Intelligent water meter static current detection method and device

Abstract

This invention discloses a method for detecting the static current of a smart water meter, comprising the following steps: a voltage detection module collects the voltage signal across a capacitor assembly and uploads it to a host computer; the host computer adjusts the initial voltage output of a programmable power supply based on the voltage signal; a current detection module acquires the current signal of the programmable power supply and transmits it to the host computer; the host computer adjusts the voltage output of the programmable power supply in real time based on the current signal; and determines whether the current signal exhibits a decreasing trend. This invention also discloses a device for detecting the static current of a smart water meter. This invention solves the problem of how to accurately and quickly detect and output the static current of the entire machine during mass production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of intelligent water meters, and particularly to a method and device for detecting the static current of an intelligent water meter. Background Art

[0002] With the development of society, the degree of intelligence of water meters is getting higher and higher, and the functions are becoming more diverse. While bringing convenience to users, it also faces a serious problem. As the degree of intelligence of water meters increases, the requirement for energy consumption also becomes greater. Most intelligent water meters are powered by batteries. At present, many batteries are not sufficient to maintain the designed life of intelligent water meters. The main problems are abnormal power consumption caused by leakage of the whole machine and defects of the battery itself. Among them, the most important reason is that the static current detection in the batch production process of the whole machine is not accurate enough, resulting in abnormal boards flowing into the market. The fundamental reason for the inaccurate static current test of the whole machine is that in order to achieve functions such as remote transmission and valve control, an intelligent water meter usually has a large capacitor. The charging time of the capacitor is different according to its size. The charging time of a capacitor from 0.47F to 100F ranges from 1 to 10 days to complete charging, making it difficult to actually measure the current of the whole machine in the batch process. If the static current of the whole machine is too large, it is also likely to be misjudged as a qualified product and thus enter the field, resulting in premature consumption of the battery and affecting the service life of the whole machine.

[0003] At present, the detection of the static current of the whole machine mainly adopts the current trend judgment method, the single-point current test method and the long-time test method for the whole machine current; among them, the current trend judgment method judges whether the whole machine is qualified by detecting the change trend of the whole machine current. For example, most Internet of Things water meters use 500uA as a demarcation point. If the water meter shows less than 500uA within a predetermined time, it is determined that the whole machine is qualified. However, the actual index of Internet of Things water meters is below 35uA. The current trend judgment method can only estimate the size of the static current and cannot accurately measure it. In the actual detection process, the static current of the whole machine within 35uA - 500uA will be misjudged as qualified. The single-point current test method judges whether the whole machine current is qualified by testing a single current value and comparing it with a threshold. Although this method improves the efficiency due to the single test point, it is easy to misjudge. The long-time test method for the whole machine current conducts a long-time test through an ammeter and observes whether the current data meets the requirements. This method can accurately test the static current of the whole machine through quantitative judgment, but it has low efficiency and is not suitable for the whole machine test in large-scale production, especially for water meters with larger capacitors. The whole machine usually requires a stable period of more than 5 days. Therefore, there is an urgent need to propose a method and device for detecting the static current of an intelligent water meter to solve the problem of how to accurately and quickly detect the static current of the whole machine in the batch production process and output the results. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide a method and device for detecting static current in smart water meters, aiming to solve the problem of how to accurately and quickly detect and output the static current of the entire machine during mass production.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a method for detecting the static current of a smart water meter, wherein the detection method includes the following steps:

[0006] S1. The voltage detection module collects the voltage signal across the capacitor assembly and uploads it to the host computer.

[0007] S2. The host computer adjusts the initial voltage output of the programmable power supply according to the voltage signal;

[0008] S3. The current detection module acquires the current signal of the programmable power supply and transmits it to the host computer.

[0009] S4. The host computer adjusts the voltage output of the programmable power supply in real time according to the current signal; and determines whether the current signal has a downward trend.

[0010] In one preferred embodiment, before the step of the host computer adjusting the voltage output of the programmable power supply in real time according to the current signal, the following steps are included:

[0011] The host computer converts the current signal into a current value.

[0012] In one preferred embodiment, in step S4, the host computer adjusts the voltage output of the programmable power supply in real time according to the current signal. The specific steps are as follows:

[0013] S41. Determine the magnitude of the current value and the first threshold. If the current value is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the programmable power supply is adjusted by increasing the first voltage value; otherwise, proceed to step S42.

[0014] S42. Determine the magnitude of the current value and the second threshold. If the current value is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the programmable power supply is adjusted by increasing the second voltage value; otherwise, proceed to step S43.

