Multifunction aid transformer for HVAC and refrigeration

Abstract

A multifunction aid transformer (MAT) for HVAC and refrigeration systems combines the functionality of a transformer, multimeter, and safety features into a single device. The MAT includes a housing, a transformer for converting AC voltage, test leads for connecting to components, a measurement circuit for measuring electrical parameters, a display for presenting measurements, and a thermal circuit breaker for protection. The device simplifies testing and troubleshooting of HVAC and refrigeration system components by simultaneously measuring and displaying multiple electrical parameters, identifying connected components, and providing backup power when needed. The MAT enhances efficiency and safety in diagnosing and maintaining HVAC and refrigeration systems.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to testing and troubleshooting equipment for heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and refrigeration systems. More particularly, various embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to a multifunction device that combines the functionality of a transformer, multimeter, and safety features for testing and diagnosing components in HVAC and refrigeration systems.BACKGROUND

[0002] Technicians in the HVAC and refrigeration industry often face challenges when troubleshooting and testing system components. Conventional methods typically require the use of separate tools, such as a transformer and a multimeter, to perform various measurements and tests. This approach can be time-consuming, cumbersome, and potentially prone to errors due to multiple connections and the need for manual switching between different measurement modes.

[0003] Additionally, the testing process often involves working in confined spaces with high temperatures, such as attics, which can further complicate the troubleshooting procedure. The use of multiple tools and the need for frequent adjustments can make it difficult for technicians to work efficiently and safely in these environments. Furthermore, existing testing methods may not provide adequate protection against overcurrents or short circuits, which can potentially damage equipment or create safety hazards during the testing process.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an improved device that can simplify the testing and troubleshooting process for HVAC and refrigeration system components while enhancing safety and efficiency.SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure provides a multifunction aid transformer (MAT) for HVAC and refrigeration systems that addresses the aforementioned challenges. In various embodiments, the MAT combines the functionality of a transformer, multimeter, and safety features into a single device, simplifying the testing and troubleshooting process for HVAC and refrigeration system components.

[0006] In one aspect, a multifunction aid transformer for HVAC and refrigeration systems may comprise a housing, a transformer disposed within the housing and configured to convert a first alternating current (AC) voltage to a second AC voltage, a pair of test leads electrically connected to an output of the transformer, a measurement circuit configured to measure electrical parameters of a component connected to the test leads, a display for presenting the measured electrical parameters, and a thermal circuit breaker for protecting against overcurrents and short circuits. In some embodiments, the measurement circuit may be configured to simultaneously measure and display multiple electrical parameters, such as voltage, current, frequency, and power. The device may also include a development board for processing and calculating the electrical measurements.

[0007] In another aspect, a method of using the multifunction aid transformer for testing HVAC and refrigeration system components may comprise connecting the device to a power source, connecting the test leads to a component to be tested, measuring electrical parameters of the component, displaying the measured parameters on the device's display, and analyzing the parameters to determine the status and identity of the component.

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a multifunction aid transformer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the multifunction aid transformer of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the multifunction aid transformer of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a top view of the bottom section of the housing of the multifunction aid transformer of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a comparison view illustrating the difference between a conventional multimeter and the multifunction aid transformer of the present disclosure when measuring current.

[0015] Reference is made in the following detailed description to accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, wherein like numerals may designate like parts throughout that are corresponding and / or analogous. It will be appreciated that the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale, such as for simplicity and / or clarity of illustration. For example, dimensions of some aspects may be exaggerated relative to others. Further, it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized. Furthermore, structural and / or other changes may be made without departing from claimed subject matter. References throughout this specification to “claimed subject matter” refer to subject matter intended to be covered by one or more claims, or any portion thereof, and are not necessarily intended to refer to a complete claim set, to a particular combination of claim sets (e.g., method claims, apparatus claims, etc.), or to a particular claim. It should also be noted that directions and / or references, for example, such as up, down, top, bottom, and so on, may be used to facilitate discussion of drawings and are not intended to restrict application of claimed subject matter. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken to limit claimed subject matter and / or equivalents.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention and the examples included therein. Before the present articles, systems, devices, and / or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that they are not limited to specific manufacturing methods unless otherwise specified, or to particular materials unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, example methods and materials are now described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and / or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.Definitions

[0017] It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and in the claims, the term “comprising” can include the aspects “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.” Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this present disclosure belongs. In this specification and in the claims which follow, reference will be made to a number of terms which shall be defined herein.

