Integrated Muffler and Bellows Assembly for Compressor Noise

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing HVACR compressor systems face challenges in noise reduction due to space constraints, which limit the effectiveness of noise reduction when only a muffler or bellows system can be installed between the compressor and the discharge line.

Innovation Solution

An integrated design combining a muffler unit with vibration attenuation structures and a bellows assembly that extends over the muffler body to the discharge line, creating a gap between the muffler free end and the discharge line to prevent contact and enhance noise reduction, while allowing for retrofitting or new system installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If both a bellows and a muffler are installed between the compressor and the discharge line, then vibration and noise reduction is improved, but the space required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration and noise reductionVSAvoidspace between compressor and discharge line

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the bellows assembly and muffler into a single integrated unit where the bellows extends over the muffler body. This merging allows both vibration isolation (bellows function) and noise reduction (muffler function) to be achieved within the same space envelope, resolving the contradiction between needing both components and having limited space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The muffler is positioned inside the bellows assembly, with the bellows extending over the muffler body. This nested configuration allows the smaller muffler to be contained within the larger bellows structure, maximizing space utilization while maintaining both vibration and noise reduction functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If only a muffler or bellows system is installed due to space constraints, then space requirements are reduced, but the extent of noise reduction is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace between compressor and discharge lineVSAvoidnoise reduction effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated assembly makes the bellows structure multi-functional: it serves both as a vibration isolation element and as a housing for the noise reduction muffler. This universality allows the system to achieve both vibration and noise control within the space constraints of existing HVACR systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

By merging the vibration isolation function (bellows) with the noise reduction function (muffler) into a single integrated assembly, the system achieves comprehensive noise reduction without requiring separate installation spaces for each component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If existing HVACR compressor systems are retrofitted with noise reduction devices, then noise reduction is improved, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise reductionVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated design combines multiple noise reduction functions into a single assembly that can be installed as one unit rather than requiring separate installation of bellows and muffler components, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining noise reduction effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated assembly is designed as a modular unit with a mounting portion that can be attached to the discharge line flange, allowing for simplified retrofit installation in existing HVACR systems without requiring complex modifications to the original system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 integrated design achieves a high degree of acoustic and vibration reduction, improving noise reduction in HVACR compressor systems by optimizing the placement and configuration of muffler and bellows components within the space constraints.

Implementation Method 1

The vibration attenuation structure includes a plurality of contracted portions of a path through the muffler body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Implementation Method 2

a bellows assembly which attaches to the flange and extends over the length of muffler body to a discharge line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration isolation: Damping

Implementation Method 3

the bellows assembly includes first and second convolutions joined by a connecting portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10030660B1Pulsation and vibration control device

Publication Date: 2018.07.24 TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A pulsation and vibration control device for use with a compressor, which provides multiple vibration-reducing components in a compact space. The device comprises a muffler including a flange at the compressor end, a muffler body with vibration control features such as baffles, and a free end on a discharge line side but kept out of contact with the discharge line, and a bellows assembly, including an attachment to the muffler flange, an attachment to the discharge line, and first and second convolutions and a middle section which are sized such that they can fit over the muffler body without contacting it.