Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
101522-00002
TITLE
INTEGRATED SENSOR AND SERVICE PORT WITH
ANTI-BLOWBACK FEATURE
FOR HVAC EQUIPMENT OR HVAC SYSTEM
RELATED APPLICATION AND PRIORITY CLAIM
[001] This application is a continuation-in-part of United States Application
No. 16/273,205,
filed on February 12, 2019, which claims the benefit of United States
Provisional Application
No. 62/629,476, filed February 12, 2018, which are hereby incorporated by
reference in their
entireties.
BACKGROUND
[002] The disclosed embodiments relate to and provide an integrated sensor
(e.g., pressure
sensor) and service port for HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning)
equipment or an
HVAC system. In one or more embodiments, the integrated sensor and service
port comprises an
anti-blowback feature.
[003] An HVAC system can be used to regulate the environment within an
enclosed space. An
HVAC system includes one or more service ports that can be used, for example,
to charge the
system. These ports can also be used to perform diagnostics on the system to
ensure that the
system is working correctly. For example, the pressure at the port can be
checked to make sure it
is within operational specifications. Unfortunately, to check the pressure,
the port must be
disconnected from the charging line so that the sensor can be attached to the
port. This is
undesirable as it requires additional labor and time to test the pressure.
Moreover, charging
cannot be performed while the pressure sensor is connected to the port.
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[004] One alternative approach is illustrated in Figure 1. As shown, a prior
art assembly 10
includes a "T" connector 12 having one part 12A of the "T" connected to a
pressure sensor 16
via a coupler 14 (e.g., by screwing them together). A communication port
connector 18 such as
e.g., a metri-pack connector is connected to the pressure sensor (e.g., by
screwing them
together). A second part 12B of the connector 12 is attached to the service
port (usually a
Schrader valve) using e.g., a flare nut 20. Using the "T" connector 12, the
charging line can be
connected at a third part 12C of the T, while the pressure sensor can be
connected to the first part
12A of the T as discussed above.
[005] While solving the problem of having to disconnect charging while testing
the pressure,
this alternative has other shortcomings. For example, the various connections
forming the
screwed-together assembly 10 are points that can introduce leaks. Due to the
rather large size of
the components, the assembly is also subject to physical damage as the
connector 12 and sensor
16 extend from the HVAC unit and can be stepped on or bumped into by someone
walking by
the unit. Moreover, the assembly is not esthetically pleasing.
[006] As can be appreciated, to function properly, the part 12B connected to
the service port,
which is usually a Schrader valve, must have a depressor (not shown) to
activate the service port.
Because the depressor is rigidly attached to the "T" connector 12 housing,
during installation, the
depressor would depress the service port's valve core before the flare nut 20
is fully threaded
onto the service port. This depression causes refrigerant to exit the service
port before the flare
nut 20 seals the flare fitting to the service port. The exiting refrigerant
could, among other things,
rapidly cool the surroundings, block the view of installer, and escape into
the atmosphere ¨ all of
which are undesirable.
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[007] Accordingly, there is a need and desire for a better way to connect a
pressure or other
sensor (e.g., temperature sensor) to a service port of an HVAC system.
SUMMARY
[008] The disclosed embodiments relate to and provide an integrated sensor and
service port for
HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) equipment or an HVAC system.
In one
embodiment, the sensor may be a pressure sensor. In another embodiment, the
sensor may be a
temperature sensor or a combined pressure and temperature sensor. In one or
more embodiments,
the integrated sensor and service port comprises an anti-blowback
feature/mechanism.
[009] In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a
housing, said
housing having a first connection portion, a second connection portion and a
sensor integrated
therein, the first connection portion being configured to connect with and
cooperate with a
service port of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment,
the second
connection portion being configured to function as the service port, and the
sensor adapted to
sense a characteristic of the HVAC equipment.
[010] In another embodiment, an integrated sensor and service port device is
provided. The
integrated sensor and service port device comprises a brass housing, said
housing having a
service port opening and connection portion, a service port portion and a
sensor integrated
therein.
[011] In yet another embodiment an apparatus is provided. The apparatus
comprises a housing,
said housing having a first connection portion, a second connection portion
and a sensor
integrated therein, the first connection portion being configured to connect
with and cooperate
with a service port of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC)
equipment, the second
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connection portion being configured to function as the service port, the
sensor adapted to sense a
characteristic of the HVAC equipment, and an anti-blowback mechanism adapted
to prevent the
service port of the HVAC equipment from being opened until the first
connection portion is
connected to the service port of the HVAC equipment.
