Refrigerant detection apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerant leakage detection systems require a sensor for each room, making them inefficient for multi-unit air conditioner setups where multiple indoor units are connected to one outdoor unit, necessitating a solution to detect refrigerant leaks in multiple rooms using fewer sensors.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerant detection apparatus with a sensor and casing that can connect to multiple rooms through separate openings, allowing a single sensor to detect refrigerant leaks in multiple rooms by utilizing the density of the refrigerant to accumulate and be detected in one location, reducing the number of sensors needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor is provided for each room to detect refrigerant leakage, then the detection reliability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single sensor unit. The sensor is positioned to detect refrigerant leakage from multiple indoor units through a shared refrigerant pipe system, eliminating the need for separate sensors in each room while maintaining detection reliability across all connected units.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple rooms simultaneously. By detecting refrigerant concentration in the shared refrigerant pipe and correlating it with operational data from multiple indoor units, a single sensor performs the function that would otherwise require multiple distributed sensors.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are installed in each room to detect refrigerant leaks, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation and installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor installation into a centralized location that monitors the shared refrigerant pipe serving multiple indoor units. This consolidation reduces installation complexity by requiring only one sensor installation rather than multiple separate installations, while maintaining detection precision through centralized monitoring of the refrigerant flow.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are deployed to cover multiple rooms, then the detection coverage is improved, but the loss of substance and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single sensor unit is designed to provide universal detection coverage for all rooms connected to the shared refrigerant pipe system. By monitoring the refrigerant concentration at the centralized sensor location and using operational data from multiple indoor units, the system achieves comprehensive detection coverage without requiring multiple sensors, thereby reducing refrigerant consumption for calibration and system maintenance.
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 effective detection of refrigerant leaks in multiple rooms using fewer sensors, minimizing the number of sensors required and maintaining a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing installation.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing the density of the refrigerant to accumulate and be detected in one location
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerant detection apparatus that is able to detect refrigerant having leaked in a plurality of rooms using sensors the number of which is smaller than the number of rooms serving as detection targets includes a sensor configured to be able to detect refrigerant being filled in a refrigerant pipe of an air conditioner, and a casing that houses the sensor. The casing has a first opening configured to be able to connect to the inside of a room, and a second opening configured to be able to connect to the inside of a room different from the room being able to be connected to the first opening.