APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR AIR CONDITIONING OUTPUT MEASUREMENT AND COOLANT SERVICING

Abstract

An apparatus and method for measuring air conditioning output temperature to ensure the proper amount of refrigerant for recharging or servicing a coolant system, such as an automobile coolant system, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a measurement display for viewing the temperature of air conditioning output inside a vehicle while the user is outside the vehicle recharging or servicing a coolant system. The measurement display is in communications with a temperature sensor measuring the air temperature at a vent inside the vehicle to allow a user to ensure proper recharging of the coolant system.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2019/026679, filed Apr. 9, 2019 entitled “APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR AIR CONDITIONING OUTPUT MEASUREMENT AND COOLANT SERVICING”, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/948,723, filed Apr. 9, 2018 entitled “APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR AIR CONDITIONING OUTPUT MEASUREMENT AND COOLANT SERVICING”, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/045,242, filed Feb. 16, 2016, and now patented as U.S. Pat. No. 9,981,637 issued May 29, 2018 entitled “COOLANT MEASUREMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD”, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The apparatus and method disclosed herein relates to an air conditioning temperature measurement device for use in recharging or servicing a coolant system of a vehicle, such as an automobile A/C coolant system. The air conditioning temperature measurement device may be used with a bottle actuator assembly designed to operate in conjunction with a pressurized bottle, such as a refrigerant bottle. Additionally, the apparatus and system allow a non-professional to easily measure the temperature of air at one or more air conditioning vents of an automobile while recharging to ensure that sufficient coolant has been filled, thereby maintaining the efficiency of the coolant system and for providing sufficiently cooled air to cool the inside of the automobile.

Typical coolant systems, such as those found in an automobile air conditioner, include three main components—a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator. A compressor is a pump driven by a belt attached to the engine's crankshaft. Refrigerant is drawn into the compressor in a low-pressure gaseous form. Once inside the compressor, a belt drives the pump pressurizing the gas which thereby gets hot by absorbing the surrounding heat.

Conversely, as the pressure of the gas decreases, the gas temperature decreases. This expansion of the refrigerant gas in a coolant system acts to cool the system containing the refrigerant. Air is then blown over the cooled system into the cabin of the automobile.

In such an air conditioning unit, the ability of cooling provided using the compression and expansion of a gaseous refrigerant will vary depending on the level of refrigerant present in the system. For numerous reasons, refrigerant may slowly leak from the air conditioning system. As such, an automobile air conditioning system may require routine monitoring of the refrigerant level or pressure and periodic recharging the refrigerant.

To allow recharging of the refrigerant, automotive air conditioners are generally provided with a service or coolant port to permit the addition of refrigerant as well as to permit the inspection of the level of refrigerant in the system. Although such recharging and inspection is typically performed by service professionals, a significant number of automobile owners prefer to perform routine maintenance on their own vehicles, in part due to the savings obtained. In addition, one method of recharging of automotive air conditioner refrigerant as is typically performed by service professionals involves the complete evacuation of the refrigerant, followed by recharging the air conditioner with a full charge of refrigerant according to vehicle service specifications.

Another method used by service professionals for recharging refrigerant and measuring pressure or other parameters in automobile air conditioners is using a set of manifold gauges. Recharging using manifold gauges typically includes three hoses and two gauges; wherein one hose connects to a low-pressure service port; one hose connects to a high-pressure service port; and a third hose connects to the source of refrigerant. The gauges are then used to measure the pressure at the service ports. Although manifold gauges may be a standard tool used by service professionals, a number of disadvantages may reduce their popularity among general consumers. These disadvantages include: being complicated to use; requiring the user to know the approximate ambient temperature; requiring a user to look up the pressure readings of the gauges on a chart to determine if there is sufficient refrigerant in the system, requiring a user to know the correct pressure readings for each automobile make and model; presenting a high up-front costs of equipment that is infrequently used. An innovative way for providing a recharging of refrigerant and measuring the pressure of coolant systems using an adaptable bottle actuator assembly capable of interoperating with various forms of pressurized bottles is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/680,066, which is incorporated by reference herein, in its entirety.