[0018] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,”“an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an opening” can include two or more openings.

[0019] Ranges can be expressed herein as from one particular value, and / or to another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent ‘about,’ it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

[0020] As used herein, the terms “about” and “at or about” mean that the amount or value in question can be the value designated some other value approximately or about the same. It is generally understood, as used herein, that it is the nominal value indicated ±10% variation unless otherwise indicated or inferred. The term is intended to convey that similar values promote equivalent results or effects recited in the claims. That is, it is understood that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but can be approximate and / or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is “about” or “approximate” whether or not expressly stated to be such. It is understood that where “about” is used before a quantitative value, the parameter also includes the specific quantitative value itself, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0021] The terms “first,”“second,”“first part,”“second part,” and the like, where used herein, do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, and are used to distinguish one element from another, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0022] As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. For example, the phrase “optionally affixed to the surface” means that it can or cannot be fixed to a surface.

[0023] Moreover, it is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

[0024] Disclosed are the components to be used to manufacture the disclosed devices, systems, and articles of the present disclosure as well as the devices themselves to be used within the methods disclosed herein. These and other materials are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these materials are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these materials cannot be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if a particular material is disclosed and discussed and a number of modifications that can be made to the materials are discussed, specifically contemplated is each and every combination and permutation of the material and the modifications that are possible unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Thus, if a class of materials A, B, and C are disclosed as well as a class of materials D, E, and F and an example of a combination material, A-D is disclosed, then even if each is not individually recited each is individually and collectively contemplated meaning combinations, A-E, A-F, B-D, B-E, B-F, C-D, C-E, and C-F are considered disclosed. Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also disclosed. Thus, for example, the sub-group of A-E, B-F, and C-E would be considered disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in methods of making and using the articles and devices of the present disclosure. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect or combination of aspects of the methods of the present disclosure.

[0025] It is understood that the devices and systems disclosed herein have certain functions. Disclosed herein are certain structural requirements for performing the disclosed functions, and it is understood that there are a variety of structures that can perform the same function that are related to the disclosed structures, and that these structures will typically achieve the same result. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and / or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.

[0026] The present disclosure describes various embodiments of a multifunction aid transformer (MAT) for HVAC and refrigeration systems. It should be understood that the following description is intended to provide exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the following description will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a multifunction aid transformer 100 for HVAC and refrigeration systems is illustrated. The MAT 100 may include a housing 1 that contains various internal components and provides a user interface. The housing 1 may have a top, front, left, right, and bottom, with a display area 2 set at an angle relative to the front and top to facilitate visibility from different heights. The MAT 100 may include a transformer 5 disposed within the housing 1. The transformer 5 may be configured to convert a first alternating current (AC) voltage (e.g., 120V AC) to a second AC voltage (e.g., 24V AC). This allows the MAT 100 to provide the appropriate voltage for testing various HVAC and refrigeration system components. A pair of test leads 6 may protrude from the housing 1 and be electrically connected to the output of the transformer 5. These test leads 6 may be used to connect the MAT 100 to the component being tested.

[0028] The MAT 100 may further include a measurement circuit, which may comprise a development board 3 with a display. The measurement circuit may be configured to measure various electrical parameters of the component connected to the test leads 6. These parameters may include, but are not limited to, voltage, current, frequency, and power. A display 2 may be provided on the housing 1 to present the measured electrical parameters. The display 2 may be configured to simultaneously show multiple parameters, allowing the user to quickly assess the status of the component being tested. To enhance safety and protect against overcurrents and short circuits, the MAT 100 may include a thermal circuit breaker 4. In some embodiments, the thermal circuit breaker 4 may be a 10A breaker installed in the secondary circuit of the transformer 5.

