Detection That a Refrigerant is at a Fully Charged Level

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. A system for indicating on an electronic device that the refrigerant in an air conditioning system has reached a fully charged fill level, said system comprising: a sensor device, including a main body, to measure temperatures in a range of temperatures; a wireless transmitter on said sensor device, said wireless transmitter being in communication with the electronic device for wirelessly transmitting said range of data to the electronic device; at least one fastener on said main body, said at least one fastener having a plurality of serrations at a distal end; said at least one fastener being sized and configured for securing said main body directly on a vane of a vent of the air conditioning system; an electronic application configured for use with the electronic device; and wherein said 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.

2. The system as recited in claim 1 wherein said sensor device is structured and disposed to measure temperatures between minus-20 degrees Fahrenheit (20 F.) and 150 degrees Fahrenheit (150 F.).

3. The system as recited in claim 1 wherein said electronic application for use on the electronic device is a downloadable software application.

4. The system as recited in claim 1 wherein said electronic application for use on the electronic device is accessible via a website on the World Wide Web.

5. A system for indicating on an electronic device that the refrigerant in an air conditioning system has reached a fully charged fill level, the system comprising: a temperature sensor, including a main body; a wireless transmitter on the sensor device, the wireless transmitter being in communication with the electronic device for wirelessly transmitting a range of data to the electronic device; at least one fastener on said main body, said at least one fastener having a plurality of serrations at a distal end; said at least one fastener being sized and configured for securing said main body directly on a vane of a vent of the air conditioning system; 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.

6. The system as recited in claim 5 wherein the sensor device is structured and disposed for measuring temperature and the range of data is a range of temperatures.

7. The system as recited in claim 6 wherein the sensor device is structured and disposed for measuring temperatures between minus-20 degrees Fahrenheit (20 F.) and 150 degrees Fahrenheit (150 F.).

8. The system as recited in claim 5 wherein the electronic application for use on the electronic device is a downloadable software application.

9. The system as recited in claim 5 wherein the electronic application for use on the electronic device is accessible via a website on the World Wide Web.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the sensor device in accordance with one embodiment, shown secured to a vent;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sensor device in accordance with one embodiment, shown secured to the inner facing wall of a vent channel;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an electronic device receiving a transmission from the sensor device;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the sensor device showing the bottom side of the sensor device in accordance with one embodiment; and

[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the sensor device showing the bottom side of the sensor device in accordance with one embodiment.

[0014] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Referring to the several views of the drawings, the sensor device for sensing one or more temperature output ranges and transmitting the one or more temperature output ranges to an electronic device 100 for visually indicating to a user that the refrigerant being introduced to an air conditioning system has reached its fill level is generally referred to as the sensor device 10.

[0016] Referring to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the sensor device 10 is shown, wherein the sensor device 10 includes a wireless transmitter 12 and is configured to be secured to a vent 102, such as the air vent vane 104 on an automobile air conditioning vent 102, using a fastener 14 (see FIG. 4). Exemplary embodiments of the fastener 14 include snap-fit fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, adhesive fasteners, and magnetic fasteners. In one embodiment, the sensor device 10 includes a temperature sensor for measuring a range of temperatures between minus-20 degrees Fahrenheit (20 F.) and 150 degrees Fahrenheit (150 F.) in real time with an accuracy variable not exceeding 2 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F.). In one embodiment, the temperature sensor is located approximately 19 mm from the PCB & electronics forming the sensor device 10.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 2, another embodiment of the sensor device 10 is shown, wherein the sensor device 10 is configured to be secured near a vent 102, such as an automobile air conditioning vent, such as on the inner facing surface of the vent channel of vent 102 by a fastener 14. Exemplary embodiments of the fastener 14 include snap-fit fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, adhesive fasteners, and magnetic fasteners. In one embodiment, the sensor device 10 measures a range of temperatures between minus-20 degrees Fahrenheit (20 F.) and 150 degrees Fahrenheit (150 F.) in real time with an accuracy variable not exceeding 2 degrees Fahrenheit (2 F.). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the sensor device 10 is manufactured with thermochromic ink to visually indicate refrigerant charge by changing color.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 3, the sensor device 10 is shown in conjunction with an electronic device 100. In one embodiment, a software application is provided for downloadable use on the electronic device 100. Without limiting the features therein, the software application is structured and disposed for displaying the temperature transmitted by the sensor device 10 on the screen of the electronic device 100. In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 accesses a website on the World Wide Web which provides a web application for displaying the temperature transmitted by the sensor device 10 on the screen of the electronic device 100.

[0019] Referring now to FIG. 5, in accordance with one embodiment, the fasteners 14 have a plurality of serrations 16 at the far end and they close completely at the end with a rounded point. In one embodiment, the fasteners are 12 mm long and the plurality of serrations is six serrations 16. Behind the serrations the clips increase in width. Different vehicles have varyingly sized vent vanes 104 (e.g., some are thick; some are airfoil). The plurality of serrations 16 and progressive increase in width of the fasteners permits use the device 10 across a considerable spectrum of automobile types. Moreover, the design prevents the device 10 from being blown off the vane 104 by airflow during the charging process.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the software application or web application visually and/or audibly indicates to a user through the electronic device 100 when the temperature cools to a predetermined temperature value selected for indicating that the refrigerant has reached its fully charged, optimum fill level within the air conditioning system. Each of the above predetermined temperature values may be determined using established pressure levels for indicating the fill level of refrigerant as measured by low-side and high-side pressure gauges. By way of a non-limiting example, the software application or web application may be structured and disposed to visually and/or audibly deliver an indication through the electronic device 100 at a temperature of 50 F. or lower.

[0021] In operation, as refrigerant is introduced to the air conditioning system, cold air flows through the air vents 102 at a rate as selectively determined by a user. It is preferable for the air vent 102 to be set to permit cold airflow through the air vent 102 at its highest setting in order to most effectually determine when the refrigerant has reached the optimum fill level. As the refrigerant approaches optimum fill level, the air flowing through the air vent will become colder and the software application or web application causes the electronic device 100 to visually and/or audibly indicate such to the user.

[0022] While the present invention has been shown and described in accordance with several preferred and practical embodiments, it is recognized that departures from the instant disclosure are contemplated within the spirit and scope of the present invention.