while preventing the direct transmission of vibration and noise from the piston reciprocation to the frame
4Reliability
If multiple coupling points are used for bolt coupling, then the connection reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to additional processing and assembly processes
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling part and groove structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides precise alignment and centering, facilitates easy assembly with standard bolts, and ensures reliable connection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized processes, thereby controlling manufacturing costs while maintaining connection reliability
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 solution enhances alignment precision, reduces vibration and noise, and simplifies assembly by eliminating the need for separate coupling members, while preventing cylinder deformation and frame damage from high-pressure refrigerant expansion.
Implementation Method 1
A coupling structure is introduced where the cylinder is inserted into a frame with a lock ring, preventing direct contact and using press rings to maintain spacing
Data Source
AI summary
A linear compressor includes a frame including a frame body, a frame head that extends from a front end of the frame body, a flange groove defined in the frame head, and a body hole that passes through the frame body; a cylinder including a cylinder body inserted into the body hole, a cylinder flange, and a cylinder head provided on a front end of the cylinder flange; and a lock ring press-fitted to be coupled to the flange groove and provided in a space defined between the cylinder head and an inner circumferential surface of the flange groove.