Linear compressor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Linear compressors face issues with heat transfer from high-temperature refrigerant causing overheating, reduced compression efficiency, and vibration transmission due to their design, leading to inefficiencies and noise.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a shell cover for enhanced heat dissipation, an insulation member to prevent heat transfer to the cylinder, and a reinforced shell structure to increase natural frequency and reduce noise, along with specific configurations for the discharge unit and frame to manage heat and vibration effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature of discharge cover and frameVSAvoidcompression efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shell is divided into a shell body and separate shell covers (suction shell cover and discharge shell cover) that are coupled to the ends of the shell body. This segmentation allows the discharge shell cover to be specifically designed with heat dissipation structures while maintaining the overall sealing and functional integrity of the shell, thereby reducing heat transfer to the frame and improving compression efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If the frame, piston, and cylinder are disposed to contact each other for structural support, then mechanical stability is achieved, but heat is easily transferred from the frame to the piston and cylinder by conduction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidtemperature of piston and cylinder

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

A heat insulation member is introduced as an intermediary between the frame and the cylinder. This heat insulation member has a heat insulation coefficient lower than that of the frame material, thereby reducing heat conduction from the overheated frame to the piston and cylinder, while still maintaining the mechanical stability and structural support function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If the suction refrigerant is cooled by the frame, then the refrigerant circulation is maintained, but the overheated frame transfers heat to the suction refrigerant causing it to increase in volume and deteriorate compression efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature of suction refrigerantVSAvoidcompression efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

A heat insulation member is disposed between the frame and the cylinder to act as a thermal barrier. This intermediary reduces the heat transfer from the overheated frame to the suction refrigerant, preventing the refrigerant from increasing in volume due to overheating, thereby maintaining compression efficiency while still allowing the refrigerant circulation to function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of manufacture

If the shell is designed with simple structure, then manufacturing ease is improved, but vibration is well transmitted to the outside through the shell

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidvibration transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shell is designed with a multi-component structure including a shell body and coupled shell covers, creating a more complex but effective configuration that reduces vibration transmission. The coupling structures and potential damping materials in the assembled shell design reduce the transmission of vibration from the reciprocating piston to the outside, while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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, maintains compression efficiency, and minimizes noise and vibration, enhancing the overall performance of the linear compressor.

Implementation Method 1

The permanent magnet is driven to linearly reciprocate by electromagnetic force between the permanent magnet and the inner (or outer) stator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

the shell cover provided in a shape that assists heat dissipation of a frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

an insulation member seated on a front surface of a cylinder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS11092361B2Linear compressor

Publication Date: 2021.08.17 LG ELECTRONICS INC

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.