[0015] S43. Determine the magnitude of the current value and the third threshold. If the current value is greater than the third threshold, the programmable power supply is adjusted by increasing the third voltage value; otherwise, further determine whether the current signal has a downward trend.

[0016] In one preferred embodiment, step S4 involves determining whether the current signal exhibits a decreasing trend. The specific steps are as follows:

[0017] The current signal of the programmable power supply is continuously collected. If the current signal collected in the next collection is less than the current signal collected in the previous collection, it is determined that the current signal of the programmable power supply has a downward trend and the smart water meter has passed the test.

[0018] In one preferred embodiment, step S41 specifically comprises:

[0019] The current value is compared with a first threshold value of 200uA. If the current value is ≥200uA, the programmable power supply adjusts the voltage output by an increase of 0.05V.

[0020] In one preferred embodiment, step S42 specifically comprises:

[0021] The current value is compared with a second threshold value of 100uA. If the current value is ≥100uA, the programmable power supply adjusts the voltage output by an increase of 0.03V.

[0022] In one preferred embodiment, step S43 specifically comprises:

[0023] The current value is compared with a third threshold value of 35uA. If the current value is greater than 35uA, the programmable power supply adjusts the voltage output by an increase of 0.01V.

[0024] One preferred option is that the third threshold is the static current design index for the operation of the smart water meter.

[0025] A detection device for a static current detection method for smart water meters as described above includes:

[0026] The system consists of a programmable power supply, a water meter unit, and a host computer connected in sequence; the water meter unit includes a current detection module, a capacitor assembly, a voltage detection module, and an interactive transmission module.

[0027] The voltage detection module is connected to the capacitor assembly and the interactive transmission module respectively; the voltage detection module is used to collect the voltage signal across the capacitor assembly and upload it to the host computer through the interactive transmission module.

[0028] The current detection module is connected to the programmable power supply, the capacitor assembly, and the interactive transmission module respectively; the current detection module is used to detect the current signal of the programmable power supply and upload it to the host computer through the interactive transmission module.

[0029] The host computer is connected to the interactive transmission module and the programmable power supply respectively; the host computer is used to adjust the initial voltage output of the programmable power supply according to the voltage signal collected by the voltage detection module; and to adjust the voltage output of the programmable power supply in real time according to the current signal collected by the current detection module.

[0030] In one preferred embodiment, the water meter also includes a protection module, which is connected to the current detection module and the capacitor assembly respectively.

[0031] In the above technical solution of the present invention, the static current detection method for smart water meters includes the following steps: a voltage detection module collects the voltage signal across the capacitor assembly and uploads it to a host computer; the host computer adjusts the initial voltage output of the programmable power supply according to the voltage signal; a current detection module acquires the current signal of the programmable power supply and transmits it to the host computer; the host computer adjusts the voltage output of the programmable power supply in real time according to the current signal; and determines whether the current signal has a decreasing trend. The present invention solves the problem of how to accurately and quickly detect and output the static current of the entire machine during mass production.

[0032] In this invention, by collecting the current signal of the programmable power supply and judging the trend of the current signal, the voltage output of the programmable power supply is adaptively adjusted according to the feedback current value until the maximum value of the static current is reached. Furthermore, it is determined whether there is a downward trend in the current signal, thereby providing a basis for judging whether the smart water meter is qualified. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a flowchart (1) of a method for detecting static current in a smart water meter according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a flowchart (2) of a method for detecting static current in a smart water meter according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating step S4 of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a smart water meter static current detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0039] 1. Programmable power supply; 2. Water meter unit; 3. Host computer; 4. Interactive transmission equipment;

[0040] 21. Current detection module; 22. Capacitor assembly; 23. Voltage detection module; 24. Interactive transmission module; 25. Protection module.

[0041] The realization of the objective, functional characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0043] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0044] Furthermore, in this invention, descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature.

[0045] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

[0046] Example 1:

[0047] See Figure 4 According to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a static current detection device for a smart water meter, wherein the device comprises: a programmable power supply, a water meter unit, and a host computer connected in sequence; the water meter unit includes a current detection module, a capacitor assembly, a voltage detection module, and an interactive transmission module;

[0048] The voltage detection module is connected to the capacitor assembly and the interactive transmission module respectively; the voltage detection module is used to collect the voltage signal across the capacitor assembly and upload it to the host computer through the interactive transmission module.

[0049] The current detection module is connected to the programmable power supply, the capacitor assembly, and the interactive transmission module respectively; the current detection module is used to detect the current signal of the programmable power supply and upload it to the host computer through the interactive transmission module.

