Patent Publication Number: US-2023140364-A1

Title: AC Filter Sensor System

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/275,688, which was filed on Nov. 4, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of air-conditioning and HVAC units. More specifically, the present invention relates to an AC filter sensor system primarily comprised of a device, a mobile application, and a method of use. The device can be placed within an AC unit wherein a sensor and a transducer of the device measure pressure differential within the unit to allow the device to determine when an air filter needs to be replaced. The device then communicates this information to the mobile application, which alerts the user that the filter needs replaced. In addition, the mobile application may also alert a filter supplier, who can then ship a filter to the user. This ensures that a user is aware when their filter needs changed, and also eliminates the need for a user to immediately purchase a replacement filter on their own. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Air conditioning units (AC units) and other HVAC systems require a filter to function properly. However, many individuals may be unaware of when they should change their AC unit and/or HVAC filter. As a result, some individuals may change their filters prematurely. This is not only a waste of money but may lead to dirty coils, HVAC failures, and indoor air quality issues. However, regular service calls to ensure filters are changed properly can be expensive. 
     Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an AC filter sensor system. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an AC filter sensor system that notifies a user that the filter of the AC unit needs to be changed. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an AC filter sensor system that prevents users from changing their AC filter prematurely or in a late manner. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an AC filter sensor system that ensures an AC filter remains clean and operational. 
     The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an AC filter sensor system. The system is primarily comprised of a device, a mobile application, and a method of use. The device can be placed within an AC unit such that a sensor and a transducer of the device measure pressure differential within the unit. This allows the device to determine when an air filter needs to be replaced. The device then communicates this information to the mobile application, which alerts the user that the filter needs replaced. The mobile application may also alert a filter supplier, who can then ship a filter to the user. 
     In this manner, the AC filter sensor system of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides an AC filter sensor system that prevents users from changing their AC filter prematurely or in a late manner. The system also ensures an AC filter remains clean and operational. To do so, the system notifies a user that the filter of the AC unit needs to be changed. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
     The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an AC filter sensor system. The system is primarily comprised of a device, a mobile application, and a method of use. The device is comprised of a body that is preferably L-shaped. However, the body may be any shape and size known in the art in different embodiments. The device can be positioned within an AC unit by attaching to the unit and/or a filter of the unit. The body may be comprised of at least one fastener that allows the device to attach to the inside of an AC unit. 
     The device is also comprised of at least one sensor that preferably wirelessly communicates with the mobile application of the system. The sensor is also in wired or wireless communication with at least one transducer comprised of at least one port. The sensor measures the pressure within the AC unit, wherein the transducer then measures the excess differential pressure that is detected by the sensor and relays the information back to the sensor and to the mobile application. 
     The mobile application is comprised of a mobile application and/or computer software. The application can be installed on a smart device and is comprised of a notification feature, an information input feature, and a tracking feature. Once the transducer establishes that a threshold pressure differential is present within the AC unit and communicates to the mobile application that the threshold has been exceeded, the mobile application sends at least one notification to an AC/HVAC filter supplier, vendor, store, etc. and to a user of the mobile application. The notification informs the user and supplier that the AC unit needs a new filter. The mobile application also allows a replacement filter to be purchased and shipped to the location of the user. 
     The system is also comprised of a method of use. First, the device is placed within an AC unit, wherein the device detects the pressure differential within the AC unit to determine when a filter within the AC unit needs to be replaced. Once detected, the need for the filter to be replaced is then communicated from the device to the mobile application, which alerts a user and a supplier of filters. Using information provided by the user, the supplier can then mail the user a new filter. 
     Accordingly, the AC filter sensor system of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides an AC filter sensor system that prevents users from changing their AC filter prematurely or in a late manner. The system also ensures an AC filter remains clean and operational. To do both, the system notifies a user that the filter of the AC unit needs to be changed via the mobile application. In this manner, the AC filter sensor system provides a novel solution to replacing AC filters in a timely and efficient manner. 