[0029] Referring specifically to FIG. 2, the MAT 100 may include an LED switch 7 located on the back of the housing 1. This LED switch 7 may be used to manually reset the thermal circuit breaker 4 if it trips during operation. FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the bottom section of the housing 1, showing various internal components and support structures. As shown in FIG. 5, the MAT 100 offers significant advantages over conventional testing methods. While a traditional multimeter typically requires adjusting settings to measure different parameters separately, the MAT 100 can display current, and voltage through the measured component simultaneously. This allows technicians to more quickly determine the identity and status of the connected component. The MAT 100 may be used to test various low voltage devices used in HVAC and refrigeration systems, such as contactors, conductors, hydrovalves, recirculation pumps in heating systems, sequencer relays, thermostats, and other components. By making just two connections using the test leads 6, technicians can obtain multiple operating parameters simultaneously, saving time and keeping their hands free to perform other operations during the test.

[0030] In operation, a method of using the MAT 100 for testing HVAC and refrigeration system components may comprise:

[0031] (a) connecting the MAT 100 to a power source;

[0032] (b) identifying a component to be tested;

[0033] (c) connecting the test leads 6 to the component;

[0034] (d) observing the displayed parameters on the MAT 100 display 2;

[0035] (e) analyzing the parameters to determine the component status and identity;

[0036] (f) if necessary, using the MAT 100 as a backup power source for damaged equipment;

[0037] (g) disconnecting the test leads 6 after testing;

[0038] (h) if the thermal circuit breaker 4 trips, resetting it using the LED switch 7; and

[0039] (i) repeating the process for additional components as needed.

[0040] The MAT 100 may also be used to check the status of conductors. For an open conductor, there may be no response, and the parameters at both ends may remain the same as injected. For a closed conductor, the response may indicate a short circuit, suggesting a faulty state in the conductors.

[0041] In some embodiments, the MAT 100 may be capable of identifying connected devices based on their electrical characteristics. For example, by monitoring the consumed current and power, the MAT 100 may help technicians determine which specific device is connected at the other end of a conductor. Additionally, the MAT 100 may serve as a backup power source in cases where the built-in power supply of the HVAC or refrigeration equipment is damaged. This allows for continued use of the equipment while a replacement for the damaged transformer is sourced.

[0042] In various embodiments, the thermal circuit breaker may have no LED light. Instead, it may include a transparent rubber cover to protect the reset button from moisture environments. This configuration may enhance the device's resilience to environmental factors while still allowing easy access to the reset functionality when needed. The components used in the MAT may be IP55 dust-and water-resistant, including the housing. This level of protection may help ensure reliable operation in various environmental conditions commonly encountered in HVAC and refrigeration system maintenance. The IP55 rating may indicate that the device is protected against dust ingress that could harm the equipment, as well as against water projected by a nozzle from any direction.

[0043] The housing configuration may incorporate acute angles in its design. This feature may serve multiple purposes. Firstly, it may reduce the time water remains on the device surface, enhancing its water-resistant properties. Secondly, the angular design may facilitate the optimal distribution of internal components, potentially reducing weight, space requirements, and material usage. The base may be the only removable part of the housing, and it may feature an inner notch. This design choice may allow for necessary access to internal components while maintaining the overall integrity and protection level of the device. The inner notch may serve specific functional or assembly purposes.

[0044] The MAT may include a switching power supply or driver to provide 9V DC to the development card with display. This component may be essential for powering the measurement and display functions of the device. The development board may be configured to sense or take measurements from the transformer (voltage and frequency) and from the component that is connected for testing (current and power demanded). These design features and components may work together to create a robust, efficient, and versatile tool for HVAC and refrigeration system diagnostics and maintenance. The combination of environmental protection, optimized internal layout, and comprehensive measurement capabilities may enhance the utility and reliability of the MAT in various working conditions.

[0045] The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0046] The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. With respect to the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and / or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and / or application. The various singular / plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[0047] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.).

[0048] It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and / or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.

[0049] In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.).

[0050] In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

[0051] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as “up to,”“at least,”“greater than,”“less than,” and the like include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member.

[0052] While aspects of the present invention can be described and claimed in a particular statutory class, such as the system statutory class, this is for convenience only and one of skill in the art will understand that each aspect of the present invention can be described and claimed in any statutory class. Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method or aspect set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not specifically state in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way appreciably intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow, plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, or the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

[0053] Throughout this application, various publications can be referenced. The disclosures of these publications in their entirety are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this pertains. The references disclosed are also individually and specifically incorporated by reference herein for the material contained in them that is discussed in the sentence in which the reference is relied upon. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided herein can be different from the actual publication dates, which can require independent confirmation.

