Intelligent detection system and detection method for fatigue strength and air tightness of gas meter upper shell

Abstract

The application provides a gas meter upper shell fatigue strength and air tightness intelligent detection system and method, solves the problems of dispersion, low efficiency and insufficient accuracy of gas meter upper shell quality detection in the prior art. The system connects the fatigue strength test and air tightness detection units in series and shares the test station, realizing continuous automatic detection of two key performance indicators of the gas meter upper shell. The first test unit adopts an elastic mesh bag structure cooperating with an image acquisition and analysis system, realizes accurate calculation of deformation and generation of a distribution map through mesh marker amplification and visual micro-deformation. The second test unit adopts a negative pressure water immersion method combined with a special water vapor rotary collection structure, accurately measures the collected water vapor content through a humidity detection mechanism, and obtains accurate air tightness evaluation results. The whole system is coordinated and managed by a unified control system, realizing full automation of the test process and data sharing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of gas meter testing, and more particularly to an intelligent testing system and method for testing the fatigue strength and airtightness of the upper casing of a gas meter. Background Technology

[0002] Gas meters are key devices for measuring gas consumption, and their quality and performance directly affect measurement accuracy and safety. With the increasing prevalence of gas applications, the quality requirements for gas meters are constantly rising. Among these, the fatigue strength and airtightness of the gas meter casing are crucial indicators for evaluating gas meter quality. Currently, the testing of gas meter casings typically employs various single-function testing methods. For example, airtightness testing often uses the water immersion bubble observation method, where operators immerse the gas meter casing in water and observe whether bubbles are generated to determine the sealing performance. Fatigue strength testing often uses a simple pressurization device for static pressure testing. These traditional testing methods have significant drawbacks: firstly, the testing process heavily relies on manual operation and subjective judgment, making it difficult to guarantee the accuracy and consistency of the test results; secondly, different performance indicators require different testing equipment, making the testing process cumbersome, inefficient, and potentially damaging to the test components during equipment conversion, affecting the reliability of the test results.

[0003] In the prior art, there have been some attempts at multi-functional testing for gas meters. For example, patent document CN116990152 A discloses a multi-functional testing device for gas meters. This device includes a base, a positioning frame fixed on the base, a positioning component for positioning the gas meter on the base, and a bending moment testing mechanism, a torque testing mechanism, and a pressure resistance testing mechanism adapted to the positioning component on the positioning frame. By setting different testing mechanisms, this device can perform multiple tests on the gas meter, such as bending moment, torque, and pressure resistance, which improves the testing efficiency to a certain extent. However, this device mainly focuses on the mechanical strength testing of the entire gas meter and has not been specifically optimized for the fatigue strength and airtightness of the gas meter's casing. In particular, it lacks precise measurement of minute deformations and automated testing methods for airtightness. In addition, although the various testing mechanisms are integrated together, the testing process still requires manual intervention and judgment, failing to achieve truly automated continuous testing and making it difficult to meet the high requirements for testing efficiency and accuracy in mass production.

[0004] Therefore, designing and developing an intelligent system capable of automated, continuous, and comprehensive testing of the gas meter casing is of great significance for improving the quality and safety of gas meter products. In particular, an integrated system is needed that can organically combine and automatically switch between fatigue strength testing and airtightness testing, thereby improving testing efficiency while ensuring the accuracy and reliability of test results. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an intelligent detection system and method for the fatigue strength and airtightness of the gas meter casing, thereby solving the technical problems of low efficiency, poor accuracy, and insufficient automation in the quality detection of gas meter casings in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A smart testing system for the fatigue strength and airtightness of a gas meter casing is provided for automated and continuous testing of the gas meter casing. The system includes a first testing unit for fatigue strength testing and a second testing unit for airtightness testing. The two testing units are connected in series and share a testing station, enabling continuous dual testing of the same gas meter casing.

