Linear compressor

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Solution Overview

Problem

In linear compressors, the deformation of spring supports can lead to interference with peripheral constituents, causing the piston to resonate improperly and generate noise, as the first and second main springs are not securely fixed in place.

Innovation Solution

The springs are disposed in a line on both sides of the support, with coupling protrusions on the spring support surfaces to maintain their position and prevent deformation, ensuring the springs' elastic force is applied uniformly to prevent support deformation and maintain the support cap's coupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the spring support, back cover, and core cover are coupled to peripheral constituents, then the structure is assembled, but coupling deformation occurs causing interference with peripheral constituents and improper piston resonance

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveassemblyVSAvoidpiston resonance stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spring support is divided into an upper spring support and a lower spring support as separate components. Each support has dedicated coupling protrusions that interface with corresponding coupling holes in the back cover and core cover, distributing the coupling loads and preventing deformation that would interfere with piston resonance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the first main spring and second main spring are supported by the spring support, back cover, and core cover, then the springs are positioned, but deformation causes the springs to not be supported in fixed positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespring positioningVSAvoidspring support position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling protrusions are pre-formed on the upper and lower spring supports, and the coupling holes are pre-formed in the back cover and core cover. This preliminary preparation ensures that when assembled, the springs are securely positioned in fixed locations without deformation, maintaining stable spring support positions during piston operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If the springs are not securely fixed, then the structure is simpler, but the springs interfere with peripheral constituents causing noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespring fixation structureVSAvoidnoise from improper resonance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling protrusions are extracted as distinct structural features from the spring support body, allowing the springs to be securely fixed to peripheral constituents without adding overall structural complexity. This secure fixation prevents interference with peripheral constituents and eliminates noise caused by improper piston resonance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 allows for stable resonant motion of the piston, reducing noise and ensuring the support cap remains coupled to the spring support, enhancing the compressor's operational efficiency and reducing mechanical losses.

Implementation Method 1

a spring unit to allow the piston to perform a resonant motion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a linear motor to supply power to the piston

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 3

compresses the suctioned refrigerant at a high-temperature and a high-pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3453877B1Linear compressor
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3453877B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3453877B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3453877B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A linear compressor according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a shell; a cylinder which is provided inside the shell and forms a compression space of a refrigerant; a frame which is coupled to the outer side of the cylinder; a piston which is provided so as to perform a reciprocating movement in an axial direction inside the cylinder; a motor which supplies power to the piston; and a spring mechanism which is coupled to the piston to allow the piston to perform a resonant movement, wherein the spring mechanism may comprise: a support which is connected to the piston and comprises a spring support unit having one or more insertion holes formed therein; a first coupling protrusion which extends from the rear side of the spring support unit along the edge of the insertion hole; a support cap which is inserted into the insertion hole and comprises a second coupling protrusion protruding from the front side of the spring support unit; a first resonant spring which is inserted into the outer circumferential surface of the second coupling protrusion; and a second resonant spring which is inserted into the outer circumferential surface of the first coupling protrusion.