Prior art systems disclose methods and devices for measuring the temperature of the coolant in the engine. However, for most non-professionals, this remains a difficult task. Additionally, measuring temperature of the coolant at the service port is not reliable for all vehicles due to the evolution of air conditioning technologies. Automotive air conditioning systems are ever evolving and changing to reach better efficiencies and improved cooling results. Among these changes are a shift in how coolant is released and used. One such change is a move from the use of a fixed orifice system, whereas the release of coolant from low pressure to high pressure is through a fixed or static hole which results in inefficient cooling, to the use of a thermal expansion system, whereas the release of coolant is dependent upon a dynamic pressure in the system and changes as the system requires. This makes the measurement of pressure of one service port unstable and frequently results in the over filling of coolant requiring the user to release the over filled coolant into the atmosphere causing damage to the environment. Despite the evolving automotive air conditioning technology independent of all parameters is the optimal air conditioning output temperature. Therefore, there is a need to measure the temperature of the air at the vehicle air conditioning vents to ensure that sufficient coolant has been filled in the coolant system.

The servicing of coolant in automobile air conditioning systems typically first requires the user to start the vehicle engine so that the air conditioner may actively cycle. To fill refrigerant, the user must be outside the vehicle, near the coolant service port, while the engine is running. Leaving the coolant service port to check the air conditioner output temperature inside the vehicle requires the user to either disconnect the refrigerant bottle by reaching a hand/arm into a running engine, which poses a risk of injury to the user, or leave a pressurized coolant bottle connected and place it on top of a running engine, which poses a risk if the bottle falls into the engine damaging the engine or causes bodily injury to the user or others around the user. Therefore, there is a need to measure the temperature at one or more of the vehicle air conditioning vents inside the vehicle while the user remains at the vehicle coolant port outside the vehicle to continuously determine the sufficiency of the refrigerant added to the coolant system while maintaining control of the pressurized bottle of coolant.

Various apparatus and system embodiments of the present invention may be used that are adaptable to a bottle actuator assembly for use with various pressurized bottles. Embodiments of the present invention allow a consumer to determine the sufficiency of the refrigerant level in an automobile air conditioner, and to add refrigerant as needed. Additional advantages of embodiments of the invention are set forth, in part, in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the description and/or from the practice of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus and method for measuring the proper amount of coolant for recharging or servicing a coolant system, such as an automobile coolant system, are disclosed. The invention provides a device for measuring the temperature of the air at one or more air conditioning vents inside the vehicle to ensure the proper amount of coolant is added while the user is recharging refrigerant for a coolant system from outside the vehicle. A display is preferably disposed within a housing for operation with a bottle actuator assembly for a pressurized bottle. The display is in communication with one or more temperature sensors placed at or near an air conditioner vent inside the vehicle.

In one aspect, an apparatus for servicing a vehicle coolant system includes a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of air output at an air conditioning vent inside a vehicle; a housing, and a display module, disposed within the housing, including circuitry in communication with the temperature sensor, and a display screen configured to display to a user the temperature of air output at the air conditioning vent inside the vehicle, and/or an indication of the sufficiency of the refrigerant in the vehicle coolant system, wherein the temperature sensor is adapted for use inside the vehicle while the display is adapted for concurrent use outside the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the temperature sensor is in wired communications with the display. In other embodiments, the temperature sensor is in wireless communications with the display. In further embodiments, the housing may comprise a recessed portion for storing the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may comprise an automatic timer adapted for turning off the temperature sensor. In some embodiments the temperature sensor may include a clip for securely attaching to a vehicle air conditioner vent. In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include an air intake temperature sensor configured to be mounted at an air intake vent inside the vehicle, the air intake temperature sensor being in communication with the display module.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may be configured for use with an additional temperature sensor in communication with the display module for determining the ambient temperature outside the vehicle. The display module may include buttons configured to allow a user to toggle through the information displayed on the display screen, and may still further include display module circuitry for comparison of the temperature of air output at the air conditioning vent inside the vehicle and the ambient temperature outside the vehicle.

Further to this first aspect, the housing may be configured for use with a bottle actuator assembly for mounting on a bottle of refrigerant and to deliver refrigerant from the bottle to the vehicle coolant system, and wherein the housing is mounted on the bottle actuator assembly. The bottle actuator assembly may have a trigger configured to be actuated by a user to control delivery of the refrigerant.

