Coolant Measurement Using Vent Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coolant measurement systems for automobile air conditioning systems are complex and difficult for non-professionals to use, requiring knowledge of ambient temperature and varying pressure readings across different vehicle models, making it challenging to determine sufficient refrigerant levels accurately.
Innovation Solution
A device with a digital display and temperature sensor attached to the vehicle's air conditioner vent, allowing users to measure the air conditioner's output temperature to ensure proper coolant refilling, compatible with a bottle actuator assembly for pressurized bottles, providing a user-friendly method for determining adequate refrigerant levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manifold gauges are used to measure refrigerant pressure, then measurement capability is provided, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase for non-professionals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manifold gauge system with an electronic temperature sensing system. A temperature sensor directly measures the air conditioner vent temperature, and a processor automatically compares this reading against reference data to determine refrigerant sufficiency, eliminating the need for manual pressure reading and chart interpretation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses temperature as a proxy indicator for refrigerant level instead of directly measuring pressure. By measuring the cooling effect (temperature) produced by the refrigerant system, the device indirectly determines refrigerant sufficiency through a simpler, more intuitive parameter
2Loss of information
If manifold gauges with pressure readings are used, then refrigerant level information is obtained, but the user must know ambient temperature and consult charts increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs the entire measurement and interpretation process. The temperature sensor self-measures the vent temperature, the processor automatically retrieves reference data, compares readings, and displays the refrigerant sufficiency status without requiring user knowledge of ambient temperature or chart consultation
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic feedback by continuously monitoring temperature, comparing it against reference values, and providing immediate visual feedback through display indicators (such as LED lights) that show whether refrigerant is sufficient, eliminating manual interpretation steps
3Reliability
If pressure-based measurement at service port is used, then refrigerant pressure is measured, but reliability varies across different vehicle models
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that works across different vehicle models by measuring a common parameter (vent temperature) that reflects refrigerant sufficiency regardless of the specific vehicle's pressure characteristics. The processor stores reference data for multiple vehicle models and automatically adapts to the correct reference set
4Ease of operation
If non-professionals attempt to use traditional gauges, then refrigerant refilling may be performed, but accurate determination of sufficient coolant levels becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical gauge interpretation with simple electronic temperature measurement and automatic digital processing. The system handles all calculations and comparisons internally, presenting only the final sufficiency determination to the user, making accurate measurement accessible to non-professionals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from pressure (which requires knowledge of ambient conditions and vehicle-specific charts) to temperature (which directly reflects cooling performance). This parameter change makes the measurement more intuitive and reliable for consumer use
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables non-professionals to easily and accurately determine if sufficient coolant has been refilled by monitoring the air conditioner's vent temperature, simplifying the process and eliminating the need for complex manifold gauges and chart-based readings.
Implementation Method 1
A display is preferably disposed within a housing for operation with a bottle actuator assembly for a pressurized bottle. The display is in communication with a temperature sensor securely attached to an air conditioner vent inside the vehicle.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for measuring coolant temperature to ensure the proper amount of coolant for refilling or servicing a coolant system, such as an automobile coolant system, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a measurement display for viewing the temperature of air conditioning output inside a vehicle while the user is outside the vehicle refilling or servicing a coolant system. The measurement display is in communications with a temperature sensor measuring the air temperature at a vent inside the vehicle to allow a user to ensure the proper amount of coolant is refilled.