[012] In another embodiment, an integrated sensor and service port device is
provided. The
integrated sensor and service port device comprises a brass housing, said
housing having a
service port opening and connection portion, a service port portion and a
sensor integrated
therein, the service port opening and connection portion configured to connect
with and
cooperate with a service port of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning
(HVAC) equipment,
and an anti-blowback mechanism adapted to prevent the service port of the HVAC
equipment
from being opened until the service port opening and connection portion is
connected to the
service port of the HVAC equipment.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[013] Figure 1 illustrates a prior art assembly that may be used to measure
pressure sensor on
HVAC equipment or an HVAC system.
[014] Figures 2-4 illustrate an example embodiment of an integrated sensor and
service port in
accordance with the disclosed principles.
[015] Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the integrated sensor and
service port in
accordance with the disclosed principles.
[016] Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of the flare connection used to
seal to the service
port of an HVAC system.
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[017] Figures 7-8 illustrate another example embodiment of an integrated
sensor and service
port in accordance with the disclosed principles.
[018] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.
DESCRIPTION
[019] The disclosed embodiments relate to and provide an integrated sensor and
service port for
HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) equipment or an HVAC system.
In one
embodiment, the sensor may be a pressure sensor. In another embodiment, the
sensor may be a
temperature sensor or a combined pressure and temperature sensor. In one or
more embodiments,
the integrated sensor and service port comprises an anti-blowback
feature/mechanism.
[020] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the integrated sensor and
service port may
comprise a pressure sensor and may be placed and used to e.g., determine: (1)
pressure at the
suction line service valve and/or (2) pressure at the liquid line service
valve. The integrated
sensor and service valve port may be connected to one or both of the Schrader
valves (high side
and low side).
[021] Figures 2-6 illustrate an embodiment of the integrated sensor and
service port 100
constructed in accordance with the disclosed principles. In the illustrated
embodiment, the
integrated sensor and service port 100 includes a single housing 112 into
which a pressure sensor
120 (or other sensor such as e.g., a temperature sensor) may be integrated
therein. In addition, a
first connection portion 114 that may be a connector adapted to connect to and
cooperate with an
HVAC service port (e.g., Schrader valve or other type of valve) and a second
connection portion
116 that may include a depressor valve 136 that may function as a service port
(e.g., Schrader
valve or other type of valve) may also be integrated as part of the housing
112. In one
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embodiment, a third connection portion 118 that may be a connector providing a
mechanism to
communicate the sensor's 120 reading outside of the integrated sensor and
service port 100 may
also be integrated as part of the housing 112.
[022] The first connection portion 114 is shown in an exploded view in Figure
4. Referring to
Figure 4, the first connection portion 114 may include a brass tube fitting
124, flare nut 122 and
a depressor fitting 126 such as e.g., a Schrader depressor fitting integrated
therein. As can be
appreciated, the first connection portion 114 may be connected to a service
port typically used
for HVAC equipment (e.g., Schrader valve or other type of valve). In the
illustrated example, the
first connection portion 114 includes a Schrader valve depressor 126 adapted
to open the
Schrader valve or other type of valve used by the equipment's service port.
Thus, once the first
connection portion 114 is connected to the HVAC equipment, the HVAC
equipment's service
port (e.g., valve) is opened by the depressor fitting 126 thus allowing the
system pressure to
reach the pressure sensor.
[023] The second connection portion 116 of the integrated sensor and service
port 100, due to
its configuration discussed below, may be used as a service port to be
connected to the charging
line or other service equipment. In essence, the second connection portion 116
is an extension of
the equipment's service port, allowing a charging or other line to be
connected to the unit
through the integrated sensor and service port 100.
[024] As shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 5, the second connection
portion 116 may
include the threads and seal surface adapted to connect to a charging or other
line typically
connected to an HVAC service port. Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of
the second
connection portion 116. As can be seen, the second connection portion may
include the threads
and seal surface a valve 136. When connected to a charging line or other
service equipment with
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the proper depressor, the valve pin of the valve 136 will be depressed thereby
opening up the
valve to allow charging or other material to enter the housing 112.
[025] As shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 5, a channel 131 is
formed within a tube
portion of the housing 112 between the first and second connection portions
114, 116, which
allows the charging or other material to enter the HVAC equipment through the
first connection
portion 114 of the integrated sensor and service port 100. The flared tube
portion 124 may be
used to connect the housing 112 to the HVAC service port.
[026] In the illustrated embodiment, and as shown in Figure 5, a sensor 120 is
formed within
the housing 112 at a point between the first and second connection portions
114, 116. The sensor
120 is also in communication with the channel 131, allowing the sensor 120 to
sense a
characteristic (e.g., pressure, temperature) of the HVAC unit/equipment. In
one embodiment, the
sensor 120 may be a pressure sensor such as e.g., a ceramic pressure sensor.