In a second aspect, an apparatus for servicing a vehicle coolant system includes a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of air output at an air conditioning vent inside a vehicle; a housing; an indicator, disposed within the housing, in communication with the temperature sensor for providing an indication of the sufficiency of the refrigerant in the vehicle coolant system based; a processor and a memory configured to store data and instructions, and further configured to determine, based on a static ambient temperature, a target temperature output of the air conditioning vent for indicating when sufficient recharging of the vehicle coolant system is reached; wherein the temperature sensor is adapted for use inside the vehicle while the display is adapted for concurrent use outside the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the temperature sensor is in wired communications with the display. In other embodiments, the temperature sensor is in wireless communications with the display. In further embodiments, the housing may comprise a recessed portion for storing the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may comprise an automatic timer adapted for turning off the temperature sensor. In some embodiments the temperature sensor may include a clip for securely attaching to the vehicle air conditioner vent.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include an air intake temperature sensor configured to be mounted at an air intake vent inside the vehicle, the air intake temperature sensor being in communication with the display module. The display module may include buttons configured to allow a user to toggle through the information displayed on the display screen, and may still further include display module circuitry for comparison of the temperature of air output at the air conditioning vent inside the vehicle and the ambient temperature outside the vehicle.

Further to this second aspect, the housing may be configured for use with a bottle actuator assembly for mounting on a bottle of refrigerant and to deliver refrigerant from the bottle to the vehicle coolant system, and wherein the housing is mounted on the bottle actuator assembly. The bottle actuator assembly may have a trigger configured to be actuated by a user to control delivery of the refrigerant.

In a third aspect, an apparatus for servicing a vehicle coolant system includes a first temperature sensor for obtaining a temperature of air output at an air conditioning vent inside a vehicle; a housing; a second temperature sensor housing for obtaining the air temperature at an air intake vent inside the vehicle; a display, disposed within the housing, in communication with the first and second temperature sensors; a processor and a memory configured to store data and instructions, and further configured to determine, based on the air temperature at the intake vent inside the vehicle, a dynamic target temperature output of the air conditioning vent for indicating when sufficient recharging of the vehicle coolant system is reached.

In some embodiments, the temperature sensor is in wired communications with the display. In other embodiments, the temperature sensor is in wireless communications with the display. In further embodiments, the housing may comprise a recessed portion for storing the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may comprise an automatic timer adapted for turning off the temperature sensor. In some embodiments the temperature sensor may include a clip for securely attaching to the vehicle air conditioner vent.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include an air intake temperature sensor configured to be mounted at an air intake vent inside the vehicle, the air intake temperature sensor being in communication with the display module. The display module may indicate on the display when the temperature of air output at an air conditioning vent inside the vehicle reaches a target temperature relative to the intake air temperature. The display module may indicate on the display that the difference between the second temperature measurement and the temperature of air output at the air conditioning vent reaches a predetermined threshold. The display module may include buttons configured to allow a user to toggle through the information displayed on the display screen, and may still further include display module circuitry for comparison of the temperature of air output at the air conditioning vent inside the vehicle and the air temperature at the intake vent of the vehicle.

Further to the third aspect, the housing may be configured for use with a bottle actuator assembly for mounting on a bottle of refrigerant and to deliver refrigerant from the bottle to the vehicle coolant system, and wherein the housing is mounted on the bottle actuator assembly, and the bottle actuator assembly may have a trigger configured to be actuated by a user to control delivery of the refrigerant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary air conditioning output temperature measurement device in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the individual components of an exemplary air conditioning output temperature measurement device in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of an exemplary air conditioning output temperature measurement device in accordance with the invention

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of an exemplary air conditioning output temperature measurement device in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary air conditioning output temperature measurement device with the measuring gauge detached.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an air conditioning output temperature measurement device in operation with a bottle actuator.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary air conditioning output temperature measurement device in operation with a bottle actuator assembly device in accordance with the invention operating with an internal valve top bottle.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an air conditioning output temperature measurement device, with a bottle actuator assembly device, according to an alternate embodiment in which the measurement device has a hinged housing defining a cavity, and includes a wireless sensor stored in the cavity.

FIGS. 7B and 7C are enlarged perspective views of the wireless sensor shown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A illustrates the operation of a single sensor air conditioning temperature measurement device according to one embodiment measuring the air temperature at the output of an air conditioning vent inside an automobile.

FIG. 8B illustrates the operation of a dual sensor air conditioning temperature measurement device according to an embodiment measuring the air temperature at or near the intake of an air conditioning vent inside the automobile.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the inventions disclosed herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of examples in the drawings and described in detail. It should be understood that the figures and detailed description discussed herein are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present inventions as defined by the appended claims. Description will now be given of the invention with reference to FIGS. 1-8.

