Linear Compressor Shell Cover Design for Frame Heat Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Linear compressors face issues with heat transfer from high-temperature refrigerant causing overheating, which reduces compression efficiency and introduces vibrations, and require additional components for noise reduction and impact protection.

Innovation Solution

A linear compressor design featuring a shell cover for enhanced heat dissipation, insulation members to prevent heat transfer to the cylinder, and a reinforced shell structure to reduce noise and vibrations, along with a discharge shell cover extending to the frame and cylinder for improved heat management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the compressed high-temperature refrigerant is discharged through the discharge cover, then the refrigerant compression function is achieved, but the discharge cover and frame are overheated due to heat transfer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefrigerant compression functionVSAvoiddischarge cover and frame temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

A heat dissipation member is introduced as an intermediary component between the discharge cover and the frame. This heat dissipation member acts as a thermal mediator that facilitates heat transfer from the overheated discharge cover to the frame in a controlled manner, preventing direct overheating of the discharge cover while managing the thermal energy effectively

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat generated by the compressed high-temperature refrigerant, which is initially a harmful factor causing overheating, is converted into a beneficial effect by using it to pre-cool the suction refrigerant through the heat dissipation member. The thermal energy that would otherwise be wasted is now utilized to improve the cooling efficiency of the system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Loss of energy

If heat is transferred from the frame to the piston and cylinder, then thermal energy is distributed throughout the system, but the suction refrigerant is overheated and compression efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat distributionVSAvoidcompression efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The heat dissipation member serves as a thermal intermediary that controls and directs heat flow. Instead of allowing uncontrolled heat transfer from the frame to the piston and cylinder, the heat dissipation member manages thermal energy distribution, directing it toward cooling the suction refrigerant while preventing excessive heat transfer to compression components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the thermal parameters of the system by introducing a dedicated heat dissipation pathway. This alters the temperature distribution parameters, maintaining lower temperatures in the discharge cover and frame while optimizing the thermal state of the suction refrigerant for improved compression efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If the shell structure is used to contain the compressor components, then structural support is provided, but vibrations from the reciprocating piston are transmitted to the outside

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidvibration transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A vibration damping member is introduced as an intermediary element between the shell structure and the external environment. This damping member acts as a mechanical mediator that absorbs and dissipates vibration energy from the reciprocating piston, preventing direct transmission of vibrations to the outside while maintaining the structural integrity of the shell

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively reduces heat transfer to the suction refrigerant, maintains compression efficiency, minimizes noise transmission, and enhances structural integrity by dissipating heat and reducing vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

a heat dissipation member extending from the discharge cover to the frame and having a heat dissipation surface facing a refrigerant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a heat dissipation member extending from the discharge cover to the frame and having a heat dissipation surface facing a refrigerant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

an insulation member disposed between the discharge cover and the cylinder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 4

a heat dissipation member extending from the discharge cover to the frame and having a heat dissipation surface facing a refrigerant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3587811B1Linear compressor
Publication Date: 2021.03.10 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3587811B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3587811B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3587811B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Provided is a linear compressor. The linear compressor includes a shell defining an internal space and a compressor body disposed in the internal space. Also, the shell includes a shell body having both ends that are opened and a suction shell cover and a discharge shell cover, which are respectively coupled to both the ends of the shell body to close the internal space. Here, the discharge shell cover is provided in shape that is capable of assisting heat dissipation of the frame.