Microcomputer-Controlled Portable Air Cooling Unit Refrigerant Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable air cooling systems for mobile use, such as in golf carts, do not effectively extend the duration of refrigerant use or improve cooling efficiency, lacking the integration of microcomputer circuitry and logic to optimize refrigerant conservation and cooling delivery.
Innovation Solution
The method employs microcomputer circuitry and logic to regulate portable air cooling units by using electronic sensors to detect the presence of individuals within a predefined range, switching the units on and off, and varying fan speed based on external temperature and occupancy, thereby conserving refrigerant and extending its lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If portable air cooling units operate continuously to provide cooled air, then cooling delivery is maintained, but refrigerant is consumed faster and duration of use is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The microcomputer circuitry controls the portable air cooling unit to operate in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The system alternates between active cooling phases and idle phases, allowing the refrigerant to be conserved during idle periods while still maintaining adequate cooling delivery during active phases. This periodic operation extends the duration of refrigerant use without completely sacrificing cooling productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation of the portable air cooling unit based on real-time temperature sensor feedback. The microcomputer circuitry modifies cooling intensity and operational timing according to actual thermal conditions, optimizing the balance between cooling delivery and refrigerant consumption. This dynamic control allows the system to extend refrigerant duration while maintaining adequate cooling performance when needed.
2Duration of action of moving object
If heavy refrigerant packs are used to extend cooling duration, then duration of use is increased, but system weight and portability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the portable air cooling unit through microcomputer control, optimizing cooling cycles, fan speeds, and compressor operation. By efficiently managing the refrigerant usage parameters, the system extends the duration of cooled air delivery from existing refrigerant packs without requiring additional weight. The intelligent control maximizes the utilization of available refrigerant, achieving extended duration without heavy packs.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcomputer circuitry with temperature sensors enables the cooling system to self-regulate and optimize its own operation. The system automatically adjusts cooling intensity and timing based on environmental conditions and occupancy detection, eliminating the need for oversized refrigerant packs. This self-optimizing operation extends refrigerant duration while maintaining lightweight portability.
3Duration of action of moving object
If microcomputer circuitry and sensors are added to regulate cooling units, then refrigerant conservation and duration are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs temperature sensors that provide continuous feedback to the microcomputer circuitry about thermal conditions. This feedback loop enables the microcomputer to make intelligent decisions about when to activate cooling and how intensely to operate, optimizing refrigerant conservation. The feedback mechanism achieves extended refrigerant duration through relatively simple sensor-circuitry integration rather than complex control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual or mechanical control methods with electronic microcomputer circuitry and sensor-based automation. This substitution enables sophisticated refrigerant management and extended duration operation through programmable logic rather than mechanical complexity. The electronic control system achieves intelligent refrigerant conservation with minimal added physical complexity compared to mechanical alternatives.
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises the steps of using microcomputer circuitry and logic generating data format providing activation and deactivation of a portable air cooling unit and operating the blower fan at differing speeds optimizing and conserving the rate of expending pre-cooled refrigerant. First, deactivating the unit during periods when cooling is unnecessary. Using sensors, including proximity sensors, for sensing the data format of individuals. The logic upon detecting an individual within the predefined range generates data format activating the chilled air output and deactivating the unit upon not sensing objects. The data format associated with the objects, dimensional aspect of range and operations of the portable air cooling unit are stored in the memory. Additionally, the active coupling of the temperature sensors operates the fan at lower speeds when the outside temperature is within the cooler temperature setting spectrum. Alternatively, switches are provided for operating the portable air cooling units.