As shown, generally, in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inventive air conditioning output temperature measurement device 100 operable with a bottle assembly actuator 200 (FIG. 6) for use with pressurized coolant bottles and puncture top bottles 300 (FIG. 7) preferably includes a number of easily manufactured and assembled components. In an exemplary embodiment, the air conditioning output temperature measurement device housing may be composed of two easily fabricated cup halves 1, 2. In the exemplary embodiment, a digital display module in operation with a digital temperature sensor is disclosed, however any temperature sensor may be substituted. For example, the temperature sensor 4 may be a thermocouple thermometer and may be interchangeable to operate with the temperature measurement device. The exemplary embodiment of the digital display module includes a display cap 9, a display screen 10 positioned on the display cap for viewing by a user, buttons 11, a printed circuit board (pcb) 12, a pcb retainer 13, a contact frame 3, a contact 5, a clamp 6, and various screws, pins and springs 7, 15, 16, 17 to fix the components in the cup halves 1, 2. Printed circuit board 12 may include a processor and a memory for storing data and instructions for performing operations on temperature and other data obtained by temperature measurement device 100. For example, the printed circuit board 12 may be configured to compare the data obtained from the temperature sensor(s) discussed below with each other (in implementations in which multiple temperature sensors are utilized) and/or with predetermined target values. The buttons 11 may be configured to interact with the printed circuit board to allow a user to toggle through information displayed on the display screen 10.

In the exemplary embodiment, the air conditioning output temperature measurement device also includes a temperature sensor 4 in electrical communication via a wire 8. The temperature sensor 4 is housed in a clip 14 for attachment to an air conditioner vent. A temperature sensor in accordance with the invention may also communicate with the coolant temperature measurement device by other means, including being adapted to communicate wirelessly, as will be discussed in further detail below, without departing from the spirt of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, the exemplary air conditioning output temperature measurement device is preferably constructed from a number of easily replicable and interchangeable components.

As show in the top view of FIG. 3, the exemplary air conditioning output temperature measurement device 100 includes a display 10 mounted on display cap 9. Display 10 is preferably a digital display for ease of reading by a user. However, as discussed above, an analog display may be substituted. Housing cup halves 1, 2 may include a holder 18 for storing the temperature sensor 4 and vent clip 14.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the exemplary embodiment the temperature sensor 4 is in electrical communications with the air conditioning output temperature measurement device 100 via wire 8. The housing cup halves 1, 2 preferably include a recessed portion 19 which allows for storage of wire 8 by easily winding wire 8 around the recessed portion 19 of housing cup halves 1, 2. The recessed portion 19 is preferably located below the display cap 9. In an alternate embodiment, wire 8 may be stored within the housing using a spring wound configuration. In another alternate embodiment, shown in FIG. 7A, the housing includes a flip-up lid 30 that provides the user with access to a compartment 32 in which is stored a wireless temperature sensor 34. The flip-up lid 30 includes all of the display-related components discussed above (the display 10, buttons 11, printed circuit board (pcb) 12, pcb retainer 13, contact frame 3, contact 5, and clamp 6) as a sealed module. The temperature sensor 34 has wireless data communication capabilities, such as but not limited to RFID, WiFi, IoT/5G standards, and communicates with the temperature measurement device 100 wirelessly. Temperature sensor 34 includes a clip 36 (FIG. 7C) that is configured to allow the sensor 34 to be clipped onto an air conditioning vent in the interior of the vehicle being serviced.

FIG. 6 depicts the exemplary air conditioning output temperature measurement device in operation with a bottle actuator assembly. The housing preferably includes connector 20 for insertion into a bottle actuator assembly 200 having port for receiving connector 20. Although preferably attached to a bottle actuator assembly 200, it is not necessary for the coolant temperature measurement device to be physically adjoined to a bottle actuator assembly 200.

FIG. 7 further depicts the exemplary air conditioning output temperature measurement device 100 in operation with a bottle actuator assembly 200 in receipt of a pressurized bottle 300. The bottle actuator assembly 200 includes an actuation level when opening flow between the coolant system and the refrigerant bottle 300. A thorough discussion of this process is incorporated by reference from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/680,066.

