Hose free sensor system for refrigerant unit
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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 accuracy in diagnosing and repairing HVACR systems.
Innovation Solution
A hoseless sensor system with wireless pressure and temperature sensors that transmit data to a portable electronic device for real-time calculations of system conditions like superheat and subcooling, allowing for multiple refrigerant compatibility and reduced weight and bulk, enabling technicians to diagnose and repair systems more efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional analog gauge sets with hoses are used for monitoring refrigerant systems, then pressure and temperature can be measured, but refrigerant loss occurs and multiple gauge sets are needed for different refrigerants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the conventional hose-based gauge set and implements it through wireless sensors that attach directly to the refrigerant lines. This eliminates the need for hoses that require refrigerant evacuation, thereby preventing refrigerant loss while maintaining measurement capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless sensor system is designed to be universal and compatible with multiple refrigerant types (R-134a, R-410a, R-404a, etc.), eliminating the need for multiple specialized gauge sets. The sensors can be used across different refrigerant systems without cross-contamination concerns
2Reliability
If multiple analog gauge sets are maintained for different refrigerants to avoid cross-contamination, then cross-contamination is prevented, but device complexity and technician burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless sensor system provides a universal solution that works with multiple refrigerant types without requiring separate gauge sets. The sensors are designed to be compatible with R-134a, R-410a, R-404a and other refrigerants, eliminating the need for technicians to maintain multiple specialized tools while preventing cross-contamination
3Measurement precision
If conventional hose-based gauge sets are used, then system pressure can be monitored, but technician mobility is restricted due to hose length and bulk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the restrictive hoses from the measurement system and replaces them with wireless communication technology. The sensors transmit data wirelessly to a display device, allowing technicians to move freely around the equipment without being constrained by hose length or the need to return to a centralized gauge location
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a mechanical connection (hoses) to a wireless electromagnetic field-based communication. This dimensional change allows the technician to operate from any location within wireless range, significantly improving mobility and ease of operation
4Measurement precision
If conventional gauge sets with hoses are used, then pressure readings can be obtained, but the system is bulky and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement functionality from the bulky hose-based gauge set and consolidates it into compact wireless sensors. The sensors are small, lightweight devices that can be easily carried in a tool belt or pocket, eliminating the need to transport large gauge sets and hoses
Data Source
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.