Detection that a refrigerant is at a fully charged level
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automobile air conditioning systems using thermostatic expansion valves face challenges in accurately determining the fully charged refrigerant level, leading to potential overcharging and damage due to the reliance on low-side gauges, which can result in excessive refrigerant addition as ambient temperature increases, causing pressure discrepancies between low and high-side gauges.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with a temperature range measurement capability, equipped with a wireless transmitter and serrated fasteners for secure attachment to air conditioning vents, transmits data to an electronic device, which includes a software application that visually and audibly indicates when the refrigerant has reached the fully charged fill level, utilizing temperature sensors to ensure accurate refrigerant charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If low-side gauge pressure is used to determine refrigerant fill level, then the system can be monitored for charging status, but the measurement precision deteriorates as ambient temperature increases, leading to inaccurate fully charged determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temperature sensor as an intermediary device that measures ambient temperature and uses this information to compensate for the limitations of low-side gauge pressure measurement. The temperature data serves as a mediator that helps correct the inaccurate refrigerant fill level determination caused by temperature variations, allowing the system to account for the relationship between ambient temperature and pressure readings.
2Productivity
If refrigerant is added to reach gauge pressure requirements, then the charging process can be completed, but the quantity of substance becomes excessive, causing overcharging and potential compressor damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the temperature sensor continuously monitors ambient temperature and provides real-time data to adjust the charging process. This feedback loop allows the system to determine when the refrigerant has reached the appropriate fill level by compensating for temperature effects, preventing overcharging while maintaining efficient charging speed. The feedback ensures that charging stops at the correct point rather than continuing to meet fixed pressure requirements.
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
The system effectively prevents overcharging by providing real-time visual and auditory feedback on the refrigerant fill level, ensuring accurate refrigerant introduction and preventing compressor damage, by accurately measuring and indicating the fully charged state within the air conditioning system.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor device (10) including a main body (11) to measure temperatures in a range of temperatures
Implementation Method 2
a wireless transmitter (12) on the sensor device (10), the wireless transmitter (12) being in communication with the electronic device (100) for wirelessly transmitting the range of data to the electronic device (100)
Data Source
AI summary
A system for indicating on an electronic device that the refrigerant being introduced by a user to an air conditioning system has reached its optimum fill level includes a sensor device having a main body, the sensor device being structured and disposed for measuring a range of data; a wireless transmitter on the sensor device, the wireless transmitter being in communication with the electronic device for wirelessly transmitting the range of data to the electronic device; an electronic application configured for use with the electronic device; and wherein the electronic application is structured and disposed for visually indicating to the user via the electronic device the transmitted range of data in real time and audibly indicating to the user via the electronic device when the transmitted range of data reaches a predetermined value.