Symmetric floating coil compressor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closed cycle cryogenic cooler compressor systems require complex assembly and additional components to maintain coil alignment and functionality, leading to potential electrical disconnection and reduced flexibility in coil positioning.
Innovation Solution
A radially symmetric floating coil configuration with concentrically located springs and electrical conduits allows the coil to freely rotate and self-align, eliminating the need for a clocking guide and reducing assembly complexity by using conductive materials like stainless steel for the coil and springs, and providing a continuous electrical path through the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a prior art floating coil configuration with compression springs is used, then the coil can float to reduce negative impacts of side loading, but additional springs and components are required on the opposite axial side to restore force balance, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical conduit network with the spring force balance system by integrating the conduit through the piston and coil assembly. This merging allows the electrical current to pass through the moving components while the springs provide force balance, eliminating the need for separate conduit support structures and reducing overall component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the coil assembly, guides the electrical conduit through the moving parts, and works with the springs to maintain force balance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated components for each function, simplifying the overall system.
2Ease of manufacture
If an electrical conduit network is incorporated with current entering and returning on the same axial side, then electrical connection is simplified, but rotation of the coil may misalign spring seats and cause electrical disconnection, requiring additional alignment components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows the coil and piston assembly to rotate dynamically within the compressor while maintaining electrical connection. The conduit is routed through the moving piston and coil rather than being fixed to stationary components, enabling the assembly to rotate without disconnecting the electrical pathway. This dynamic configuration eliminates the need for rigid alignment features like guide pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston acts as an intermediary component that carries the electrical conduit through the rotating coil assembly. By routing the conduit through the piston rather than directly connecting to stationary external conduits, the system allows rotation while maintaining continuous electrical connection. The piston mediates between the rotating coil and the stationary external electrical network.
3Reliability
If a guide pin and clocking guide are added to prevent rotation and maintain alignment, then electrical disconnection is prevented, but the number of assembly components and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the guide pin and clocking guide components from the system by changing the fundamental approach to maintaining electrical connection. Instead of using rigid alignment features to prevent rotation, the system allows rotation while maintaining electrical connection through the moving piston-conduit-coil assembly. This extraction of unnecessary alignment components simplifies the overall device.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than preventing rotation through mechanical constraints (guide pins and clocking guides), the patent inverts the approach by allowing rotation and maintaining electrical connection through the dynamic routing of the conduit through the moving piston and coil assembly. This inversion eliminates the need for complex alignment features.
4Device complexity
If coils are mounted in a fixed position to prevent need for clocking guide, then assembly complexity is reduced, but the coils are unable to float and self-align within the compressor, hindering coil functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the coil assembly dynamic by allowing it to float and self-align within the compressor through the action of compression springs. The coil is not rigidly fixed but can move axially and rotate while maintaining electrical connection through the piston-conduit-coil pathway. This dynamic capability enables the coil to self-align during operation while the piston guides the conduit through the movement.
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 solution enables free rotation and self-alignment of the coil without electrical disconnection, simplifies assembly, and maintains functionality while reducing the number of assembly components, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the compressor system.
Implementation Method 1
compression springs to position motor coils in a floating configuration
Implementation Method 2
compression springs to position motor coils in a floating configuration
Implementation Method 3
coil configuration for use with a compressor... coil and springs define an electrical path across the coil... fabricated from a conductive material
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A floating coil configuration for a compressor of a closed cycle cryogenic cooler, the coil configuration comprises a coil having a positive end and a negative end and first and second springs concentrically located within the coil, each spring having a first end and a second end. The positive end of the coil is coupled to the first end of the first spring and the negative end of the coil is coupled to the second end of the second spring. The second end of the first spring is electrically coupled to the first end of the second spring such that the first and second springs define an electrical path across the coil.