[0054] The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

[0055] While the specification includes examples, the disclosure's scope is indicated by the following claims. Furthermore, while the specification has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, the claims are not limited to the features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as examples for embodiments of the disclosure.

[0056] Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawing disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the claims below, the disclosures are not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claims such additional disclosures is reserved. Although very narrow claims are presented herein, it should be recognized the scope of this disclosure is much broader than presented by the claims. It is intended that broader claims will be submitted in an application that claims the benefit of priority from this application.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0016]Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention and the examples included therein. Before the present articles, systems, devices, and / or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that they are not limited to specific manufacturing methods unless otherwise specified, or to particular materials unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the pre...

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to testing and troubleshooting equipment for heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and refrigeration systems. More particularly, various embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to a multifunction device that combines the functionality of a transformer, multimeter, and safety features for testing and diagnosing components in HVAC and refrigeration systems.BACKGROUND

[0002] Technicians in the HVAC and refrigeration industry often face challenges when troubleshooting and testing system components. Conventional methods typically require the use of separate tools, such as a transformer and a multimeter, to perform various measurements and tests. This approach can be time-consuming, cumbersome, and potentially prone to errors due to multiple connections and the need for manual switching between different measurement modes.

[0003] Additionally, the testing process often involves working in confined spaces with high temperatures, such as attics, which can further complicate the troubleshooting procedure. The use of multiple tools and the need for frequent adjustments can make it difficult for technicians to work efficiently and safely in these environments. Furthermore, existing testing methods may not provide adequate protection against overcurrents or short circuits, which can potentially damage equipment or create safety hazards during the testing process.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an improved device that can simplify the testing and troubleshooting process for HVAC and refrigeration system components while enhancing safety and efficiency.SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure provides a multifunction aid transformer (MAT) for HVAC and refrigeration systems that addresses the aforementioned challenges. In various embodiments, the MAT combines the functionality of a transformer, multimeter, and safety features into a single device, simplifying the testing and troubleshooting process for HVAC and refrigeration system components.

[0006] In one aspect, a multifunction aid transformer for HVAC and refrigeration systems may comprise a housing, a transformer disposed within the housing and configured to convert a first alternating current (AC) voltage to a second AC voltage, a pair of test leads electrically connected to an output of the transformer, a measurement circuit configured to measure electrical parameters of a component connected to the test leads, a display for presenting the measured electrical parameters, and a thermal circuit breaker for protecting against overcurrents and short circuits. In some embodiments, the measurement circuit may be configured to simultaneously measure and display multiple electrical parameters, such as voltage, current, frequency, and power. The device may also include a development board for processing and calculating the electrical measurements.

[0007] In another aspect, a method of using the multifunction aid transformer for testing HVAC and refrigeration system components may comprise connecting the device to a power source, connecting the test leads to a component to be tested, measuring electrical parameters of the component, displaying the measured parameters on the device's display, and analyzing the parameters to determine the status and identity of the component.

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a multifunction aid transformer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the multifunction aid transformer of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the multifunction aid transformer of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a top view of the bottom section of the housing of the multifunction aid transformer of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a comparison view illustrating the difference between a conventional multimeter and the multifunction aid transformer of the present disclosure when measuring current.

[0015] Reference is made in the following detailed description to accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, wherein like numerals may designate like parts throughout that are corresponding and / or analogous. It will be appreciated that the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale, such as for simplicity and / or clarity of illustration. For example, dimensions of some aspects may be exaggerated relative to others. Further, it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized. Furthermore, structural and / or other changes may be made without departing from claimed subject matter. References throughout this specification to “claimed subject matter” refer to subject matter intended to be covered by one or more claims, or any portion thereof, and are not necessarily intended to refer to a complete claim set, to a particular combination of claim sets (e.g., method claims, apparatus claims, etc.), or to a particular claim. It should also be noted that directions and / or references, for example, such as up, down, top, bottom, and so on, may be used to facilitate discussion of drawings and are not intended to restrict application of claimed subject matter. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken to limit claimed subject matter and / or equivalents.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention and the examples included therein. Before the present articles, systems, devices, and / or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that they are not limited to specific manufacturing methods unless otherwise specified, or to particular materials unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, example methods and materials are now described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and / or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.Definitions

[0017] It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and in the claims, the term “comprising” can include the aspects “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.” Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this present disclosure belongs. In this specification and in the claims which follow, reference will be made to a number of terms which shall be defined herein.

