Linear Compressor Intake Muffler with Communication Hole
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear compressors face challenges in noise reduction due to limited space, which affects their efficiency and reliability, especially in oil lubricated compressors where oil shortages can occur.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a second muffler unit with an additional expansion room, including a second intake muffler and a muffler body, which provides improved noise filtering characteristics and space efficiency by creating additional expansion spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a muffler unit is coupled to the piston for noise reduction, then noise filtering is improved, but the available space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The muffler unit is divided into two separate mufflers (first muffler and second muffler) instead of using a single integrated muffler. This segmentation allows each muffler to be smaller in individual size while collectively providing sufficient noise reduction capability within the limited space constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The second muffler is positioned in the axial direction rather than only in the radial direction. This dimensional change allows the muffler unit to utilize available axial space, effectively increasing the total volume for noise reduction without compromising the radial space requirements of other components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the second muffler unit provides additional expansion room for improved noise filtering, then noise reduction efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second muffler serves multiple functions: it provides additional expansion room for improved noise filtering, acts as a structural support element, and helps define the intake passage geometry. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second muffler is integrated with the piston structure and the intake passage system rather than being a completely separate component. This merging approach allows the additional noise reduction functionality to be achieved while sharing structural elements and minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
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 configuration enhances noise reduction efficiency and improves space efficiency, reducing the risk of oil shortages and maintaining compressor reliability.
Implementation Method 1
An outer circumferential surface of the second intake muffler defines a first communication hole that fluidly communicates an inside of the second intake muffler with a first space that is defined radially between the second intake muffler and the muffler body
Data Source
AI summary
A linear compressor includes a cylinder, a piston axially reciprocating in the cylinder, a first muffler unit coupled to the piston, a back cover that is disposed at a rear of the piston and defines an opening at a radially central area, and a second muffler unit coupled to the opening. The first muffler unit includes an inner guide disposed in the piston and a first intake muffler disposed at a rear of the inner guide. The second muffler unit includes a second intake muffler that communicates with the first intake muffler and is coupled to the opening, and a muffler body surrounding the second intake muffler. An outer circumferential surface of the second intake muffler defines a first communication hole communicating an inside of the second intake muffler with a space between the second intake muffler and the muffler body.