Linear Compressor Radial Support to Reduce Vibration and Drooping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing linear compressors face challenges with vibration transmission and space efficiency due to the lack of effective radial support structures, leading to potential drooping of the compressor body and reduced refrigerant flow, as well as increased size and installation complexity.

Innovation Solution

A linear compressor design incorporating a first support device that radially supports the compressor body between the discharge cover and the shell, reducing the need for separate space and stabilizing the compressor body with a shorter support length, thereby minimizing vibration and noise transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If radial support devices are added to prevent drooping, then radial stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradial position stabilityVSAvoidsupport structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The radial support devices are merged with the existing axial support structure to form an integrated support system. By combining both support functions into a unified design, the overall complexity is minimized while achieving comprehensive stability in both axial and radial directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support devices are designed to serve multiple functions: providing both axial and radial support, reducing vibration, and maintaining compressor body alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Force

If the compressor body droops to the bottom surface, then gravity is naturally supported, but the drive unit piston reciprocates away from the central axis reducing refrigerant flow efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegravitational supportVSAvoidrefrigerant flow efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The radial support devices apply preliminary anti-gravity action in the radial direction, counteracting the drooping tendency before it can occur. By providing upward radial support, the system prevents the compressor body from drooping to the bottom surface, thereby maintaining central axis alignment and refrigerant flow efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of allowing gravity to act unopposed and then correcting the position, the system inverts the approach by actively counteracting gravitational drooping through radial support devices. This inversion maintains the compressor body in its optimal central position, ensuring efficient refrigerant flow throughout operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Device complexity

If the compressor body is not radially supported, then the structure remains simple, but vibration and noise are transmitted to the shell

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport structure simplicityVSAvoidvibration and noise transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The radial support devices act as intermediaries between the compressor body and the shell, absorbing and isolating vibration and noise. By introducing these intermediary support elements, the harmful vibrations are prevented from being directly transmitted to the shell, while the overall structural simplicity is maintained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3760865B1Linear compressor
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3760865B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP3760865B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3760865B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a linear compressor. The linear compressor includes a shell, a compressor body disposed in the shell, and a first support device coupled to a front portion of the compressor body in an axial direction to support the compressor body. The first support device may be disposed between an inner circumferential surface of the shell and the compressor body to support the compressor body in a radial direction.