[0018] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,”“an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an opening” can include two or more openings.

[0019] Ranges can be expressed herein as from one particular value, and / or to another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent ‘about,’ it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

[0020] As used herein, the terms “about” and “at or about” mean that the amount or value in question can be the value designated some other value approximately or about the same. It is generally understood, as used herein, that it is the nominal value indicated ±10% variation unless otherwise indicated or inferred. The term is intended to convey that similar values promote equivalent results or effects recited in the claims. That is, it is understood that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but can be approximate and / or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is “about” or “approximate” whether or not expressly stated to be such. It is understood that where “about” is used before a quantitative value, the parameter also includes the specific quantitative value itself, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0021] The terms “first,”“second,”“first part,”“second part,” and the like, where used herein, do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, and are used to distinguish one element from another, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0022] As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. For example, the phrase “optionally affixed to the surface” means that it can or cannot be fixed to a surface.

[0023] Moreover, it is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

[0024] Disclosed are the components to be used to manufacture the disclosed devices, systems, and articles of the present disclosure as well as the devices themselves to be used within the methods disclosed herein. These and other materials are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these materials are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these materials cannot be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if a particular material is disclosed and discussed and a number of modifications that can be made to the materials are discussed, specifically contemplated is each and every combination and permutation of the material and the modifications that are possible unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Thus, if a class of materials A, B, and C are disclosed as well as a class of materials D, E, and F and an example of a combination material, A-D is disclosed, then even if each is not individually recited each is individually and collectively contemplated meaning combinations, A-E, A-F, B-D, B-E, B-F, C-D, C-E, and C-F are considered disclosed. Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also disclosed. Thus, for example, the sub-group of A-E, B-F, and C-E would be considered disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in methods of making and using the articles and devices of the present disclosure. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect or combination of aspects of the methods of the present disclosure.

[0025] It is understood that the devices and systems disclosed herein have certain functions. Disclosed herein are certain structural requirements for performing the disclosed functions, and it is understood that there are a variety of structures that can perform the same function that are related to the disclosed structures, and that these structures will typically achieve the same result. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and / or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.

[0026] The present disclosure describes various embodiments of a multifunction aid transformer (MAT) for HVAC and refrigeration systems. It should be understood that the following description is intended to provide exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the following description will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a multifunction aid transformer 100 for HVAC and refrigeration systems is illustrated. The MAT 100 may include a housing 1 that contains various internal components and provides a user interface. The housing 1 may have a top, front, left, right, and bottom, with a display area 2 set at an angle relative to the front and top to facilitate visibility from different heights. The MAT 100 may include a transformer 5 disposed within the housing 1. The transformer 5 may be configured to convert a first alternating current (AC) voltage (e.g., 120V AC) to a second AC voltage (e.g., 24V AC). This allows the MAT 100 to provide the appropriate voltage for testing various HVAC and refrigeration system components. A pair of test leads 6 may protrude from the housing 1 and be electrically connected to the output of the transformer 5. These test leads 6 may be used to connect the MAT 100 to the component being tested.

[0028] The MAT 100 may further include a measurement circuit, which may comprise a development board 3 with a display. The measurement circuit may be configured to measure various electrical parameters of the component connected to the test leads 6. These parameters may include, but are not limited to, voltage, current, frequency, and power. A display 2 may be provided on the housing 1 to present the measured electrical parameters. The display 2 may be configured to simultaneously show multiple parameters, allowing the user to quickly assess the status of the component being tested. To enhance safety and protect against overcurrents and short circuits, the MAT 100 may include a thermal circuit breaker 4. In some embodiments, the thermal circuit breaker 4 may be a 10A breaker installed in the secondary circuit of the transformer 5.