In addition, the
sensor 120 may be a pressure sensor capable of detecting pressure between 0
and 750 PSI
(pounds per square inch). Alternatively, the sensor 120 could be a temperature
sensor.
[027] The sensor 120 is also connected to the third connection portion 118. As
shown in Figure
5, a retaining ring 128 may be located within the housing between the sensor
120 and the third
connection portion 118. In one embodiment, the third connection portion 118
may be a metri
pack connector allowing the reading of the sensor 120 to be sent to a
monitoring system such as
the system disclosed in US Patent Application no. 15/153,950, now US Patent
No. 10,753,630.
[028] In one embodiment, the housing 112 may be made of brass or any other
material suitable
for use in an HVAC environment. The integrated sensor and service port 100 is
weather proof
and leak proof as all of its components are integrated into the house.
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[029] As can be appreciated, the integrated sensor and service port 100
disclosed herein has
several advantages over the traditional mechanisms used to check the pressure
or temperature of
an HVAC unit. For example, there is no need to disconnect charging while
testing the pressure or
temperature. Moreover, because the components of the disclosed integrated
sensor and service
port 100 are integrated as one assembly, there are no connections or portions
that leak. In
addition, because the components of the disclosed integrated sensor and
service port 100 are
integrated as one assembly, it is compact and has a small size that does not
lend itself to physical
damage. Furthermore, the disclosed integrated sensor and service port 100 is
esthetically
pleasing.
[030] Figures 7-8 illustrate another embodiment of an integrated sensor and
service port 200
constructed in accordance with the disclosed principles. The illustrated
embodiment includes an
anti-blowback feature (implemented e.g., using an 0-ring 240 and a depressor
228) as described
in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the integrated sensor and
service port 200
includes a single housing 212 into which a pressure sensor 220 (or other
sensor such as e.g., a
temperature sensor) may be integrated therein. In addition, a first connection
portion 214 that
may be a connector adapted to connect to and cooperate with an HVAC service
port (e.g.,
Schrader valve or other type of valve) and a second connection portion 216
that may include a
depressor valve core 234 that may function as a service port (e.g., Schrader
valve core or other
type of valve) may also be integrated as part of the housing 212. In one
embodiment, a third
connection portion 218 that may be a connector providing a mechanism to
communicate the
sensor's 220 reading outside of the integrated sensor and service port 200 may
also be integrated
as part of the housing 212. In the illustrated example, a harness 250 is
connected to the third
connection portion 218.
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[031] The first connection portion 214 may include a brass tube flare fitting
224, flare nut 222
and a depressor fitting 226 (as e.g., a Schrader depressor fitting) integrated
therein. As can be
appreciated, the first connection portion 214 may be connected to a service
port typically used
for HVAC equipment (e.g., Schrader valve or other type of valve) using the
flare nut 222. In the
illustrated example, the depressor fitting 226 is connected to a depressor 228
that extends
through and outside of the housing 212 at depressor region 260.
[032] In one or more embodiments, the depressor 228 may have a threaded
portion 229 that
may be screwed into a threaded portion 262 formed in region 260 of the housing
212. As such,
the depressor 228 may be manipulated (i.e., rotated and or moved in a first
direction) by a
technician, installer or other personnel to retract the depressor fitting 226
further inside the
housing 212 and away from the service port when it is desired to keep the
service port closed
(e.g., when it is desired that the depressor fitting 226 not depress the
Schrader valve, keeping the
service port closed or in a closed position). In addition, the depressor 228
may be manipulated
(i.e., rotated and or moved in a second direction) by a technician, installer
or other personnel to
move the depressor fitting 226 towards the service port and activate the
service port when it is
desired to open up the service port (e.g., when it is desired that the
depressor fitting 226 depress
and open up the port's valve ¨ i.e., in an opened position).
[033] In the illustrated example, the first connection portion 214 includes a
Schrader valve
depressor fitting 226 adapted to open a Schrader valve or other type of valve
used by the
equipment's service port when the depressor 228 is rotated in the second
direction. Thus, once
the first connection portion 214 is connected to the HVAC equipment, and the
depressor 228 is
fully rotated in the second direction, the HVAC equipment's service port
(e.g., valve) is opened
by the depressor fitting 226.
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[034] In one or more embodiments, a depressor 0-ring 240 may be included as
part of the anti-
blowback mechanism disclosed herein. The depressor 0-ring 240 may be used to
seal off
refrigerant once the integrated sensor and service port 200 is installed and
or during the
installation of the integrated sensor and service port 200 on the service
port.