In an exemplary embodiment, the temperature sensor 4 is preferably used at an air conditioning output vent inside the vehicle. Typical vehicles have lower and upper air conditioning vents on both the driver and passenger sides in the front cabin of the vehicle. Additionally, air conditioning vents are typically located near the front windshield for defrosting windows. In some vehicles, additional air conditioning vents are located in the rear cabin of the vehicle for passengers sitting in the rear seat. In an exemplary embodiment, the temperature sensor 4 (e.g., in the form of wireless sensor 34) is used to measure the temperature of the air output from the upper air conditioning vent in the front cabin. However, temperature sensor 4 may also be used at a different air conditioning output vent in the vehicle without departing from the scope or operation of the invention.

Temperature sensor 4 (or wireless temperature sensor 34) measures the temperature of the air output from the air conditioning vent. The temperature information is then sent either via wired or wireless communication to the coolant temperature measurement device 100, which may be in use by a user located near to the coolant port of the vehicle. Temperature sensor 4 may include an optional clip/container 14 for attachment to an air conditioning vent, as shown in FIG. 2 for the wired implementation. As noted above, wireless sensor 34 includes a clip 36 as shown in FIG. 7C. These clips are configured to hold the sensor securely in place on the air conditioning vent while the user is under the hood of the vehicle.

Additionally, wireless temperature sensor 34 may optionally include a timer adapted for turning off the power of the temperature sensor 34. For a wireless temperature sensor 34, an autotimer conserves battery power. As discussed earlier, temperature sensor 4 may also be a thermocouple thermometer which relays information via a wireless or wired connection to temperature measurement device 100.

When in use, the temperature sensor 4 or 34 transmits, by wired or wireless communications, updates of the temperature at an output air conditioning vent inside the vehicle to the temperature measurement device 100. In various embodiments, the temperature sensor 4/34 may provide updates in real-time, in predetermined intervals, or upon request by the user by an input control on the device. As the user is filling coolant at the coolant port outside the vehicle, the display on the temperature measurement device 100 may display the reduction of the temperature at the air conditioning vent inside the vehicle based on the addition of refrigerant.

When sufficient refrigerant has been supplied to the vehicle and the temperature of the output of the air conditioning vent inside the vehicle reaches a target temperature, the temperature measurement device 100 preferably provides an indication that the target temperature of the output of the air conditioning vent inside the vehicle has been reached. This indication may include, but is not limited to, a colored LED, an audible signal, or a digital display showing the numeric value of a temperature or showing a comparison of the temperature output of the air conditioning vent inside the vehicle relative to a target temperature. The target temperature for the air output at the air conditioning vent may be an absolute temperature, a relative temperature, a temperature differential or a temperature or other value derived from one or more temperature sensors corresponding to an indication that the refrigerant has been sufficiently filled for efficient cooling operation.

In an exemplary embodiment, sufficiency of recharging may be determined by a preprogrammed target temperature known to the temperature measurement device 100. The target air temperature output at the air conditioning vent temperature may be a range of temperatures based on the ambient temperature of the air outside the automobile. The ambient temperature of the air outside the automobile may be known to the user from a thermometer or other temperature reading device, independent of the temperature measurement device, such as from the automobile's outside temperature device, a cell phone or any other device providing ambient outside temperature to the user. In an alternate embodiment, the user may have pre-existing knowledge of the target temperature for the air output at the air conditioning vent inside the vehicle and may manually determine the target temperature at the output of the air conditioning vent that will serve as an indication of when sufficient refrigerant has been filled. In such case, such knowledge exists from experience, vehicle manuals, or any other source which may inform a user of a target temperature that indicates sufficiency of refrigerant.

In a preferred embodiment of the single sensor temperature measurement device, the target temperature may be based on the static ambient temperature outside the vehicle at the time of initiating recharging of the automobile. The ambient temperature outside the vehicle may be assumed to be constant or substantially constant during recharging due to the relatively short period required for recharging, and thus is referred to herein as the static ambient temperature. Alternatively, the temperature sensor device may obtain the static ambient temperature from an additional temperature sensor or from another temperature device. In this alternative, the temperature measurement device 100 preferably includes memory and processing capability to calculate an optimal air conditioning output vent target temperature relative to the ambient temperature. The temperature measurement device 100 preferably indicates to the user what the target air conditioning vent temperature should be based on the measured ambient air temperature. The target air temperature output at the air conditioning vent temperature may be a range of temperatures based on the measured ambient air temperature.