[0029] Referring specifically to FIG. 2, the MAT 100 may include an LED switch 7 located on the back of the housing 1. This LED switch 7 may be used to manually reset the thermal circuit breaker 4 if it trips during operation. FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the bottom section of the housing 1, showing various internal components and support structures. As shown in FIG. 5, the MAT 100 offers significant advantages over conventional testing methods. While a traditional multimeter typically requires adjusting settings to measure different parameters separately, the MAT 100 can display current, and voltage through the measured component simultaneously. This allows technicians to more quickly determine the identity and status of the connected component. The MAT 100 may be used to test various low voltage devices used in HVAC and refrigeration systems, such as contactors, conductors, hydrovalves, recirculation pumps in heating systems, sequencer relays, thermostats, and other components. By making just two connections using the test leads 6, technicians can obtain multiple operating parameters simultaneously, saving time and keeping their hands free to perform other operations during the test.

[0030] In operation, a method of using the MAT 100 for testing HVAC and refrigeration system components may comprise:

[0031] (a) connecting the MAT 100 to a power source;

[0032] (b) identifying a component to be tested;

[0033] (c) connecting the test leads 6 to the component;

[0034] (d) observing the displayed parameters on the MAT 100 display 2;

[0035] (e) analyzing the parameters to determine the component status and identity;

[0036] (f) if necessary, using the MAT 100 as a backup power source for damaged equipment;

[0037] (g) disconnecting the test leads 6 after testing;

[0038] (h) if the thermal circuit breaker 4 trips, resetting it using the LED switch 7; and

[0039] (i) repeating the process for additional components as needed.

[0040] The MAT 100 may also be used to check the status of conductors. For an open conductor, there may be no response, and the parameters at both ends may remain the same as injected. For a closed conductor, the response may indicate a short circuit, suggesting a faulty state in the conductors.

[0041] In some embodiments, the MAT 100 may be capable of identifying connected devices based on their electrical characteristics. For example, by monitoring the consumed current and power, the MAT 100 may help technicians determine which specific device is connected at the other end of a conductor. Additionally, the MAT 100 may serve as a backup power source in cases where the built-in power supply of the HVAC or refrigeration equipment is damaged. This allows for continued use of the equipment while a replacement for the damaged transformer is sourced.

[0042] In various embodiments, the thermal circuit breaker may have no LED light. Instead, it may include a transparent rubber cover to protect the reset button from moisture environments. This configuration may enhance the device's resilience to environmental factors while still allowing easy access to the reset functionality when needed. The components used in the MAT may be IP55 dust-and water-resistant, including the housing. This level of protection may help ensure reliable operation in various environmental conditions commonly encountered in HVAC and refrigeration system maintenance. The IP55 rating may indicate that the device is protected against dust ingress that could harm the equipment, as well as against water projected by a nozzle from any direction.

[0043] The housing configuration may incorporate acute angles in its design. This feature may serve multiple purposes. Firstly, it may reduce the time water remains on the device surface, enhancing its water-resistant properties. Secondly, the angular design may facilitate the optimal distribution of internal components, potentially reducing weight, space requirements, and material usage. The base may be the only removable part of the housing, and it may feature an inner notch. This design choice may allow for necessary access to internal components while maintaining the overall integrity and protection level of the device. The inner notch may serve specific functional or assembly purposes.

[0044] The MAT may include a switching power supply or driver to provide 9V DC to the development card with display. This component may be essential for powering the measurement and display functions of the device. The development board may be configured to sense or take measurements from the transformer (voltage and frequency) and from the component that is connected for testing (current and power demanded). These design features and components may work together to create a robust, efficient, and versatile tool for HVAC and refrigeration system diagnostics and maintenance. The combination of environmental protection, optimized internal layout, and comprehensive measurement capabilities may enhance the utility and reliability of the MAT in various working conditions.

[0045] The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0046] The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. With respect to the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and / or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and / or application. The various singular / plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[0047] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.).

[0048] It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and / or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.

[0049] In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.).

[0050] In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

[0051] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as “up to,”“at least,”“greater than,”“less than,” and the like include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member.