     To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of a device of one potential embodiment of an AC filter sensor system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a perspective view of a device of one potential embodiment of an AC filter sensor system of the present invention while inside an AC unit in accordance with the disclosed architecture; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a perspective view of a device of one potential embodiment of an AC filter sensor system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a block diagram of a mobile application of one potential embodiment of an AC filter sensor system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of an AC filter sensor system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined. 
     As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an AC filter sensor system. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an AC filter sensor system that notifies a user that the filter of the AC unit needs to be changed. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an AC filter sensor system that prevents users from changing their AC filter prematurely or in a late manner. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an AC filter sensor system that ensures an AC filter remains clean and operational. 
     The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of an AC filter sensor system primarily comprised of a device, a mobile application, and a method of use. The device is comprised of a body that is preferably L-shaped. However, the body may be any shape and size known in the art in different embodiments. The device can be positioned within an AC unit by attaching to the unit and/or a filter of the unit. The body may be comprised of at least one fastener that allows the device to attach to the inside of an AC unit. 
     The device is also comprised of at least one sensor. The sensor preferably wirelessly communicates with the mobile application of the system. The sensor is also in wired or wireless communication with at least one transducer comprised of at least one port. The sensor measures the pressure within the AC unit. The transducer then measures the excess differential pressure that is detected by the sensor and relays the information back to the sensor and to the mobile application. 
     The mobile application is comprised of a mobile application and/or computer software that can be installed on a smart device and is comprised of a notification feature, an information input feature, and a tracking feature. Once the transducer establishes that a threshold pressure differential is present within the AC unit and communicates to the mobile application that the threshold has been exceeded, the mobile application sends at least one notification to an AC/HVAC filter supplier, vendor, store, etc. and to a user of the mobile application. The notification informs the user and supplier that the AC unit needs a new filter. The mobile application also allows a replacement filter to be purchased and shipped to the location of the user. 
     The system is also comprised of a method of use. First, the device is placed within an AC unit, wherein the device detects the pressure differential within the AC unit to determine when a filter within the AC unit needs to be replaced. Once detected, the need for the filter to be replaced is then communicated from the device to the mobile application, which alerts a user and a supplier of filters. Using information provided by the user, the supplier can then mail the user a new filter. 
     Accordingly, the AC filter sensor system of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides an AC filter sensor system that prevents users from changing their AC filter prematurely or in a late manner. The system also ensures an AC filter remains clean and operational. To do both, the system notifies a user that the filter of the AC unit needs to be changed via the mobile application. In this manner, the AC filter sensor system provides a novel solution to replacing AC filters in a timely and efficient manner. 
     Referring initially to the drawings,  FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of a device  200  of one potential embodiment of an AC filter sensor system  100  of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The system  100  is primarily comprised of a device  200 , a mobile application  300 , and a method of use  400 . The device  200  is comprised of a body  210 . The body  210  is preferably L-shaped. However, the body  210  may be any shape and size known in the art in different embodiments. As will be described more fully below, the device  200  can be positioned within an AC unit  10  by attaching to the unit  10  and/or a filter  12  of the unit  10 . The device  200  may be positioned anywhere within the AC unit  10 . However, the device  200  is preferably positioned near (or on) the filter  12  of the AC unit  10 . 
     The body  210  is preferably made from a corrosion-resistant metal material such as but not limited to stainless steel or aluminum. In another embodiment, the body  210  is made from a rigid plastic such as but not limited to acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, low-density polyethylene, medium-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, acetal, nylon, fiberglass, recycled plastic, biodegradable plastic, etc. 
     The body  210  may be comprised of at least one fastener  212 , as seen in  FIG.  2   . The fastener  212  allows the device  100  to attach to the inside of an AC unit  10 . In one embodiment, the fastener  212  is comprised of a magnet. In another embodiment, the fastener  212  is a screw or other fastener known in the art. In one embodiment, the fastener  212  penetrates or passes through the body  210 . 
     The device  200  is also comprised of at least one sensor  220 . In the preferred embodiment, the sensor  220  can wirelessly communicate with a mobile application  300  of the system  100 . The sensor  200  may communicate to the mobile application  300  via any wireless connection method known in the art such as but not limited to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID, etc. 
