DEVICE CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The disclosure claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/990,306, filed 8 May 2014, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The disclosure generally relates to a muffler and more particularly relates to systems and methods for a dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler in a refrigeration cycle of a food or beverage device.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Beverage dispensing devices and/or food storage devices may include a refrigeration cycle for cooling a beverage or food product. Operation of the compressor in the refrigeration cycle may produce varying frequencies and wavelengths, which may cause unwanted noise. The noise caused by the compressor may vary during different stages of operation. For example, the noise produced during startup of the compressor may be different than the noise produced during steady state operation of the compressor.

SUMMARY

[0004] Some or all of the above needs and/or problems may be addressed by certain embodiments of a dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler disclosed herein. In some instances, the dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler may be incorporated into a refrigeration cycle of a food or beverage device. The dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler may include a main body having an inlet and an outlet. An extended inlet element may extend a first distance from the inlet into the main body. An extended outlet element may extend a second distance from the outlet into the main body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and/or components other than those illustrated in the drawings, and some elements and/or components may not be present in various embodiments. Throughout this disclosure, depending on the context, singular and plural terminology may be used interchangeably.

[0006] FIG. 1 schematically depicts an example refrigeration cycle with a dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 2 schematically depicts an example dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 3 schematically depicts an example dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 4 schematically depicts an example dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] A dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler is disclosed herein. In some instances, the dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler may be incorporated into a refrigeration cycle of a food or beverage device. The dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler may be incorporated into any refrigeration cycle. Indeed, the dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler may be used in conjunction with any system comprising a compressor. The dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler may be configured to suppress or attenuate one or more noises associated with the refrigeration cycle. For example, the dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler may suppress startup noise and/or steady state noise associated with the refrigeration cycle. The dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler may suppress any noise or range of noises associated with the operation of the refrigeration cycle.

[0011] The refrigeration cycle may include an expansion device, an evaporator, a compressor, and a condenser. In some instances, the dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler may be disposed within the refrigeration cycle between the compressor and the condenser. For example, the dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler may be configured to suppress or abate noise caused by the operation of the compressor.

[0012] The dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler may include a main body having an inlet and an outlet. In some instances, the main body may be a tubular expansion chamber. The dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler also may include an extended inlet element, such as a first tube, extending a first distance from the inlet into the main body. In addition, the dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler may include an extended outlet element, such as a second tube, extending a second distance from the outlet into the main body.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the first distance may be half the length of the main body, and the second distance may be a quarter of the length of the main body. In other instances, the first distance may be a quarter of the length of the main body, and the second distance may be half of the length of the main body. The first distance and the second distance may be any suitable length. The first distance, the second distance, and/or the main body length may be optimized to attenuate a desired range of frequencies, wavelengths, tones, and/or pulsations. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the extended inlet element and the extended outlet element may be the same size. For example, the extended inlet element and the extended outlet element may include tubes of the same or similar diameter. In other instances, the extended inlet element and the extended outlet element may include tubes having different diameters. The extended inlet element and the extended outlet element may be any suitable size or shape.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the extended inlet element may include one or more ports (or holes) along the first length. In some instances, the end of the extended inlet element may be capped off. In this manner, the fluid flow may pass through the inlet ports and into the tubular expansion chamber. The extended outlet element also may include one or more ports (or holes) along the second length. In some instances, the end of the extended outlet element may be capped off. In this manner, the fluid flow may pass from the tubular expansion chamber through the outlet ports.

[0015] In some instances, the extended inlet element may be aligned with the extended outlet element. In other instances, the extended inlet element may be offset from the extended outlet element. For example, the extended outlet element may be positioned below the extended inlet element to ensure proper draining of fluids (such as oil) from the tubular expansion chamber by way of gravity. The extended inlet element and the extended outlet element may be arranged in any suitable configuration.

[0016] The first distance of the extended inlet element and the second distance of the extended outlet element may collectively facilitate suppression of noise over a range of frequencies and wavelengths in the refrigeration cycle. In some instances, the first distance may be configured to facilitate the suppression of noise at a first frequency and wavelength in the refrigeration cycle. Likewise, the second distance may be configured to facilitate the suppression of noise at a second frequency and wavelength in the refrigeration cycle. The first distance and/or the second distance may suppress any frequency and wavelength or range of frequencies and wavelengths associated with the operation of the refrigeration cycle.

[0017] The inlet of the main body may be in communication with a discharge port of the compressor in the refrigeration cycle. In this manner, the dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler may be configured to suppress or abate noise caused by the operation of the compressor in the refrigeration cycle, such as during startup and/or steady state operation of the compressor. The outlet of the main body may be in communication with an inlet of a condenser in the refrigeration cycle.

[0018] These and other embodiments of the disclosure will be described in more detail through reference to the accompanying drawings in the detailed description that follows. This brief introduction, including section titles and corresponding summaries, is provided for the reader's convenience and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, nor the proceeding sections. Furthermore, the techniques described above and below may be implemented in a number of ways and in a number of contexts. Several example implementations and contexts are provided with reference to the following figures, as described below in more detail. However, the following implementations and contexts are but a few of many.

