Planar Suspension Spring with Tuning Mass for Linear Compressor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suspension springs in linear compressors for refrigeration systems face issues with vibration isolation and robustness, as they become too soft along the axis of reciprocation, compromising handling and noise levels, and can experience resonance interference with compressor operation.
Innovation Solution
A suspension spring design featuring a planar body with a hub portion and a spiral arm that terminates in an attachment portion, made from high carbon steel, with a tuning mass along the arm to adjust resonant frequencies and prevent interference with compressor harmonics, providing axial softness and transverse stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional suspension springs are made soft along the axis of reciprocation to improve vibration isolation, then vibration isolation is improved, but robustness deteriorates and handling becomes compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension spring is designed with non-uniform cross-sectional properties along its length. The spring has a first section with a first cross-sectional area and a second section with a second cross-sectional area that is greater than the first. This local variation in geometry allows the spring to be softer in certain regions for vibration isolation while maintaining overall robustness through the tapered structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the suspension spring by implementing a tapered cross-section where the area varies along the length of the spring. This parameter change allows the spring to exhibit different stiffness characteristics at different locations, achieving both vibration isolation and robustness simultaneously.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional suspension springs are made soft along the axis of reciprocation to improve vibration isolation, then vibration isolation is improved, but noise levels increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered cross-sectional design creates local variations in stiffness that allow the spring to isolate vibrations effectively while controlling the transmission of noise. The varying cross-sectional area dampens resonant frequencies that would otherwise amplify noise.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional suspension springs are made soft along the axis of reciprocation to improve vibration isolation, then vibration isolation is improved, but resonance interference with compressor operation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered cross-sectional parameters of the suspension spring are designed to shift its natural frequencies away from the compressor's operating frequencies. By varying the cross-sectional area along the spring's length, the stiffness distribution changes, thereby altering the resonant characteristics to prevent interference with compressor operation.
4Strength
If conventional suspension springs are made stiff transverse to the axis of reciprocation to maintain robustness, then robustness is improved, but vibration isolation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring design incorporates directional anisotropy through its tapered cross-section and mounting geometry. The structure is stiffer in transverse directions to maintain robustness while being softer along the reciprocation axis to enable vibration isolation. This is achieved through the specific orientation and distribution of material properties in different directions.
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 enhances vibration isolation while maintaining robustness by being soft along the axis of reciprocation and stiff transverse to it, reducing resonance interference and ensuring stable compressor operation.
Implementation Method 1
a body of substantially planar form having a hub portion for connection with the compressor, a spiral arm extending from said hub portion
Implementation Method 2
said spring includes a tuning mass at a location along said arm intermediate between said hub portion and said attachment portion
Data Source
AI summary
A substantially planar suspension spring for supporting a linear compressor housed within a hermetic shell. A hub portion (36) connects to the body of the compressor assembly while a spiral arm portion (38) curves around the hub portion (36) at least one full turn before attaching to the wall of the compressor housing. Provides lateral stability to the reciprocating compressor assembly while maintaining axial flexibility.