Discharge Valve Spring Damping in Linear Compressors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Linear compressors experience vibration and noise during operation, which are transferred to the compressor casing, causing vibration noise due to the support device, leading to potential damage and increased noise levels.

Innovation Solution

A linear compressor design featuring a valve spring with a central portion connected to a discharge valve, including spirally extending spring arms and a rubber damper to absorb and block vibration and noise, preventing direct contact between the compressor body and shell, and utilizing a spring support portion to stabilize the valve spring, thereby reducing noise transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the support device directly connects the compressor body to the shell, then the compressor body is stably supported, but vibration and noise are transferred to the shell causing vibration noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport stabilityVSAvoidvibration noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a vibration isolation component as an intermediary element between the support device and the shell. This mediator absorbs and dampens vibration signals, preventing them from being transmitted to the shell while maintaining the support function. The vibration isolation component acts as a buffer that decouples the direct mechanical connection, thereby reducing noise transmission without compromising structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies vibration damping material or cushioning elements in advance at the contact interfaces between the support device and the shell. This beforehand cushioning creates a protective layer that absorbs vibration energy before it can propagate to the shell, preventing the generation of vibration noise while maintaining proper support functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Productivity

If the compressor body operates at high speed, then compression efficiency is improved, but vibration and noise increase

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

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration isolation component serves as a mediator that allows the compressor body to operate at high speeds for improved compression efficiency while simultaneously filtering out the resulting vibrations. The intermediary element absorbs the high-frequency vibrations generated during high-speed operation, preventing them from being transmitted to the shell and converted into noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical parameters of the support system by introducing materials with specific damping characteristics. By changing the mechanical impedance and vibration absorption parameters of the support structure, the system can accommodate high-speed operation and improved compression efficiency while controlling vibration and noise levels through optimized material properties and structural design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 vibration and noise transmission to the shell, enhancing the operational stability and reducing noise levels, particularly in the 4 kHz to 5 kHz frequency range, by physically separating and attenuating the vibration source closest to the discharge valve.

Implementation Method 1

a rubber damper connecting the first spring arm and the second spring arm and configured to fix relative positions of the first spring arm and the second spring arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

a rubber damper connecting the first spring arm and the second spring arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3795827B1Linear compressor
Publication Date: 2023.03.22 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3795827B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3795827B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3795827B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Disclosed is a linear compressor including a cylinder, a discharge valve, a valve spring pressing the discharge valve to close one side of the cylinder, and a spring support portion providing a support point for the valve spring to press the discharge valve, wherein the valve spring includes a first spring arm whose center is connected to the discharge valve and extending spirally, a second spring arm spaced apart from the first spring arm by a predetermined distance with respect to an axial direction of the cylinder and extending spirally toward an outer portion according to a shape of the first spring arm, and a rubber damper connecting the first spring arm and the second spring arm and fixing relative positions of the first spring arm and the second spring arm.