[0019] FIGS. 1-4 schematically depict one or more example systems and methods for a dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler 100 in a refrigeration cycle 102 of a food or beverage device. In some instances, the beverage device may be a beverage dispenser or the like. In other instances, the beverage device may be a refrigerated cabinet or the like. Any food or beverage device with an incorporated refrigeration cycle may be used herein.

[0020] The refrigeration cycle 102 may include an expansion device 104, an evaporator 106, a compressor 108, and a condenser 110 in communication with one another by way of one or more conduits 1 12. The refrigeration cycle 102 may include other components, including pumps, accumulators, storage tanks, regulators, sensors, heat exchangers, etc. Refrigeration is accomplished by continuously circulating, evaporating, and condensing a supply of refrigerant (such as carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) or the like) in a closed system. Any refrigerant may be used herein.

[0021] At the evaporator 106, the liquid (e.g., CO ₂ ) may expand, absorb heat, and evaporate, changing to a gas. The compressor 108 may pump the gas from the evaporator 106, increasing its pressure, and discharge the gas to the condenser 110. In the condenser 110, heat may be removed from the gas, which then condenses and becomes a liquid. Between the condenser 110 and the evaporator 106, the expansion device 104 may be located. The expansion device 104 may lower the pressure of the liquid. The liquid may then be supplied to the evaporator 106, and the cycle is continued.

[0022] Operation of the compressor 108 in the refrigeration cycle 102 may produce varying frequencies and wavelengths, which may cause unwanted noise. That is, the noise caused by the compressor 108 may vary during different stages of operation. For example, as the compressor 108 heats up, the noise produced by the compressor 108 may change. That is, the noise produced during the startup of the compressor 108 may be different than the noise produced during the steady state operation of the compressor 108.

[0023] The dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler 100 may be tuned to suppress or attenuate one or more frequencies and wavelengths associated with unwanted noise during the operation of the compressor 108 in the refrigeration cycle 102. For example, the dual- tuned expansion chamber muffler 100 may suppress a frequency and wavelength of noise produced during startup of the compressor 108 and/or a frequency and wavelength of noise produced during steady state operation of the compressor 108. The dual-tuning capabilities of the dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler 100 enables a wide range of frequencies and wavelengths to be attenuated. The dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler 100 may suppress or attenuate any noise frequency or wavelength or range of noise frequencies and wavelengths associated with the operation of the compressor 108 in the refrigeration cycle 102. For example, the temperature of the working fluid changes during the refrigeration cycle. As a result, the wavelength associated with the frequencies of interest may change. The dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler 100 disclosed herein performs successfully within a wide range of temperatures. [0024] In some instances, the dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler 100 may be disposed within the refrigeration cycle 102 between the compressor 108 and the condenser 110. For example, the dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler 100 may be in communication with a discharge port 1 14 of the compressor 108 in the refrigeration cycle 102. In this manner, the refrigerant may pass through the dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler 100 before entering the condenser 1 10. In some instances, a single dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler 100 may be disposed between the compressor 108 and the condenser 1 10. In other instances, a number of dual-tuned expansion chamber mufflers 100 may be disposed in series between the compressor 108 and the condenser 110.

[0025] As depicted in FIGS. 2-4, the dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler 100 may include a main body 1 16 having an inlet 118 and an outlet 120. In some instances, the main body 116 may be a tubular expansion chamber. The tubular expansion chamber may be any suitable size or shape. The dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler 100 also may include an extended inlet element 122, such as a first tube 124, extending a first distance 126 from the inlet 118 into the main body 116. In addition, the dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler 100 may include an extended outlet element 128, such as a second tube 130, extending a second distance 132 from the outlet 120 into the main body 1 16.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the first distance 126 may be half of the length of the main body 1 16, and the second distance 132 may be a quarter of the length of the main body 116. In other instances, the first distance 126 may be a quarter of the length of the main body 116, and the second distance 132 may be half of the length of the main body 116. The first distance 126 and the second distance 132 may be any suitable length.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the extended inlet element 122 and the extended outlet element 128 may be the same size. For example, the extended inlet element 122 and the extended outlet element 128 may include tubes of the same or similar diameter. In other instances, the extended inlet element 122 and the extended outlet element 128 may include tubes having different diameters. The extended inlet element 122 and the extended outlet element 128 may be any suitable size or shape. Moreover, the extended inlet element 122 and the extended outlet element 128 may include any combination of straight tubes, bent tubes, angled tubes, exhaust ports, apertures (inside and/or outside of the tubes), protrusions, etc.

[0028] In some instances, the transmission loss (degree of isolation provided) has a null (transmission loss = 0) at the frequency for which the overall length of the tubular expansion chamber is one-half wavelength. In between 0 Hz and the first null, the transmission loss is greater than zero and increases with the area ratio of the tubular expansion chamber to the extended inlet element 122 and the extended outlet element 128. In this manner, the dimensions of the dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler 100 may be optimized to attenuate frequencies and wavelengths that may occur during the operation of the compressor 108 in the refrigeration cycle 102. In particular, frequencies and wavelengths that produce unwanted noise at various stages of operation of the compressor 108 may be suppressed.