Table 1 illustrates the operation of the temperature measurement device during charging by user using the single sensor embodiment of the present invention based on the static ambient air temperature outside the vehicle, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

TABLE 1
STATIC MEASUREMENT (AMBIENT AIR)
SINGLE SENSOR OUTPUT VENT
				Measured
	A/C		Target A/C	A/C Output
TEMP	Recharge	Outside	Output Vent	Vent
(° F.)	Status	Ambient	Temperature	Temperature
t0	off	95	70	95
t1	on/charging	95	70	90
t2	on/charging	95	70	80
t3	on/charging	95	70	75
t4	off/stop	95	70	70
	charge
t5	off/charged	95	70	70

By way of example, as shown in Table 1, at time t0, at an initial state, the A/C cooling system is in the off state. The temperature measurement device may indicate that the Measured A/C Output Vent temperature is 95 degrees Fahrenheit (95° F.). The Outside Ambient temperature may be 95° F. and may remain constant or substantially constant during recharging. At time t1, turning on the air conditioner in the vehicle at its coldest setting, as is typical during recharging, the temperature measurement device may indicate that the Measured A/C Output Vent temperature is 90° F., well above the Target A/C Output Vent temperature of 70° F., thereby indicating that more refrigerant is needed.

In the example of Table 1, the target temperature may be 70° F. or it may be a range from 65-70° F. It should be understood that other ambient temperatures or target output vent temperatures or temperature ranges, expressed in Fahrenheit or Celsius may be substituted without loss of generality. For example, the static ambient temperature may be 75° F. With the air conditioner in the vehicle on the coldest setting, the output vent temperature sensor may indicate that the temperature of air at the output vent is 65° F. In this further example, the target temperature may be 55° F. or may be a range from 50-55° F.

FIG. 8A further illustrates the example shown and described in Table 1 as the user commences charging of the A/C cooling system and as refrigerant filling continues. For example, at times t2, t3, t4 as shown in FIG. 8A and Table 1, the temperature sensor 4 at the output air conditioning vent inside the vehicle may transmit to the temperature measurement device 100 data indicating that the Measured A/C Output Vent temperature is decreasing as refrigerant filling continues. At times t2, t3, t4, the Measured A/C Output Vent temperature may decrease to 80° F., 75° F., and 70° F., respectively. As above, the temperature measurement device 100 may display the progress of recharging by providing various indications to the user, including, but not limited to numeric displays and/or LED and/or other indications.

Further shown in FIG. 8A and Table 1, at time t4, when the Measured A/C Output Vent temperature reaches the Target A/C Output Vent Temperature, an indication may be provided to the user that charging has reached the target temperature. In the exemplary embodiment, once the temperature measurement device 100 indicates to the user that either the known target temperature of the output of air at the air conditioning vent inside the vehicle has been reached or the target temperature relative to the ambient temperature has been reached, the user terminates filling of refrigerant at the vehicle coolant port. For example, at time t5, the A/C cooling system may be turned off and the cooling system is sufficiently charged to provide cooled air to the inside of the automobile.

Although the present invention includes an embodiment as above where the temperature of air output at the air conditioning output vent inside the vehicle is used to determine the sufficiency of the refrigerant in the coolant system, in another aspect, the addition of a second temperature sensor inside the automobile may further increase the accuracy of the sufficiency of recharging of the coolant system. The second sensor may be placed at or near an air conditioning vent or it may be placed at any location within the vehicle for measuring the air temperature inside the automobile. In this embodiment, the second temperature sensor relays to the temperature measurement device the temperature of the air inside the vehicle for indication on the display. The temperature measurement device 100 preferably includes memory and processing capability to calculate a target temperature relative to the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor. The temperature measurement device 100 preferably indicates to the user what the target air conditioning vent temperature should be based on the measured inside air temperature.

Although it may be preferable for the temperature measurement device 100 to automatically notify a user when the target temperature of the output of the air conditioning vent inside the vehicle has been reached or when the target temperature relative to the ambient temperature has been reached, it is not necessary to do so in accordance with the current invention. A user may have preexisting knowledge of what the target temperature of the output of the air conditioning vent inside the vehicle should be for a sufficiently filled coolant system. Likewise, a user may also have preexisting knowledge of what the target temperature of the output of the air conditioning vent inside the vehicle should be for a sufficiently filled coolant system relative to the ambient temperature. In both cases, it is not necessary that any indicator must exist on the temperature measurement device 100, as a user may be able to determine from the visualization of the temperature(s) on the display when there is sufficient refrigerant in the vehicle coolant system and to terminate filling.