     The sensor  220  is in wired or wireless communication with at least one transducer  230 , as seen in  FIG.  3   . The transducer  230  is comprised of at least one port  232 . However, the transducer  230  is preferably comprised of two ports  232  wherein one port  232  is a high port and the other port is a low port  232 . The ports  232  may be 5×2×2 cube ports, or any port type known in the art. 
     All electrical components of the device  200  are powered by at least one battery  240 . The battery  240  is positioned within the body  210 . The battery  240  may be a disposable battery  240  or a rechargeable battery  240  in the form of an alkaline, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride battery  240 , etc. such as any 3V-12volts DC battery  240  or other conventional battery  240  such as A, AA, AAA, etc. that supply power to the device  100 . Throughout this specification the terms “battery” and “batteries” may be used interchangeably to refer to one or more wet or dry cells or batteries  240  of cells in which chemical energy is converted into electricity and used as a source of DC power. References to recharging or replacing batteries  240  may refer to recharging or replacing individual cells, individual batteries  240  of cells, or a package of multiple battery cells as is appropriate for any given battery  240  technology that may be used. The battery  240  may be accessed by at least one battery door or cover  242 . Notwithstanding, it is also contemplates that the device  100  may be powered by the AC unit and the battery  240  used as a backup. 
     In one embodiment, the device  200  is comprised of at least one hose  250 . The hose  250  is preferably but is not limited to a neoprene hose. However, the hose  250  may be any shape known in the art relating to AC and HVAC units. The hose  250  may connect to at least one, but preferably two ports  250 . The two ports  250  are preferably inlet and outlet ports. The ports  250  may connect to the ports  232  of the transducer  230  (or may be the ports  232  of the transducer  230  in one embodiment). 
     The sensor  220  measures the pressure within the AC unit  10 . The transducer  230  then measures the excess differential pressure that is detected by the sensor  220  and relays the information back to the sensor  220  and to the mobile application  300 . Although, in one embodiment the transducer  230  may relay the information back to the mobile application  300 . 
     The mobile application  300  is comprised of a mobile application and/or computer software. The application  300  can be installed on a smart device such as but not limited to a cell phone, a tablet, a computer, etc. The application  300  is comprised of a notification feature  302 , an information input feature  304 , and a tracking feature  306 . 
     Once the transducer  230  establishes that a threshold pressure differential is present within the AC unit  10  and communicates to the mobile application  300  that the threshold has been exceeded, the mobile application  300  sends at least one notification alert  302 . The notification may be sent to an AC/HVAC filter supplier, vendor, store, etc., and to a user of the mobile application  300 . The notification  302  informs the user and supplier that the AC unit  10  needs a new filter  302 . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a block diagram of a mobile application  300  of one potential embodiment of an AC filter sensor system  100  of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The user can input information into the mobile application  300  using the information feature  304 . This includes but is not limited to shipping address, billing address, payment information, etc. This allows the replacement filter to be purchased and shipped to the location of the user. The tracking feature  306  then allows a user to track the location of the filter in real-time once shipped. 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a flowchart of a method of using  400  one potential embodiment of an AC filter sensor system  100  of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The system  100  is also comprised of a method of use  400 . First, the device  100  is placed within an AC unit  10  [Step  402 ]. Then, the device  100  detects the pressure differential within the AC unit  10  to determine when a filter  12  within the AC unit  10  needs replaced [Step  404 ]. The need for the filter  12  to be replaced is then communicated from the device  100  to the mobile application  300 , which alerts a user and a supplier of filters  12  [Step  406 ]. Using information  304  provided by the user, the supplier can then mail the user a new filter  12  [Step  408 ]. 
     Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “AC filter sensor system” and “system” are interchangeable and refer to the AC filter sensor system  100  of the present invention. 
     Notwithstanding the forgoing, the AC filter sensor system  100  of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the AC filter sensor system  100  as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the AC filter sensor system  100  are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the AC filter sensor system  100  are important design parameters for user convenience, the AC filter sensor system  100  may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user&#39;s needs and/or preferences. 
     Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof. 
     What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.