[0050] The host computer is connected to the interactive transmission module and the programmable power supply respectively; the host computer is used to adjust the initial voltage output of the programmable power supply according to the voltage signal collected by the voltage detection module; and to adjust the voltage output of the programmable power supply in real time according to the current signal collected by the current detection module.

[0051] Specifically, in this embodiment, the water meter also includes a protection module, which is connected to the current detection module and the capacitor module respectively. The protection module uses an isolation diode, which is used to prevent short circuits and to isolate the water meter from the capacitor module, so as to prevent the water meter power input terminal from not detecting a signal after the battery is removed.

[0052] Specifically, in this embodiment, the interactive transmission module employs at least one of serial communication, Bluetooth communication, and infrared communication. This invention does not impose specific limitations; one or more communication methods can be configured as needed. The detection device also includes an interactive transmission device, which is connected to both the interactive transmission module and the host computer. The interactive transmission device receives voltage and current signals uploaded by the interactive transmission module and uploads them to the host computer for processing, serving as a bridge for communication between the water meter and the host computer. The interactive transmission device employs at least one of serial communication, Bluetooth-to-USB communication, and infrared-to-USB communication. One or more of these communication methods are used to connect the interactive transmission module and the host computer. The communication methods of the interactive transmission module and the interactive transmission device correspond one-to-one. For example, if the interactive transmission module uses serial communication, then the interactive transmission device uses serial communication; if the interactive transmission module uses Bluetooth communication, then the interactive transmission device uses Bluetooth-to-USB communication, and so on. This invention does not impose specific limitations; one or more communication methods can be configured as needed.

[0053] Specifically, in this embodiment, the programmable power supply is a regulated power supply that can be controlled by a host computer. The resolution of the programmable power supply is 0.001V. The host computer can adjust the voltage output of the programmable power supply in real time according to the current signal. By outputting different voltage values, the water meter reaches the maximum value of the static current. The host computer can further determine whether the current signal has a downward trend, thereby providing a basis for determining whether the smart water meter is qualified.

[0054] Example 2:

[0055] See Figures 1-3According to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a method for detecting the static current of a smart water meter, wherein the detection method includes the following steps:

[0056] S1. The voltage detection module collects the voltage signal across the capacitor assembly and uploads it to the host computer.

[0057] S2. The host computer adjusts the initial voltage output of the programmable power supply according to the voltage signal;

[0058] S3. The current detection module acquires the current signal of the programmable power supply and transmits it to the host computer.

[0059] S4. The host computer adjusts the voltage output of the programmable power supply in real time according to the current signal; and determines whether the current signal has a downward trend.

[0060] Specifically, in this embodiment, the voltage detection module collects the voltage signal across the capacitor assembly and uploads it to the host computer via the interactive transmission module and the interactive transmission device. The host computer adjusts the initial voltage output of the programmable power supply according to the voltage signal. In this application, since a protection module has been added, the initial voltage output of the programmable power supply should be increased by 0.2V when adjusting the initial voltage output. The voltage drop of the protection module changes with the magnitude of the current.

[0061] Specifically, in this embodiment, the current detection module acquires the current signal of the programmable power supply and uploads it to the host computer in sequence through the interactive transmission module and the interactive transmission device. After receiving the current signal, the host computer performs digital-to-analog conversion to convert the current signal into a current value.

[0062] Specifically, in this embodiment, in step S4, the host computer adjusts the voltage output of the programmable power supply in real time according to the current signal. The specific steps are as follows:

[0063] S41. Determine the magnitude of the current value and the first threshold. If the current value is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the programmable power supply is adjusted by increasing the voltage by the first voltage value. Otherwise, proceed to step S42. Specifically, step S41 involves determining the magnitude of the current value and the first threshold, where the first threshold is 200uA. If the current value is greater than or equal to 200uA, the programmable power supply adjusts the voltage output by increasing the voltage by 0.05V. In this invention, the first threshold is 200uA. When the current value is greater than or equal to 200uA, the programmable power supply adjusts the voltage output by increasing the voltage by 0.05V. The first threshold and the increase adjustment of the first voltage value can be set as needed, and this invention does not impose specific limitations.

[0064] S42. Determine the magnitude of the current value and the second threshold. If the current value is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the programmable power supply is adjusted by increasing the voltage by the second voltage value. Otherwise, proceed to step S43. Specifically, step S42 involves determining the magnitude of the current value and the second threshold, where the second threshold is 100uA. If the current value is greater than or equal to 100uA, the programmable power supply adjusts the voltage output by increasing the voltage by 0.03V. In this invention, the second threshold is 100uA. When the current value is greater than or equal to 100uA, the programmable power supply adjusts the voltage output by increasing the voltage by 0.03V. The second threshold and the increase adjustment of the second voltage value can be set as needed, and this invention does not impose specific limitations.

