Hoseless Refrigerant Sensor System for Low-Loss Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional analog gauge sets for refrigeration units are cumbersome, require multiple sets for different refrigerants to avoid cross-contamination, and result in refrigerant loss and handling inefficiencies, limiting technician mobility and increasing the risk of contamination.
Innovation Solution
A hoseless sensor system with wireless high side and low side pressure and temperature sensors that transmit data to a portable electronic device for calculating system conditions like superheat and subcooling, allowing use across multiple refrigerant types and reducing the need for physical hoses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional analog gauge sets with hoses are used to monitor refrigerant pressure, then pressure measurement is achieved, but refrigerant loss occurs and technician mobility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the refrigerant from the measurement system by using electronic pressure sensors that read pressure directly from the refrigerant lines without requiring hoses filled with refrigerant. The sensors connect via quick-connect couplings that minimize refrigerant loss during attachment and detachment, eliminating the need to vent refrigerant from long hose assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical hose-based pressure transmission system with electronic pressure sensors and digital data transmission. Instead of using physical hoses to transmit pressure mechanically to analog gauges, the system uses electronic sensors to detect pressure and wirelessly transmits data to a display device, eliminating the refrigerant-filled hose infrastructure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple analog gauge sets are maintained for different refrigerant types to avoid cross-contamination, then cross-contamination is prevented, but device complexity and technician burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal diagnostic system that can measure pressure and temperature across different refrigerant types using the same electronic sensors and display unit. The system adapts to different refrigerants through software configuration rather than requiring physical hardware changes, allowing a single multi-functional device to replace multiple specialized gauge sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the form of software-based refrigerant type selection and calibration settings. Instead of physical modifications to prevent cross-contamination, the system changes operational parameters (refrigerant type selection, pressure units, temperature scales) to accommodate different refrigerants, maintaining compatibility while preventing contamination through proper procedural use.
3Measurement precision
If conventional analog gauge sets with long hoses are used, then pressure measurement is achieved, but technician mobility and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hose connection system with wireless electronic communication. Pressure and temperature sensors transmit data wirelessly to a portable display device, eliminating the physical constraint of long hoses that limit technician movement. The technician can freely move around the equipment while monitoring real-time data on the portable device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional constraint (technician must stay within hose length) to three-dimensional freedom of movement by using wireless communication. The data transmission occurs through electromagnetic fields that extend beyond the physical reach of hoses, allowing technicians to operate from any location within wireless range of the sensors.
4Loss of substance
If quick connect couplings are used to trap refrigerant in hoses, then refrigerant blow-off is eliminated, but gauge set versatility is reduced to single refrigerant type
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the refrigerant trapping function from the hose system by using electronic sensors with quick-connect couplings that minimize refrigerant loss during connection and disconnection. Instead of trapping refrigerant in long hoses, the system uses short sensor connections that require minimal refrigerant displacement, eliminating the need for refrigerant blow-off while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hoseless sensor system for a refrigerant unit includes a plurality of hoseless sensors for sensing system parameters of the refrigerant unit, and a portable electronic device configured to receive the system parameters from the hoseless sensors and to calculate system conditions for the refrigerant based on the system parameters. The plurality of hoseless sensors includes a hoseless first pressure sensor and a hoseless second pressure sensor, and a hoseless first temperature sensor and a hoseless second temperature sensor. The temperature sensors may be temperature sensor clamps. Each temperature sensor clamp includes a clamping portion configured to clamp on a tube of the refrigerant unit, the clamping portion including a sensor element to measure temperature about the tube. The clamping portion further includes a plurality of clamping teeth, and adjacent clamping teeth interlock in an overlapping configuration when the clamp closes inward beyond a threshold point.