Push-pull compressor having ultra-high efficiency for cryocoolers or other systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cryocooler designs are inefficient due to compressor motor inefficiencies and exported forces, which require large amounts of power and increase complexity, weight, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A push-pull compressor design using voice coil actuators with magnets and coils connected to opposing pistons, where each actuator pushes or pulls both pistons, matching masses, strokes, and suspension resonances, reducing exported forces and increasing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional compressor motors are used in cryocoolers, then the system can achieve compression function, but the efficiency is poor and large amounts of power are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electromagnetic compressor motors with a voice coil actuator system that uses electromagnetic fields to directly drive piston movement. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical rotation and transmission components, reducing energy losses and improving overall compressor efficiency while lowering input power requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the voice coil actuator to optimize piston movement throughout the compression cycle. By dynamically adjusting the electromagnetic field strength and timing, the system maximizes mechanical work output for each unit of electrical energy input, thereby improving efficiency and reducing power consumption.
2Device complexity
If opposing pistons are used to provide compression, then compression function is achieved, but mismatches in forces lead to exported forces that require additional suppression components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the opposing piston configuration where one piston acts as a counterweight to the other. The voice coil actuator applies force to move both pistons in a coordinated manner, with the opposing pistons balancing each other's inertial forces and reducing net exported forces without requiring additional suppression components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of compression and force balancing into a single piston system. By connecting both pistons to the same voice coil actuator, the system simultaneously achieves compression through piston movement and reduces exported forces through the balancing effect of the opposing pistons, eliminating the need for separate suppression mechanisms.
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 design achieves up to 30-40% reduction in input power requirements and eliminates the need for additional components to suppress exported forces, significantly reducing system complexity, weight, and cost while enhancing compressor efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The first voice coil actuator includes a first voice coil and a first magnet, where the first voice coil is configured to attract and repel the first magnet
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes generating a first varying electromagnetic field using a first voice coil of a first actuator. The method also includes repeatedly attracting and repelling a first magnet of the first actuator based on the first varying electromagnetic field. The first voice coil is connected to a first piston of a compressor, and the first magnet is connected to an opposing second piston of the compressor. Attracting the first magnet narrows a space between the pistons, and repelling the first magnet enlarges the space between the pistons. The method may further include generating a second varying electromagnetic field using a second voice coil of a second actuator and repeatedly attracting and repelling a second magnet of the second actuator based on the second varying electromagnetic field. The second voice coil may be connected to the second piston, and the second magnet may be connected to the first piston.