Linear Compressor Yoke Mounting for Thermal Expansion Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Linear compressors with linear electric motors are susceptible to damage from severe temperature changes due to refrigerant compression, which can shorten their service life and affect operational reliability.
Innovation Solution
A linear compressor design featuring a yoke-magnet-arrangement with a spring-loaded yoke and magnetic ring, where the yoke is pressed against an unmovable stop on the cylinder, allowing for axial movement compensation and minimizing friction and energy loss, and includes a compact spring configuration to manage thermal expansions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the linear compressor uses a rigid fixed structure for the yoke-magnet-arrangement, then the motor structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the compressor cannot accommodate thermal expansions and contractions during operation, leading to damage of moving parts and reduced service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the rigid fixed structure with a spring-loaded mounting system. The spring allows the yoke-magnet-arrangement to move dynamically in response to thermal expansions and contractions during compressor operation, preventing damage to moving parts while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between reliability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by using a spring mechanism that changes its compression state in response to temperature variations. As the compressor operates and temperature changes, the spring adjusts the position and spacing of the yoke-magnet-arrangement relative to the cylinder, accommodating thermal expansions and contractions. This parameter adaptation ensures reliable operation without complex rigid structures.
2Loss of energy
If the yoke-magnet-arrangement is rigidly fixed to the cylinder, then the manufacturing and assembly are simpler, but friction and energy loss increase during axial movement, reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded mounting system enables dynamic adjustment of the yoke-magnet-arrangement position during operation. This dynamic capability reduces friction during axial movement by allowing smooth accommodation of thermal changes without rigid constraints, thereby reducing energy loss while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the use of standard spring components.
3Temperature
If the compressor operates with severe temperature changes, then the cooling effect is enhanced, but the moving parts are damaged due to thermal stress, shortening the service life
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism changes its physical state (compression level) in response to temperature variations. During severe temperature changes, the spring adjusts the spacing between the yoke-magnet-arrangement and the cylinder, accommodating thermal expansions and contractions. This parameter adaptation allows the compressor to operate effectively across a wide temperature range while protecting moving parts from thermal stress damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as a cushioning element that anticipates and absorbs thermal stress before it can damage the moving parts. By pre-positioning the spring-loaded mounting system, the design prepares for thermal expansions and contractions in advance, allowing the compressor to withstand severe temperature changes without damaging the moving parts, thus maintaining operational reliability.
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 design ensures reliable operation under temperature changes by reducing friction and energy loss, enabling compact heat exchangers and improved operational reliability through tolerance compensation.
Implementation Method 1
Via the spring, the yoke-magnet-arrangement is pressed against an unmovable stop on the cylinder limiting an axial movement of the yoke-magnet-arrangement on the cylinder
Implementation Method 2
a linear electric motor having a stator with a coil and a movable system (mover)... During a positive cycle of the alternating current, the diode allows current to flow through the stator's electromagnet and creates a magnetic field which acts on the mover
Implementation Method 3
the stator with a coil and a movable system (mover)... creates a magnetic field which acts on the mover and consequently moves the cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A linear compressor for a household appliance, for instance a refrigerator, includes a yoke-magnet-arrangement clamped on a cylinder of a cylinder-piston arrangement in such a way that temperature expansions of the yoke-magnet-arrangement are enabled. In particular, a spring force forces the yoke-magnet-arrangement against a fixed stop of the cylinder. A household appliance having the linear compressor is also provided.