[0029] The main body 1 16 may attenuate a broad range of frequencies, but may lose effectiveness when the main body 1 16 length is one-half wavelength of sound. The extended inlet element 122 and the extended outlet element 128, by virtue of their relative lengths, may combine to extend the effective frequency range. Arbitrary cross-sectional shapes or axial offsets of the main body 1 16 or extended inlet element 122 and the extended outlet element 128 are also effective. The dimensions may be selected to cause the strongest compressor frequency components to fall within the effective range. Because the wavelength of sound of a given frequency may vary with temperature, the operating temperatures of the refrigeration system may be taken into account. The effectiveness of the muffler may increase with the cross-sectional area ratio between the main body 1 16 and the extended inlet element 122 and the extended outlet element 128.

[0030] In some instances, as depicted in FIG. 2, the extended inlet element 122 may be aligned with the extended outlet element 128. In certain embodiments, to ensure proper fluid circulation (such as compressor lubricants or the like), one or more drainage holes 142 may be added to the extended outlet element 128 within the main body 1 16. The drainage hole 142 also may be disposed on the extended inlet element 122 inside the main body 1 16. The drainage hole 142 may facilitate circulation of oil or other refrigeration fluids through the remainder of the refrigeration circuit to minimize accumulate in the dual-tuned expansion chamber muffler 100.

[0031] In some instances, the main body 1 16, the extended inlet element 122, and/or the extended outlet element 128 may be angled relative to one another. For example, the main body 116 may be angled relative to the extended inlet element 122 and/or the extended outlet element 128. In one example, the extended outlet element 128 may be angled downward relative to the extended inlet element 122, or vice versa. [0032] As depicted in FIG. 3, the extended inlet element 122 may be offset from the extended outlet element 128. For example, the extended outlet element 128 may be positioned below the extended inlet element 122 to ensure proper draining of fluids (such as compressor lubricants) from the main body 116 by way of gravity. The extended inlet element 122 and the extended outlet element 128 may be arranged in any suitable configuration.

[0033] In certain embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 4, the extended inlet element 122 may include one or more ports 134 (or holes) along the first length 126. In some instances, the end of the extended inlet element 122 may be capped off 136. In this manner, a fluid flow may pass through the inlet ports 134 and into the main body 1 16. The extended outlet element 128 also may include one or more ports 138 (or holes) along the second length 132. In some instances, the end of the extended outlet element 128 may be capped off 140. In this manner, fluid may pass from the main body 1 16 through the outlet ports 138. In some instances, the extended inlet element 122 may include one or more ports 134 (or holes) along the first length 126, and/or the end of the extended inlet element 122 may be capped off 136, while the extended outlet element 128 may not include one or more ports and/or be capped off. Similarly, the extended outlet element 128 may include one or more ports 138 (or holes) along the second length 132, and/or the end of the extended outlet element 128 may be capped off 140, while the extended inlet element 122 may not include one or more ports and/or be capped off. That is, any combination of ports and/or caps may be used with the extended inlet element 122 and the extended outlet element 128. For example, certain components may be incorporated into the extended inlet element 122 and omitted from the extended outlet element 128, or vice versa. In some instances, the ports and/or caps may be incorporated into the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2. In one example embodiment, the extended inlet element 122 in FIG. 2 may include one or more ports 134 (or holes) along the first length 126, and/or the end of the extended inlet element 122 may be capped off 136, while the extended outlet element 128 in FIG. 2 may not include one or more ports and/or be capped off.

[0034] Any combination of the above described lengths, sizes, drainage holes, ports, angles, etc. may be used or omitted with the main body 116, the extended inlet element 122, and/or the extended outlet element 128. For example, any of the components or aspects (such as, but not limited to, the drainage holes, ports, caps, etc.) described in FIGS. 2-4 may be interchanged between the various embodiments described herein. That is, certain elements from FIGS. 2-4 may be added and/or omitted to the main body 1 16, the extended inlet element 122, and/or the extended outlet element 128 depending on the desired range of frequencies, wavelengths, tones, and/or pulsations to be attenuated.

[0035] The first distance 126 of the extended inlet element 122 and the second distance 132 of the extended outlet element 128 may collectively facilitate suppression of noise over a range of frequencies and wavelengths in the refrigeration cycle 102. That is, the length of the first distance 126 may be configured to facilitate the suppression of noise at a first frequency and wavelength in the refrigeration cycle 102. Likewise, the length of the second distance 132 may be configured to facilitate the suppression of noise at a second frequency and wavelength in the refrigeration cycle 102. The first distance 126 and/or the second distance 132 may suppress any noise frequency and wavelength or range of noise frequencies and wavelengths associated with the operation of the compressor 108 in the refrigeration cycle 102.

[0036] Although specific embodiments of the disclosure have been described, numerous other modifications and alternative embodiments are within the scope of the disclosure. For example, any of the functionality described with respect to a particular device or component may be performed by another device or component. Further, while specific device characteristics have been described, embodiments of the disclosure may relate to numerous other device characteristics. Further, although embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the embodiments. Conditional language, such as, among others, "can," "could," "might," or "may," unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments could include, while other embodiments may not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that the features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.