In a preferred embodiment to the second temperature sensor embodiment described above, the coolant temperature measurement device and system may include a temperature sensor measuring the temperature of the air at an intake vent of the air conditioning system inside the vehicle. During charging, with the A/C system on at its coldest setting, the air inside the vehicle cools, thereby cooling the air drawn into the intake vent of the air conditioning system. The cooling of the air at the intake vent lowers the temperature of the air cooled by the air conditioning system. Because the operation of a compressed-air air conditioning system drops the temperature at the output vent by a fixed differential temperature, or within a fixed range of temperature differentials, relative to its intake air, a static target temperature at the output vent may no longer reflect the target temperature that would otherwise indicate that the air conditioning system is fully recharged. Consequently, as in the above embodiments while suitable for a sufficient level of charging for the operation of the A/C system, comparing the measured A/C output air temperature to a static or measured outside ambient temperature may prematurely indicate that sufficient charging has been achieved. An air conditioning system that is not fully recharged is less efficient and may fail to provide the full amount of cooling to the inside of the automobile.

Table 2 illustrates the operation of the temperature measurement device using a second temperature sensor used for measuring the temperature of the air at an intake vent of the air conditioning system during charging by user. As with the example of Table 1, it should be understood that other initial temperatures or target output vent temperatures or temperature ranges, expressed in Fahrenheit or Celsius, may be substituted without loss of generality.

TABLE 2
DYNAMIC MEASUREMENT (INTAKE AIR)
DUAL SENSOR INPUT/OUTPUT VENT
		Measured		Measured
	A/C	A/C	Target A/C	A/C Output
TEMP	Recharge	Intake	Output Vent	Vent
(° F.)	Status	Vent	Temperature	Temperature
t0	off	95	70	95
t1	on/charging	92	67	88
t2	on/charging	90	65	82
t3	on/charging	87	62	76
t4	on/charging	84	59	71
t5	on/charging	81	56	65
t6	on/charging	79	54	57
t7	off/stop	75	50	50
	charge
t8	off/charged	75	50	50

As shown in Table 2, at time t0, at an initial state, the A/C cooling system is in the off state. The temperature measurement device may indicate that the Measured A/C Output Vent temperature is 95° F. At time t1, turning on the air conditioner in the vehicle, as is typically done for charging and at its coldest setting, the temperature measurement device may indicate that the Measured A/C Output Vent temperature is 88° F., well above the initial (t0) Target A/C Output Vent temperature of 70° F., thereby indicating that more refrigerant is needed.

FIG. 8B further illustrates the example shown and described in Table 2 as the user commences charging of the A/C cooling system and as refrigerant filling continues. For example, at times t2, t3, t4 as shown in FIG. 8B and Table 2, the temperature sensor at the output air conditioning vent inside the vehicle may transmit to the temperature measurement device data indicating that the Measured A/C Output Vent temperature is decreasing as refrigerant filling continues. At times t2, t3, t4, the Measured A/C Output Vent temperature may decrease to 82° F., 76° F., and 71° F., respectively. As above, the temperature measurement device 100 may display the progress of refrigerant filling by providing various indications to the user, including, but not limited to numeric displays and/or LED and/or other indications.

In this embodiment, by measuring the A/C intake temperature, the target temperature for indicating to the user that the A/C system is fully charged may be dynamically adjusted to ensure that a user optimally fills the A/C system with coolant. In this embodiment, the intake vent temperature sensor relays to the temperature measurement device the temperature of the air at the intake vent inside the vehicle. The temperature measurement device preferably includes memory and processing capability to calculate an optimal target temperature relative to the measured intake vent air temperature. The temperature measurement device preferably indicates to the user what the target air conditioning output vent temperature should be based on the differential temperature, or range of differential temperatures, for ensuring that the user continues charging until the measured output vent temperature reaches the dynamically adjusted target temperature. Here, as above, the target air temperature output at the air conditioning vent temperature may be a range of temperatures based on the measured intake vent air temperature

