Air conditioner with refrigerant sensor
An external refrigerant sensor connected through air passages addresses the challenge of limited space within heating and cooling devices, enabling efficient leak detection and prevention of hazards and efficiency loss.
US20260177262A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-06-25MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC US
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- US · United States
- Patent Type
- Applications(United States)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC US
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-25
AI Technical Summary
Technical Problem
Existing heating and cooling devices face challenges in detecting refrigerant leaks due to limited space, which can lead to health hazards, fire risks, reduced efficiency, and increased costs, as traditional sensors are often confined within the device casing.
Method used
The implementation of a refrigerant sensor located externally to the casing, connected through air passages that facilitate the movement of air from inside the device to the sensor, allowing for efficient detection of refrigerant levels outside the casing.
Benefits of technology
This configuration enables effective detection of refrigerant leaks, preventing health hazards and fire risks while maintaining device efficiency by ensuring timely identification and correction of leaks.
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Smart Images
Figure US20260177262A1-D00000_ABST
Abstract
An air conditioner includes a heat exchanger enclosed within a casing that features a first and a second hole. A refrigerant sensor, positioned outside the casing, is configured to detect the presence of refrigerant in the air passing through it. The system incorporates a first air passage connecting the interior of the casing to the refrigerant sensor through the first hole, and a second air passage connecting the interior of the casing to the refrigerant sensor through the second hole. This configuration allows for efficient monitoring of refrigerant levels in the air, ensuring optimal operation and safety of the air conditioning system.
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