Engine temperature monitoring device

An engine temperature monitoring device for alerting a vehicle operator that an engine is overheated includes a heat sensor adapted for detecting ambient temperature levels. A processor adapted for monitoring the temperature levels is operational coupled to the heat sensor. A speaker for producing an audible sound is operationally coupled to the processor. The speaker is turned on when the heat sensor detects a temperature of the engine which is greater than an acceptable tolerance. A power supply is operationally coupled to the processor. The heat sensor is secured to the engine such that the heat sensor may detect the temperature of the engine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to engine thermostat devices and more particularly pertains to a new engine thermostat device for monitoring the temperature of the engine itself and to signal an operator of the engine that the temperature is above acceptable tolerances for the proper functioning of the engine.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The use of engine thermostat devices is known in the prior art. These are generally predicated on taking the temperature of the coolant moving through the cooling system of the engine. However, if the cooling system fails by either a pump shutdown, air pockets in the coolant, or a coolant leak, the temperature gauge for the engine will not read a correct temperature. For that reason, a device is needed that monitors the temperature of the engine directly and in way that can be retrofitted to existing engines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention meets the needs presented above by utilizing a heat sensor that is attached to the engine and sends a signal to an alarm when the temperature of the engine exceeds acceptable tolerances of safe operating temperatures.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new engine thermostat device which includes an alarm that is selectively mountable within an interior of a vehicle.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new engine thermostat device that is retrofittable to existing engines.

To this end, the present invention generally comprises a heat sensor adapted for detecting ambient temperature levels. A processor adapted for monitoring the temperature levels is operational coupled to the heat sensor. A speaker for producing an audible sound is operationally coupled to the processor. The speaker is turned on when the heat sensor detects a temperature of the engine which is greater than an acceptable tolerance. A power supply is operationally coupled to the processor. The heat sensor is secured to the engine such that the heat sensor may detect the temperature of the engine.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As best illustrated inFIGS. 1 through 4, the engine temperature monitoring device10generally includes a heat sensor12adapted for detecting ambient temperature levels. A processor14adapted for monitoring the temperature levels is operationally coupled to the heat sensor12.

A speaker16for producing an audible sound is operationally coupled to the processor14. The speaker16is turned on when the heat sensor12detects a temperature of an engine8which is greater than an acceptable tolerance.

The accepted tolerance will vary depending with the engine and will be measured by the heat sensor at a position adjacent to the frost plug of an engine. The highest acceptable tolerance is the temperature of the engine adjacent to the heat plug when the coolant of the engine would be 200° F., regardless of whether or not the cooling system of the vehicle is functional. Thus, for each make of engine, the temperature may vary due to materials and type of fuel used. The heat sensor measures the temperature of the engine itself, not the temperature of the coolant. However, most conventional coolant systems attempt to sustain a coolant temperature of less than 200° F. By plotting the coolant temperature against the engine temperature, the user of the device will know what the acceptable operating temperature of the engine is to ensure that the engine does not seize. The processor will pre-programmed with the desired temperature. This temperature can be, and is often several hundred degrees higher than the temperature of the coolant. However, since the user will be measuring the engine temperature directly, if there is a cooling system malfunction or coolant leak, the device will continue to function properly.

A light emitter18is operationally coupled to the processor14. The light emitter18emits a pulsating light when the heat sensor12detects a temperature of the engine8which is greater than the acceptable tolerance. The light is preferably a conventional light emitting diode (LED). The processor14, the speaker16and the light emitter18are each mounted in a housing22. A power supply20is operationally coupled to the processor14.

A securing member24is attached to the heat sensor12for selectively mounting the heat sensor12to the engine8. The securing member24preferably comprises a magnet. A fastening member26is attached to the housing22for selectively fastening the housing22to an interior of the vehicle9. The fastening member26preferably comprises a conventional hook and loop fastener with a loop portion attached to the housing22and a loop portion adhesively attached to a dashboard of the vehicle9.

In use, the heat sensor12is secured to the engine8such that the heat sensor12may detect the temperature of the engine8. The heat sensor12is preferably mounted on, or adjacent to the frost plug of the engine8. When the temperature of the engine8rises above the accepted tolerance, the processor14turns on the light emitter18and speaker16to warn the user of the vehicle9that the engine8is too hot. This will signal the user to turn off the engine8. Unlike conventional vehicle thermostats that operate by taking the temperature of the coolant, the present device10will continue to work regardless of whether or not the coolant is flowing properly through the cooling system of the vehicle.