Thus, as further shown in FIG. 8B and Table 2, at each of times t1, t2, t3, t4, t5 and t6, the Target A/C Output Vent temperature decreases based on the Measured A/C Intake Vent temperature. It should be understood that the differential used in Table 2 between the Measured A/C Intake Vent temperature and the dynamically adjusted Target A/C Output Vent Temperature is a constant 25° F., however, any differential, constant or variable, according to the characteristics or desired operation of the A/C system may be used without loss of generality. At t7, when the Measured A/C Output Vent temperature reaches the Target A/C Output Vent temperature of 50° F., an indication may be provided to the user that charging has reached the target temperature. In the exemplary embodiment, once the temperature measurement device 100 indicates to the user that either the known target temperature of the output of air at the air conditioning vent inside the vehicle has been reached or the target temperature relative to the intake vent air temperature has been reached, the user terminates filling of refrigerant at the vehicle coolant port. For example, at time t8, the A/C cooling system may be turned off and the cooling system is optimally charged to more efficiently provide cooled air to the inside of the automobile.

These and other modifications to the above-described embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the intended scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for servicing a vehicle coolant system, the apparatus comprising:

a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of air output at an air conditioning vent inside a vehicle;

a housing; and

a display module, disposed within the housing, including circuitry in communication with the temperature sensor, and a display screen configured to display to a user the temperature of air output at the air conditioning vent inside the vehicle, and/or an indication of the sufficiency of the refrigerant in the vehicle coolant system;

wherein the temperature sensor is adapted for use inside the vehicle while the display is adapted for concurrent use outside the vehicle.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor is in wired communications with the display.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor is in wireless communications with the display.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a recessed portion for storing the temperature sensor.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, where in the temperature sensor further comprises an automatic timer adapted for turning off the temperature sensor.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing is configured for use with a bottle actuator assembly.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor further comprises a clip for securely attaching to the vehicle air conditioner vent.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further configured for use with an additional temperature sensor in communication with the display module for determining the ambient temperature outside the vehicle.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the display module circuitry includes a comparison of the temperature of air output at the air conditioning vent inside the vehicle and the ambient temperature outside the vehicle.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a bottle actuator assembly configured to be mounted on a bottle of refrigerant and deliver refrigerant from the bottle to the vehicle coolant system, wherein the housing is mounted on the bottle actuator assembly.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the bottle actuator assembly includes a trigger configured to be actuated by a user to control delivery of the refrigerant.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an air intake temperature sensor configured to be mounted at an air intake vent inside the vehicle, the air intake temperature sensor being in communication with the display module.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display module further includes buttons configured to allow a user to toggle through the information displayed on the display screen.

14. An apparatus for servicing a vehicle coolant system, the apparatus comprising:

a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of air output at an air conditioning vent inside a vehicle;

a housing;

an indicator, disposed within the housing, in communication with the temperature sensor for providing an indication of the sufficiency of the refrigerant in the vehicle coolant system based; a processor and a memory, disposed within the housing, configured to store data and instructions, and further configured to determine, based on a static ambient temperature, a target temperature output of the air conditioning vent for indicating when sufficient recharging of the vehicle coolant system is reached; and further wherein the temperature sensor is adapted for use inside the vehicle while the display is adapted for concurrent use outside the vehicle.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising: a wire in electrical communication with the temperature sensor and indicator.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the temperature sensor is in wireless communications with the indicator.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the housing further comprises a recessed portion for storing the temperature sensor.

18. The apparatus of claim 14, where in the temperature sensor includes an automatic timer capable of turning off the temperature sensor.

19. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the housing is adaptable for use with a bottle actuator assembly.

20. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the temperature sensor further comprises a clip for securely attaching to the vehicle air conditioner vent.

21. An apparatus for servicing a vehicle coolant system, the apparatus comprising:

a first temperature sensor for obtaining a temperature of air output at an air conditioning vent inside a vehicle;

a housing;

a second temperature sensor housing for obtaining the air temperature at an air intake vent inside the vehicle;

a display, disposed within the housing, in communication with the first and second temperature sensors; and a processor and a memory, disposed within the housing, configured to store data and instructions, and further configured to determine, based on the air temperature at the intake vent inside the vehicle, a dynamic target temperature output of the air conditioning vent for indicating when sufficient recharging of the vehicle coolant system is reached.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the display indicates when the temperature of air output at an air conditioning vent inside the vehicle reaches a target temperature relative to the intake air temperature.

23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the display indicates that the difference between the second temperature measurement and the temperature of air output at the air conditioning vent reaches a predetermined threshold.

24. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the housing is adapted for use with a bottle actuator assembly.