Linear Compressor Spring Assembly Air Gap Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Linear compressors in refrigerator appliances 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
A linear compressor design incorporating a spring assembly with a machined spring that supports the inner back iron assembly, maintaining a uniform air gap and reducing friction by using a machined spring with helical portions to couple cylindrical portions, and a compliant coupling that decouples side pull forces, ensuring efficient operation with a single air gap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If multiple air gaps are provided between the magnet and the driving coil, then the magnetic field transmission is interrupted, but the air gap uniformity is easier to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the air gap configuration from multiple gaps into a single air gap between the magnet and the driving coil. This eliminates the magnetic field interruption caused by multiple gaps while maintaining uniformity through the spring assembly's alignment function. The single air gap design combines the benefits of continuous magnetic field transmission with uniform gap maintenance.
2Loss of energy
If the piston is not suitably aligned within the chamber, then the friction between the piston and the chamber wall is reduced, but the piston alignment is harder to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the piston and the chamber wall. It provides continuous alignment force that keeps the piston centered within the chamber during reciprocating motion, thereby minimizing friction losses without requiring complex alignment mechanisms. The spring's elastic properties allow it to maintain alignment while accommodating motion.
3Loss of energy
If a single air gap is used between the magnet and the driving coil, then the magnetic field transmission is improved, but the air gap uniformity is harder to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly introduces dynamic adjustment capability to maintain the single air gap uniformity. As the piston moves during reciprocating motion, the spring dynamically adjusts the magnet position to maintain a uniform air gap, compensating for manufacturing tolerances and motion-induced variations. This dynamic adjustment ensures consistent magnetic field transmission throughout the operating cycle.
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 design enhances the efficiency of the linear compressor by reducing friction and maintaining a uniform air gap, leading to improved performance and reliability by minimizing side pull forces and dampening effects.
Implementation Method 1
A spring assembly includes a first cylindrical portion, a second cylindrical portion, a third cylindrical portion, a first helical portion and a second helical portion
Implementation Method 2
A driving coil mounted to the casing, and an inner back iron assembly is positioned in the driving coil
Implementation Method 3
A magnet is mounted to the inner back iron assembly at the outer surface of the inner back iron assembly such that the magnet faces the driving coil
Data Source
AI summary
A linear compressor is provided. The linear compressor includes a spring assembly. An inner back iron assembly is fixed to the spring assembly at a middle portion of the spring assembly. A driving coil is operable to move the inner back iron assembly in order to reciprocate a piston within a chamber of a cylinder assembly. A related spring assembly is also provided.