[0007] The first test unit includes: a mounting frame comprising upper and lower parts vertically connected by multiple connecting columns to form a support frame; a test installation station located at the lower part of the mounting frame, the test installation station being used to position and fix the upper shell of the gas meter, the test installation station having a positioning structure for engaging with the opening end of the upper shell of the gas meter; a clamping mechanism installed at the upper part of the mounting frame, the clamping mechanism including a drive structure and a tooling plate, the drive structure driving the tooling plate to form a sealing engagement with the opening end of the upper shell of the gas meter, the tooling plate including an insertion part and a sealing part, the insertion part having a clearance structure, the sealing part having a sealing structure, and the tooling plate having a through hole for communicating with the interior of the upper shell of the gas meter; and a gas pressure control system connected to the mounting frame. The gas pressure control system includes a gas blowing and suction device, which communicates with the gas connection port on the upper shell of the gas meter for injecting test gas into the upper shell of the gas meter and performing a pressure test; an elastic net bag connected to the lower surface of the mounting plate at the test station, forming a semi-enclosed structure directly below the test mounting station; the upper end of the elastic net bag has a widened amplification plate connected to the lower end of the mounting plate at the station; the surface of the elastic net bag is pre-printed with high-precision geometric patterns or grid marks for visualizing and magnifying minute deformations of the upper shell of the gas meter; and an image acquisition and analysis system, which includes a high-definition camera and image processing software, for capturing and analyzing the state changes of the elastic net bag in real time, calculating the actual deformation of the upper shell of the gas meter, and generating a deformation distribution map.

[0008] The second testing unit includes: a frame, which is correspondingly and stably connected to the mounting frame of the first testing unit; a water tank, mounted on the frame and located below the first testing unit, for accommodating the upper casing of the gas meter after fatigue strength testing, with its upper opening communicating with the outside; a pushing structure installed at the lower end of the water tank, the pushing structure employing a symmetrical arrangement of two cylinders, for controlling the vertical and stable movement of the water tank, raising it to a position capable of submerging the upper casing of the gas meter; and a negative pressure control system, shared with the air pressure control system of the first testing unit, which achieves functional switching through valve switching, for applying negative pressure to the inner cavity of the submerged gas meter casing, causing external water to be affected by the negative pressure. The test unit identifies the leak point inside the upper casing of the gas meter; a humidity detection mechanism, installed on the upper end of the tooling pressure plate of the first test unit, includes a mounting housing, a lifting assembly, a rotation drive assembly, and a water vapor rotation collection structure. The humidity detection mechanism communicates with the interior of the upper casing of the gas meter through a movable through hole on the tooling pressure plate, and is used to detect humidity changes inside the upper casing of the gas meter and determine whether the airtightness is qualified; a control system is used to coordinate the workflow of the first and second test units, realize automatic switching and data sharing between the two test units, and the control system includes a processor, a memory, and an interactive interface. It can automatically execute the complete process of fatigue strength testing and airtightness testing according to a preset program and generate a test report.

[0009] Preferably, the tooling plate includes a press-fit insertion part and a press-fit sealing part. The press-fit insertion part has a clearance notch at its lower corner, and the press-fit sealing part has outwardly protruding sealing edges on its surrounding side walls. The tooling plate has a movable through hole. This partitioned design allows the tooling plate to be smoothly inserted into the upper shell and form a double seal. The clearance notch avoids jamming during insertion, the protruding sealing edges provide a larger sealing contact area, and the movable through hole provides a passage for the extension of the humidity detection mechanism, significantly improving the sealing reliability and operational convenience of the testing process.

[0010] Preferably, the upper end of the elastic mesh bag has a widened amplification plate, which is connected to the lower end of the workstation mounting plate; the surface of the elastic mesh bag is pre-printed with high-precision geometric patterns or grid marks. This design significantly enhances the connection stability between the elastic mesh bag and the workstation mounting plate, preventing the connection from loosening or falling off due to tension changes during testing. Simultaneously, the geometric patterns or grid marks provide a precise reference for deformation detection, making minute deformations easier to observe and quantify, thus improving the accuracy of the detection.

[0011] Preferably, the gas pressure control system includes a first gas blowing and suction dual-purpose component and a second gas blowing and suction dual-purpose component, which are respectively connected in an airtight manner to a first gas connection port and a second gas connection port on the upper shell of the gas meter. This dual-connection design forms a complete gas circulation system, which can accurately control the gas flow and pressure changes inside the upper shell of the gas meter, avoiding the gas pressure accumulation or poor flow problems that may be caused by a single-channel design, and significantly improving the uniformity and accuracy of the pressurization test.

