Linear compressor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Linear compressors face challenges in stabilizing the compressor body within a shell, leading to vibration and potential mechanical failure due to inadequate radial support, which increases the size of the compressor and reduces installation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A support device is implemented to radially support the compressor body within the shell, reducing the length of the support structure and minimizing the shell's size, while maintaining stability and preventing vibration transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the compressor body is supported only in the axial direction by the support device, then the axial stability is improved, but the radial support is insufficient causing vibration and mechanical failure
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is divided into multiple independent support units (first support units and second support units) that can provide support in different directions. Each support unit consists of a support leg and a support plate, creating modular segments that collectively provide both axial and radial support capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from one-dimensional axial support to three-dimensional support by adding radially extending support legs. The support legs extend in the radial direction from the support plate, creating a spatial support network that addresses vibration in multiple directions simultaneously.
2Reliability
If the support device is extended to provide radial support, then the radial stability is improved, but the length of the support structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support legs are positioned within the radial clearance between the compressor body and the shell, nesting the support structure within the existing spatial envelope. This allows radial support without increasing the overall radial dimensions of the compressor.
Solution Approach 2:
The support legs extend only partially in the radial direction, just enough to provide stable support within the available clearance space. This partial extension provides sufficient radial stability without maximizing the support structure length, achieving adequate support with minimal dimension increase.
3Shape
If the compressor body droops to the bottom surface by its own weight, then the axial position is determined, but the radial alignment deteriorates causing piston reciprocation away from central axis
Solution Approach 1:
The radially extending support legs act as counterbalancing elements that oppose the drooping tendency of the compressor body. By providing upward and lateral support forces through the support legs, the structure counteracts gravitational effects and maintains proper radial alignment of the piston with the central axis.
4Reliability
If additional support structures are added for radial support, then the radial stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides axial support through the support plate, radial support through the extended legs, vibration damping, and positional stabilization. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
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.