Linear Compressor Inner Stator Deformation Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Linear compressors face efficiency issues due to deformation of the inner stator's side cores, which leads to a widening of the airgap between the inner and outer stators, affecting the operation efficiency of the motor.

Innovation Solution

A deformation prevention device is implemented, featuring a hook on the side core and a hook coupling part on the center core, along with side fixing members to maintain the assembled state of the core plates, preventing outward spreading and maintaining the airgap within a required range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the inner stator is assembled by stacking core plates, then the assembly is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the side cores deform and spread outward causing airgap widening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidairgap maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The deformation prevention device is installed on the side cores before the core plates are stacked and assembled. This preliminary installation allows the device to prevent outward spreading deformation from the beginning, maintaining the airgap within the required range while still enabling simplified assembly through stacking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the side cores are made deformable during assembly, then the assembly process is facilitated, but the tips spread outward increasing the outer diameter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly processVSAvoidouter diameter stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The deformation prevention device applies a counteracting force to prevent the side cores from spreading outward during assembly. By installing this device beforehand, it resists the outward deformation tendency that occurs during the stacking and assembly process, maintaining the outer diameter and tip positioning within required tolerances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If external force is applied from compressor components, then the linear motor is firmly installed in the compressor, but the side core deformation is intensified

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation firmnessVSAvoidairgap maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The deformation prevention device is installed on the side cores before the linear motor is installed in the compressor. This beforehand installation provides protective cushioning against the external forces that will be applied during compressor operation, preventing these forces from causing excessive side core deformation and airgap widening

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

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 solution effectively prevents deformation of the inner stator, maintaining the airgap and enhancing the operation efficiency of the linear motor by ensuring consistent performance.

Implementation Method 1

a hook (217b) disposed on the protrusion (217a); and a hook coupling part (211a) disposed on the center core (211) and configured to be coupled to the hook (217b)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

The permanent magnet may be linearly reciprocated by an electromagnetic force between the permanent magnet and the inner (or outer) stator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3502471B1Linear compressor
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3502471B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3502471B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3502471B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a linear compressor comprising: a cylinder defining a compression space; a piston configured to reciprocate in an axis direction within the compression space defined by the cylinder; and a linear motor configured to provide power to the piston, wherein the linear motor comprises: an inner stator disposed outside of the compression spaced defined by the cylinder and comprising a center core and a side core disposed on at least one side of the center core, the side core comprising a plurality of core plates that are stacked on each other in a circumferential or a radial direction; and an outer stator that is spaced outward from the inner stator in a radius direction; and a magnet disposed in an air gap defined between the inner stator and the outer stator, the magnet being configured to move within the air gap defined between the inner stator and the outer stator and reciprocate the piston based on movement of the magnet; and a deformation prevention device that is provided at the side core and is configured to prevent the inner stator from being deformed, wherein the deformation prevention device comprises: a fixing member coupled to the plurality of core plates to maintain an assembled state of the plurality of core plates.