[0012] Preferably, the lifting component in the humidity detection mechanism specifically includes a vertically arranged lifting motor. The output shaft of the lifting motor is connected to a belt drive structure, which is then connected to a lead screw structure. The lead screw structure converts the rotational motion output by the motor into linear motion in the vertical direction. The rotation drive component specifically includes a rotary motor arranged parallel to the ground, which drives a rotary output shaft to rotate. The lower end of the rotary output shaft is fixedly connected to a water vapor rotary collection structure, driving the water vapor rotary collection structure to collect water vapor through coaxial rotation. This transmission structure design achieves precise motion control of the water vapor collection device. The belt drive reduces the impact of motor vibration on the system, the lead screw structure ensures the accuracy of linear motion, and the coaxial rotation ensures the uniformity and comprehensiveness of water vapor collection, effectively improving the accuracy and reliability of airtightness detection.

[0013] Preferably, the water vapor rotation collection structure specifically includes: a disc-shaped connecting cover, which is fixedly connected to the lower end of the rotating output shaft, and the rotating output shaft drives the entire water vapor rotation collection structure to rotate; two sets of symmetrically arranged connecting rod hinge assemblies hinged to the inner edge of the connecting cover, the inner edge of the connecting cover having two fixed lugs, the two sets of connecting rod hinge assemblies being symmetrically hinged through the fixed lugs respectively, each set of connecting rod hinge assemblies including three mutually hinged links: a first link, a second link, and a third link, one end of the first link being hinged to the center of the bottom of the connecting cover to form a first hinge portion, the other end of the first link being hinged to the second link to form a second hinge portion, one end of the third link being hinged to the fixed lug to form a third hinge portion, and the other end of the third link being hinged to the second link. The hinged parts are hinged to form a complete kinematic chain; the water-absorbing component is slidably connected to the connecting rod hinge assembly, and the side wall of the third connecting rod has a sliding groove, which forms a sliding fit with the sliding plate. The sliding plate is fixedly connected to the water-absorbing component, so that the water-absorbing component can move adaptively while the connecting rod rotates; the side wall of the water-absorbing component has multiple slender water-absorbing strips to increase the contact area with the inner wall of the gas meter upper shell; an elastic element is connected between the two water-absorbing components. The elastic element has rebound energy and is in a bent and compressed state in the initial state of the system. When the water vapor rotation collection structure is freed from the restriction of the movable through hole, the rebound force of the elastic element drives the connecting rod hinge assembly to rotate and unfold; a limiting plate is connected to the second hinge part. The limiting plate is used to limit the maximum rotation angle of the connecting rod hinge assembly to ensure that the water-absorbing component maintains an ideal straight posture in the unfolded state. This multi-link articulated design, combining elastic rebound and limiting functions, enables the automatic expansion and contraction of the water-absorbing component. The water-absorbing strip increases the contact area, and the sliding connection enhances adaptability, forming an integrated and adaptive water vapor collection mechanism. This greatly improves the comprehensiveness and accuracy of airtightness detection, enabling the detection of minute leaks that are difficult to detect by conventional methods.

[0014] Preferably, the inner edge of the connecting cover has two fixed lugs. The two sets of connecting rod hinge assemblies are symmetrically hinged through the fixed lugs. One end of the first connecting rod is hinged to the center of the bottom of the connecting cover to form a first hinge portion. The other end of the first connecting rod is hinged to the second connecting rod to form a second hinge portion. One end of the third connecting rod is hinged to the fixed lugs to form a third hinge portion. The other end of the third connecting rod is hinged to the second hinge portion. A sliding groove is provided on the side wall of the third connecting rod. The sliding groove and the sliding plate form a sliding fit. The sliding plate is fixedly connected to the water-absorbing component. This design with multiple hinges and sliding fits forms a smooth and reliable motion mechanism. The three hinges provide precise motion control and stable mechanical transmission, while the sliding fit gives the water-absorbing component greater freedom of movement, allowing it to better adapt to the shape changes inside the gas meter casing, significantly improving the efficiency and integrity of water vapor collection.

