Stirling Cooler Deformable Conduit for Low-Loss Fluid Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Stirling cycle coolers face challenges with high production costs and limited lifespan due to the constraints of clearance seals between the compression and regeneration cylinders, which require precise clearances to minimize fluid losses.
Innovation Solution
A cooler design featuring a deformable pipe with flexible zones or a flexible pipe for fluid circulation between the compression and regeneration cylinders, allowing for greater clearance without significant losses, and eliminating the need for complex mechanical parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a rigid conduit is used for fluid circulation between compression and regeneration chambers, then fluid transfer efficiency is maintained, but manufacturing precision and assembly constraints increase due to clearance seal requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid conduit with a flexible membrane that can deform to accommodate clearance variations between the compression piston and regeneration piston. This flexible membrane maintains fluid transfer efficiency while eliminating the need for precise clearance seals, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy loss prevention and manufacturing precision requirements.
2Loss of energy
If clearance seals are used to minimize fluid losses, then fluid transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane serves as a simple yet effective solution that prevents fluid loss without requiring complex clearance seal mechanisms. This single-component approach reduces device complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining fluid transfer efficiency.
3Strength
If rigid connecting rods are used to connect pistons to crankshaft, then mechanical strength is maintained, but adaptability to piston movement variations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible membrane that dynamically adapts to piston movement variations while maintaining mechanical integrity. The membrane's ability to deform and return to its original shape provides both the necessary strength and the adaptability to accommodate variations in piston motion, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
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 reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs while maintaining efficient fluid transfer, enabling easier production and maintenance with reduced mechanical complexity and longer lifespan components.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable pipe (66) with at least one flexible zone (66a) disposed therein, for transferring the fluid between the compression chamber (48) and the regeneration chamber (56)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a cooler (10) operating on the Stirling cycle, of the type comprising: - a housing (12) comprising a compression cylinder (20) and a regeneration cylinder (26), - a compression piston (46) and a regeneration piston (50), that can move in translation inside the compression cylinder and inside the regeneration cylinder, - a drive crankshaft (36), comprising a rotary crank pin (40), and - two connecting rods (42, 44) coupled to the compression and regeneration pistons, said connecting rods being coupled to the rotary crank pin, - and a fluid circulation conduit (60), connecting the compression and regeneration cylinders. One end (64) of the fluid circulation conduit is arranged on the regeneration piston; and said fluid circulation conduit comprises a pipe (66) that is deformable as a function of the displacement of the compression and/or regeneration piston.