Linear Compressor Planar Spring Assemblies Air Gap Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Linear compressors face efficiency issues due to friction between the piston and the chamber wall, and maintaining a uniform air gap between the magnet and the driving coil is challenging, leading to suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a linear compressor design featuring a pair of planar spring assemblies mounted to the inner back iron assembly, which supports the inner back iron and maintains a uniform air gap, reducing friction and improving magnetic field transmission by ensuring only a single air gap is present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If multiple air gaps are provided (between magnet and driving coil, and between magnet and inner back iron), then the linear compressor can be assembled, but magnetic field transmission is interrupted and operation is negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the driving coil and inner back iron into a single integrated assembly, eliminating the air gap between them. This consolidation ensures continuous magnetic field transmission from the driving coil through the inner back iron to the magnet, resolving the energy loss caused by multiple air gaps while simplifying the overall structure.
2Reliability
If a uniform air gap is maintained between magnet and driving coil, then magnetic field transmission is optimized, but this becomes difficult to achieve and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-magnetic spacer as an intermediary component between the inner back iron and the magnet. This spacer precisely defines and maintains a uniform air gap distance, ensuring consistent magnetic field transmission while simplifying the manufacturing process by providing a built-in positioning feature that eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures.
3Loss of energy
If the piston is not suitably aligned within the chamber, then assembly is easier, but friction between piston and chamber wall increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces alignment features as intermediary elements that mediate between the piston and chamber. These features guide the piston into proper alignment during assembly and operation, ensuring the piston remains centrally positioned within the chamber to minimize friction losses while not requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates alignment features that preemptively compensate for potential misalignment issues. By built-in guiding surfaces and positioning elements, the design prevents friction problems before they occur, allowing for slightly broader manufacturing tolerances while maintaining optimal piston alignment and minimizing energy losses.
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 the efficiency of the linear compressor by reducing friction and maintaining a consistent air gap, leading to improved performance and reduced energy losses.
Implementation Method 1
A first planar spring assembly is mounted to the inner back iron assembly at the first end portion of the inner back iron assembly. A second planar spring assembly is mounted to the inner back iron assembly at the second end portion of the inner back iron assembly.
Implementation Method 2
The driving coil receives a current that generates a force for sliding the piston forward and backward within a chamber.
Implementation Method 3
The driving coil engages a magnet on a mover assembly of the linear compressor in order to reciprocate the piston within the chamber.
Data Source
AI summary
A linear compressor is provided. The linear compressor includes a pair of planar spring assemblies mounted to an inner back iron assembly at opposite sides of the inner back iron assembly. A magnet is mounted to the inner back iron assembly at an outer surface of the back iron assembly.