Linear Compressor Suction Valve Wing Design for Friction Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing linear compressor has a large volume, which occupies excessive space in the machine room of refrigerators, and reducing its size to increase storage space compromises performance due to increased friction from oil circulation at higher drive frequencies.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a suction valve with a unique wing structure and gas bearing technology to reduce friction and improve response performance, allowing for a smaller compressor size without compromising efficiency, featuring a piston with multiple suction holes and a suction valve with specific wing configurations to manage flow resistance and mass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the size of the linear compressor is reduced to increase storage space in the refrigerator, then the volume of the machine room is reduced, but the performance of the compressor deteriorates due to increased friction from oil circulation at higher drive frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful oil circulation function from the compression system by introducing a separate gas bearing mechanism. The gas bearing uses refrigerant gas to support the piston, separating the lubrication function from the compression function and eliminating the negative impact of oil circulation on compressor performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional oil-based lubrication system with a gas bearing system that uses refrigerant gas for lubrication and support. This substitution eliminates friction losses associated with oil circulation while maintaining the necessary lubrication function, allowing the compressor to operate efficiently at higher drive frequencies
2Productivity
If the drive frequency of the compressor is increased to compensate for deteriorated performance from reduced size, then the compression efficiency is improved, but the friction force due to oil circulating into the compressor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using refrigerant gas in a gas bearing to support and lubricate the piston. The gas bearing creates a film of refrigerant gas between the piston and cylinder wall, providing lubrication without the friction and energy losses associated with oil circulation, thereby enabling efficient operation at higher drive frequencies
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 enables a more compact linear compressor with improved response performance and reduced friction, maintaining efficiency even at higher drive frequencies, thus increasing storage space while maintaining performance.
Implementation Method 1
The permanent magnet may linearly reciprocate by an electromagnetic force between the permanent magnet and the inner (or outer) stator
Implementation Method 2
a gas bearing technology in which a refrigerant gas is supplied in a space between a cylinder and a piston to perform a bearing function
Data Source
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AI summary
A linear compressor is provided. The linear compressor may include a suction valve with a plurality of wings. Each of the plurality of wings may include two first edge portions that extend in an outer direction of a fixing portion, and a second edge portion forming an outer circumferential portion of the wing. A distance between a first edge portion of a first wing among the plurality of wings and a second edge portion of a second wing among the plurality of wings gradually increases toward the outer direction of the suction valve.