Linear Compressor Magnetic Spring Reducing Mechanical Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear compressors face mechanical losses due to motion conversion and are not suitable for low-capacity, small-size applications due to limitations in piston stroke and magnetic flux leakage, leading to inefficiencies and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A linear compressor design that integrates a linear motor with a magnetic spring constant, using multiple permanent magnets arranged along the motion direction to enhance electromagnetic restoring forces, reducing mechanical spring constants and optimizing resonant frequency, allowing for a lighter, smaller, and more efficient compressor with reduced stroke length and increased cooling capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional reciprocal compressor is used to convert rotation force to reciprocal linear motion, then the compression function is achieved, but mechanical losses occur due to motion conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical motion conversion system (crankshaft, connecting rod) with a linear motor system that directly generates reciprocal linear motion through electromagnetic forces. The linear motor converts electrical energy directly to mechanical motion without intermediate mechanical conversion, eliminating the mechanical losses associated with crankshaft mechanisms.
2Productivity
If the piston stroke is increased to improve cooling capacity, then compression capacity increases, but magnetic flux leakage occurs leading to reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the permanent magnet into multiple sections along the piston stroke direction. This segmentation allows the magnetic flux to be contained within each segment, preventing leakage when the piston moves. The segmented structure enables longer stroke for higher cooling capacity while maintaining magnetic flux containment for reliability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical springs are used to support the piston, then the piston is elastically supported, but the compressor size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring support system with a magnetic spring system. The magnetic spring constant is generated by the interaction between the permanent magnet and the stator, providing elastic support for the piston without requiring physical mechanical springs. This substitution reduces the compressor's weight and size while maintaining piston support stability.
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
The design achieves a lightweight, compact compressor with improved efficiency, reduced mechanical spring requirements, and enhanced cooling capacity by leveraging magnetic spring constants and optimized motor characteristics, minimizing mechanical losses and stroke spreading influences.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent magnet performing reciprocal linear motion with the piston due to a mutual electromagnetic force in the air gap between the inner stator and the outer stator
Implementation Method 2
A linear compressor design that integrates a linear motor with a magnetic spring constant, using multiple permanent magnets arranged along the motion direction to enhance electromagnetic restoring forces
Data Source
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AI summary
A linear compressor according to the present invention can prevent leakage of a magnetic force by changing the construction of a linear motor. As the construction of the linear motor is changed, a mechanical spring constant is set smaller in consideration of a magnetic spring constant, so that the size of springs supporting a piston in the reciprocal linear motion direction can be reduced and components supporting the springs can be removed. Therefore, the linear compressor achieves a small size/a light weight. With the characteristics of the linear motor construction, the linear compressor can suppress a stroke spreading influence and easily expand a compression capacity according to a load.