[0065] S43. Determine the magnitude of the current value and the third threshold. If the current value > the third threshold, the programmable power supply is adjusted by increasing the third voltage value. Otherwise, further determine whether the current signal has a decreasing trend. Specifically, step S43 is as follows: determine the magnitude of the current value and the third threshold, where the third threshold is 35uA. If the current value > 35uA, the programmable power supply adjusts the voltage output by increasing the voltage by 0.01V. In this invention, the third threshold is 100uA. When the current value > 35uA, the programmable power supply adjusts the voltage output by increasing the voltage by 0.01V. The third threshold and the increase adjustment of the third voltage value can be set as needed, and this invention does not impose specific limitations. The third threshold is the static current design index for the operation of the smart water meter.

[0066] Specifically, in this embodiment, the step S4 of determining whether the current signal has a downward trend is as follows: continuously collect the current signal of the programmable power supply. If the current signal collected in the next step is less than the current signal collected in the previous step, it is determined that the current signal of the programmable power supply has a downward trend. That is, the static current of the smart water meter has reached the design target, and the smart water meter is deemed to have passed the test.

[0067] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for detecting static current in a smart water meter, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. The voltage detection module collects the voltage signal across the capacitor assembly and uploads it to the host computer. S2. The host computer adjusts the initial voltage output of the programmable power supply according to the voltage signal; S3. The current detection module acquires the current signal of the programmable power supply and transmits it to the host computer. S4. The host computer converts the current signal into a current value, and adjusts the voltage output of the programmable power supply in real time according to the current signal; and determines whether the current signal has a decreasing trend; in step S4, the host computer adjusts the voltage output of the programmable power supply in real time according to the current signal, specifically as follows: S41. Determine the magnitude of the current value and the first threshold. If the current value is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the programmable power supply is adjusted by increasing the first voltage value; otherwise, proceed to step S42. S42. Determine the magnitude of the current value and the second threshold. If the current value is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the programmable power supply is adjusted by increasing the second voltage value; otherwise, proceed to step S43. S43. Determine the magnitude of the current value and the third threshold. If the current value is greater than the third threshold, the programmable power supply is adjusted by increasing the third voltage value; otherwise, further determine whether the current signal has a downward trend.

2. The method for detecting static current in a smart water meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S4, determining whether the current signal exhibits a decreasing trend involves the following steps: The current signal of the programmable power supply is continuously collected. If the current signal collected in the next collection is less than the current signal collected in the previous collection, it is determined that the current signal of the programmable power supply has a downward trend and the smart water meter has passed the test.

3. The method for detecting static current in a smart water meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S41 is as follows: The current value is compared with a first threshold value of 200uA. If the current value is ≥200uA, the programmable power supply adjusts the voltage output by an increase of 0.05V.

4. The method for detecting static current in a smart water meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S42 specifically involves: The current value is compared with a second threshold value of 100uA. If the current value is ≥100uA, the programmable power supply adjusts the voltage output by an increase of 0.03V.

5. The method for detecting static current in a smart water meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S43 specifically involves: The current value is compared with a third threshold value of 35uA. If the current value is greater than 35uA, the programmable power supply adjusts the voltage output by an increase of 0.01V.

6. The method for detecting static current in a smart water meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third threshold is the static current design index for the operation of the smart water meter.

7. A smart water meter static current detection device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, include: The system consists of a programmable power supply, a water meter unit, and a host computer connected in sequence; the water meter unit includes a current detection module, a capacitor assembly, a voltage detection module, and an interactive transmission module. The voltage detection module is connected to the capacitor assembly and the interactive transmission module respectively; the voltage detection module is used to collect the voltage signal across the capacitor assembly and upload it to the host computer through the interactive transmission module. The current detection module is connected to the programmable power supply, the capacitor assembly, and the interactive transmission module respectively; the current detection module is used to detect the current signal of the programmable power supply and upload it to the host computer through the interactive transmission module. The host computer is connected to the interactive transmission module and the programmable power supply respectively; the host computer is used to adjust the initial voltage output of the programmable power supply according to the voltage signal collected by the voltage detection module; and to adjust the voltage output of the programmable power supply in real time according to the current signal collected by the current detection module.

8. The intelligent water meter static current detection device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The water meter also includes a protection module, which is connected to the current detection module and the capacitor assembly.

Images