[035] The second connection portion 216 of the integrated sensor and service
port 200, due to
its configuration discussed below, may be used as a service port to be
connected to the charging
line or other service equipment. In essence, the second connection portion 216
is an extension of
the equipment's service port, allowing a charging or other line to be
connected to the unit
through the integrated sensor and service port 200.
[036] As shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 8, the second connection
portion 216 may
be internally threaded and may include a valve core 234 adapted to connect to
a charging or
other line typically connected to an HVAC service port. When connected to a
charging line or
other service equipment with the proper depressor, the valve core 234 will be
depressed thereby
opening up the second connection portion 216 to allow charging or other
material to enter the
housing 212.
[037] As shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 8, a channel 231 is
formed within the
housing 212 between the first and second connection portions 214, 216, which
allows the
charging or other material to enter the HVAC equipment through the first
connection portion 214
of the integrated sensor and service port 200.
[038] In the illustrated embodiment, and as shown in Figure 8, a sensor 220 is
formed within
the housing 212 at a point where the first and second connection portions 214,
216 internally
intersect within the channel 231. The sensor 220 is also in communication with
the channel 231,
allowing the sensor 220 to sense a characteristic (e.g., pressure,
temperature) of the HVAC
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unit/equipment. In one embodiment, the sensor 220 may be a pressure sensor
such as e.g., a
ceramic pressure sensor. In addition, the sensor 220 may be a pressure sensor
capable of
detecting pressure between 0 and 750 PSI (pounds per square inch).
Alternatively, the sensor 220
could be a temperature sensor or a combined pressure and temperature sensor.
[039] The sensor 220 is also connected to the third connection portion 218. As
shown in Figure
8, a sensor 0-ring 242 may be located within the housing 212 between the
sensor 220 and the
third connection portion 218. In one embodiment, the third connection portion
218 may be a
metri pack connector allowing the reading of the sensor 220 to be sent to a
monitoring system
such as the system disclosed in US Patent Application no. 15/153,950, now US
Patent No.
10,753,630.
[040] In one embodiment, the housing 212 may be made of brass or any other
material suitable
for use in an HVAC environment. The integrated sensor and service port 200 is
weather proof
and leak proof as all of its components are integrated into the house.
[041] In one or more embodiments, the integrated sensor and service port 200
comprises the
anti-blowback mechanism to obtain advantages over prior assemblies (e.g.,
assembly 10 of
Figure 1). For example, to prevent refrigerant from being released during
installation of the
integrated sensor and service port 200, the depressor 228 is disconnected from
the housing 212
(e.g., by being rotated out of the threaded portion 262) before installation
begins and is only
threaded into the housing 212 after the flare nut 222 is threaded on to the
service port. This order
first creates a seal between the flare fitting 224 and the service port
without depressing the
service port's Schrader valve. Subsequently, the depressor 228 may be threaded
into the housing
212. As the depressor 228 is threaded into the housing 212, the depressor 0-
ring 240 creates a
seal between the depressor 228 and the housing 212. The depressor 228 cause
the depressor
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fitting 226 to depress the service port's Schrader valve allowing refrigerant
into the sealed
channel 231 of the housing 212. In a preferred implementation, the depressor
228 is threaded as
far into the housing 212 as possible to create a metal-on-metal seal between
the depressor 228
and the housing 212. The metal-on-metal seal may be required because
refrigerant can
deteriorate the depressor 0-ring 240 over time.
[042] As such, the disclosed integrated sensor and service port 200 may
provide a method of
installing the port 200 without leaking fluid by first sealing the sensor 220
housing to the service
valve and then engaging the Schrader valve core with a depressor fitting 226
controlled by a
threaded depressor 228. The threaded depressor 228 has two seals: a temporary
seal while the
depressor fitting 226 is engaging the service port valve core and a permanent
seal for when the
service port valve core is fully engaged. In this way the sensor 220 is
exposed to the full pressure
from the fluid without allowing that pressure to be exposed to the atmosphere
during installation.
[043] The foregoing examples are provided merely for the purpose of
explanation and are in no
way to be construed as limiting. While reference to various embodiments is
made, the words
used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of
limitation. Further,
although reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments are shown,
there is no
limitation to the particulars disclosed herein. Rather, the embodiments extend
to all functionally
equivalent structures, methods, and uses, such as are within the scope of the
appended claims.
[044] Additionally, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the patent office
and the public
generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the
art who are not familiar
with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory
inspection the
nature of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is not
intended to be limiting
as to the scope of the present inventions in any way.
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