[0052] While aspects of the present invention can be described and claimed in a particular statutory class, such as the system statutory class, this is for convenience only and one of skill in the art will understand that each aspect of the present invention can be described and claimed in any statutory class. Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method or aspect set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not specifically state in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way appreciably intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow, plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, or the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

[0053] Throughout this application, various publications can be referenced. The disclosures of these publications in their entirety are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this pertains. The references disclosed are also individually and specifically incorporated by reference herein for the material contained in them that is discussed in the sentence in which the reference is relied upon. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided herein can be different from the actual publication dates, which can require independent confirmation.

[0054] The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

[0055] While the specification includes examples, the disclosure's scope is indicated by the following claims. Furthermore, while the specification has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, the claims are not limited to the features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as examples for embodiments of the disclosure.

[0056] Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawing disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the claims below, the disclosures are not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claims such additional disclosures is reserved. Although very narrow claims are presented herein, it should be recognized the scope of this disclosure is much broader than presented by the claims. It is intended that broader claims will be submitted in an application that claims the benefit of priority from this application.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0016]Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention and the examples included therein. Before the present articles, systems, devices, and / or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that they are not limited to specific manufacturing methods unless otherwise specified, or to particular materials unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the pre...

Claims

1. A multifunction aid transformer for HVAC and refrigeration systems, comprising:a housing;a transformer disposed within the housing and configured to convert a first alternating current (AC) voltage to a second AC voltage;a pair of test leads electrically connected to an output of the transformer;a measurement circuit configured to measure electrical parameters of a component connected to the test leads;a display for presenting the measured electrical parameters; anda thermal circuit breaker for protecting against overcurrents and short circuits.

2. The multifunction aid transformer of claim 1, wherein the measurement circuit is configured to simultaneously measure and display multiple electrical parameters.

3. The multifunction aid transformer of claim 2, wherein the multiple electrical parameters comprise voltage, current, frequency, and power.

4. The multifunction aid transformer of claim 1, further comprising a development board for processing and calculating the electrical measurements.

5. The multifunction aid transformer of claim 1, wherein the first AC voltage is 120V and the second AC voltage is 24V.

6. The multifunction aid transformer of claim 1, wherein the thermal circuit breaker is a 10A breaker installed in a secondary circuit of the transformer.

7. The multifunction aid transformer of claim 1, further comprising an LED switch located on the housing for manually resetting the thermal circuit breaker.

8. The multifunction aid transformer of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a display area set at an angle relative to a front and top of the housing to facilitate visibility from different heights.

9. The multifunction aid transformer of claim 1, wherein the measurement circuit is configured to identify a type of component connected to the test leads based on measured electrical characteristics.

10. The multifunction aid transformer of claim 1, wherein the transformer is configured to serve as a backup power source for damaged HVAC or refrigeration equipment.

11. A method of using a multifunction aid transformer for testing HVAC and refrigeration system components, the method comprising:connecting the multifunction aid transformer to a power source;connecting test leads of the multifunction aid transformer to a component to be tested;measuring electrical parameters of the component using a measurement circuit of the multifunction aid transformer;displaying the measured parameters on a display of the multifunction aid transformer; andanalyzing the parameters to determine the status and identity of the component.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:using the multifunction aid transformer as a backup power source for damaged equipment.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising:resetting a thermal circuit breaker of the multifunction aid transformer using an LED switch if the thermal circuit breaker trips during testing.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein measuring electrical parameters comprises simultaneously measuring voltage, current, frequency, and power.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising:identifying a type of component connected to the test leads based on the measured electrical parameters.

16. A system for testing HVAC and refrigeration components, comprising:a multifunction aid transformer including:a housing;a transformer disposed within the housing;a pair of test leads;a measurement circuit;a display; anda thermal circuit breaker;wherein the multifunction aid transformer is configured to:provide power to a component being tested;measure multiple electrical parameters of the component simultaneously; anddisplay the measured parameters on the display.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the multifunction aid transformer is further configured to identify a type of component connected to the test leads based on measured electrical characteristics.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the thermal circuit breaker is configured to protect against overcurrents and short circuits during testing.

19. The system of claim 16, wherein the multifunction aid transformer is configured to serve as a backup power source for damaged HVAC or refrigeration equipment.

20. The system of claim 16, wherein the housing includes a display area set at an angle relative to a front and top of the housing to facilitate visibility from different heights.

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