Linear Compressor Component Arrangement Vibration Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing linear compressors based on resonant oscillating mechanisms face issues with vibration variability and frequency coincidences due to unbalanced mass or stiffness, leading to increased vibration and potential non-operation, especially when the neutral point oscillation is not zero.

Innovation Solution

The arrangement includes a resonant spring, magnet, piston, intermediate element with an axially flexible surface, and flat springs, where the axially flexible surfaces of the intermediate element are aligned with the neutral point of the resonant spring, and the flat springs' binding structures are axially aligned with the attaching means, providing fixed angular positioning and reduced vibration variability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an intermediate element is added between the compressor shell and the resonant spring, then the axial stiffness for positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An intermediate element is introduced between the compressor shell and the resonant spring to serve as a mediator that provides axial stiffness for positioning while allowing transverse flexibility. This intermediate element resolves the contradiction by enabling stable axial positioning without overly complicating the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate element exhibits different mechanical properties in different directions: it is stiff in the axial direction to maintain positioning, but flexible in the transverse direction to accommodate resonant oscillations. This local differentiation of mechanical properties allows the system to achieve positioning stability without excessive structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If the resonant oscillating mechanism is used, then the compression efficiency is improved, but the vibration variability increases due to unbalanced mass or stiffness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression efficiencyVSAvoidvibration variability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the physical parameters of the resonant spring and intermediate element to optimize the resonant frequency and reduce vibration variability. By carefully selecting spring constants, masses, and geometric parameters, the system maintains high compression efficiency while minimizing harmful vibrations caused by unbalanced mass or stiffness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the neutral point oscillation is not zero, then the resonant mechanism can adapt to non-ideal situations, but frequency coincidences occur leading to increased vibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational adaptabilityVSAvoidvibration level
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system utilizes the oscillation behavior of the resonant spring as feedback to maintain stable operation. By designing the intermediate element with specific damping characteristics, the system can accommodate non-zero neutral point oscillations and adapt to varying operating conditions without experiencing resonant frequency coincidences that would lead to excessive vibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This configuration effectively reduces vibration levels and avoids frequency coincidences, ensuring stable operation by maintaining axial movement and transverse stiffness, thus enhancing the reliability of the compressor.

Implementation Method 1

the piston (which glides in the interior of a cylinder, promoting the compression of a working fluid) and the linear engine (fundamentally composed by a fixed stator and a movable magnet) have their motion dynamics defined by means of a body with resilient features and which is susceptible of resonant linear vibration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonant oscillation: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

a resonant helical spring, wherein said piston (together with corresponding attaching elements thereof) is arranged in one of the ends of the resilient element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

at least one flat spring, which defines at least one binding structure... providing fixed angular positioning and reduced vibration variability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2729703B1Arrangement of components of a linear compressor
Publication Date: 2019.08.14 EMBRACO IND DE COMPRESSORES E SOLUCOES EM REFRIGERACAO LTDA
  • EP2729703B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2.1
  • EP2729703B1 patent drawingFigure 2.2~3.1
  • EP2729703B1 patent drawingFigure 3.2

AI summary

The present invention refers to the arrangement of components comprised in a linear compressor (1), which is fundamentally composed by at least one resonant oscillating mechanism comprising at least one resonant spring (2) which defines at least one neutral point (21), at least one magnet (3) and at least one piston (4); at least one intermediate element (5) which defines an axially flexible surface (51 ); at least one flat spring (6) which defines at least one binding structure (62); at least one shell (7); and at least one attaching means (8).