Versatile Motor Housing for Compressor Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reciprocating compressors require significant and costly modifications to accommodate differently sized motors or motor stators, as existing motor housings and crankcases are not versatile enough to couple with various motor dimensions without extensive machining and tooling costs.

Innovation Solution

A compressor assembly and method that includes a motor housing with adjustable axial and radial lengths, allowing it to be operatively coupled to differently dimensioned motor stators, eliminating the need for modifications to the crankcase or assembly fixtures by forming a versatile cylindrical shell configuration that accommodates various motor sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional motor housing and crankcase configuration is used, then the compressor can be manufactured with a fixed design, but significant modifications are required to accommodate differently sized motors or motor stators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to accommodate differently sized motorsVSAvoidmodifications to crankcase and motor housing
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The motor housing is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple motor sizes and configurations. The housing includes adjustable mounting surfaces and configurable internal volumes that can be adapted to different motor dimensions without requiring modifications to the crankcase or other compressor components, thereby achieving multi-functionality and versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The motor housing is segmented into modular components with standardized interfaces. This segmentation allows the housing to be configured in different arrangements to fit various motor sizes while maintaining compatibility with the fixed crankcase design, enabling adaptability without extensive modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the motor housing is modified to fit different motor sizes, then versatility is improved, but tooling costs and manufacturing complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with various motor dimensionsVSAvoidmodifications to assembly fixtures and crankcase
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor housing incorporates universal mounting features and standardized connection interfaces that work across different motor sizes. This design allows the same housing structure to serve multiple functions with different motors without increasing assembly fixture complexity or requiring crankcase modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The motor housing includes adjustable and reconfigurable elements that can be dynamically positioned or configured to accommodate different motor dimensions. This dynamic capability allows versatility to be achieved through simple reconfiguration rather than permanent modifications, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If a fixed motor housing design is used, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but the compressor cannot accommodate differently sized motors without extensive modifications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixed design and tooling costsVSAvoidability to use different motor sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The motor housing is designed as a universal component with standardized interfaces and configurable internal features that can accommodate multiple motor sizes. This universal design maintains fixed manufacturing costs and simple tooling requirements while providing the versatility to use different motors, as the housing itself adapts rather than requiring custom modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The motor housing acts as an intermediary component between the fixed crankcase and the variable motor sizes. It provides the adaptability interface, absorbing the variability of different motor dimensions while presenting a consistent, fixed interface to the crankcase, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enabling versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3692262B1Versatile housing of compressor motors
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP3692262B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3692262B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3692262B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The present disclosure pertains to systems and methods for a compressor assembly configured to operatively couple to motor stators having different dimensions in a reciprocating compressor. The compressor includes a cylinder, crankshaft housing, crankshaft, rod assembly, motor, and motor housing. The motor housing may operatively couple to an outer or inner surface of the crankshaft housing. The motor housing may include a pair of generally cylindrical shells, each with inner and outer sidewalls. The pair of shells may include a portion interposed there-between. The generally cylindrical shells may have different thicknesses, axial lengths, and/or radial lengths.