[0015] This invention also provides a method for testing the upper casing of a gas meter, comprising the following steps: installing and positioning the upper casing of the gas meter in the test installation position of the aforementioned gas meter upper casing testing system; performing a fatigue strength test, comprising the following steps: Step 1, driving the clamping mechanism to move the tooling pressure plate downward and form a sealing fit with the open end of the upper casing of the gas meter; Step 2, the air pressure control system injecting test gas into the upper casing of the gas meter and performing a cyclic pressurization test; Step 3, the image acquisition and analysis system acquiring and analyzing the state of the elastic net bag to determine whether the upper casing of the gas meter meets the fatigue strength requirements; for the upper casing of the gas meter that has passed the fatigue strength test, immediately placing it in the original test position and maintaining the clamped state... The airtightness test includes the following steps: Step 1: Depressurize the air pressure control system to return the internal pressure of the gas meter casing to normal atmospheric pressure; Step 2: Push the structure to move the water tank upward, immersing the gas meter casing in clean water; Step 3: The negative pressure control system applies negative pressure to the inside of the gas meter casing, allowing external moisture to enter through the leak point under negative pressure; Step 4: Activate the lifting assembly and the rotation drive assembly to control the water vapor rotation collection structure to collect water vapor inside the gas meter casing; Step 5: The humidity detection mechanism detects the collected water vapor content to determine whether the airtightness of the gas meter casing is qualified.

[0016] Preferably, the cyclic pressurization test includes the following steps: Step 1: The gas pressure control system injects test gas into the sealed gas meter casing according to a predetermined program to form an initial test pressure; Step 2: The system sets different pressure cycle modes, including one or more of constant pressure maintenance, stepped pressure increase, and periodic pressure fluctuation, to comprehensively evaluate the structural response of the gas meter casing under various operating conditions; Step 3: The elastic mesh changes accordingly with the minute deformation of the gas meter casing, and these changes are magnified and visualized through the grid markings on its surface; Step 4: The image acquisition and analysis system acquires the state of the elastic mesh and compares it with the initial state, calculates the actual deformation of the gas meter casing at various parts, and generates a deformation distribution map. This multi-mode cyclic pressurization method comprehensively simulates the various pressure environments that a gas meter may face in actual use. Through complete recording and analysis of the deformation process, it can more accurately evaluate the long-term performance and potential risk points of the gas meter casing, significantly improving the scientific nature and predictability of fatigue strength testing.

[0017] Preferably, the water vapor collection includes the following steps: Step 1: Activate the lifting assembly to control the water vapor rotating collection structure to move downwards until the connecting rod hinge assembly is completely disengaged from the movable through hole; Step 2: The elastic force of the elastic element drives the connecting rod hinge assembly and its connected water-absorbing component to unfold to both sides, so that the water-absorbing component and water-absorbing strip form a tight contact with the inner wall of the gas meter upper shell; Step 3: Activate the rotation drive assembly to drive the entire water vapor rotating collection structure to rotate omnidirectionally inside the gas meter upper shell, and the water-absorbing component performs a complete scan along the four inner walls and bottom of the gas meter upper shell to achieve comprehensive water vapor collection; Step 4: When the water vapor rotating collection structure moves down to the bottom of the gas meter upper shell, the system controls the rotation drive assembly to rotate multiple times to ensure that the water vapor that may accumulate at the bottom is fully absorbed by the water-absorbing component and water-absorbing strip; Step 5: The lifting assembly controls the water vapor rotating collection structure to move upwards, so that it gradually retracts into the movable through hole, and the detection assembly accurately measures the moisture content adsorbed by the water vapor rotating collection structure to obtain the actual humidity value inside the gas meter upper shell. This three-dimensional water vapor collection method combines multiple motion modes, including vertical movement, expansion and contraction, and rotational scanning, ensuring that all areas inside the gas meter casing are effectively covered. It particularly enhances the detection of water accumulation areas at the bottom and replaces traditional visual inspection with quantitative humidity analysis, significantly improving the accuracy, sensitivity, and repeatability of airtightness testing.

[0018] The intelligent testing system and method for fatigue strength and airtightness of gas meter casings provided by this invention, through innovative structural design and scientific testing procedures, achieves automation, intelligence, and high efficiency in the quality testing of gas meter casings, and has the following significant advantages: 1. By connecting the fatigue strength testing unit and the airtightness testing unit in series and sharing the testing station, continuous automated testing of two key performance indicators of the gas meter casing was achieved, which significantly improved testing efficiency and reduced production costs.

[0019] 2. The control system realizes comprehensive intelligent management of the testing process. By unifying and coordinating the workflow of the two testing units, it automatically executes the complete testing procedure and generates test reports, which greatly improves the accuracy and consistency of the testing.

[0020] 3. The application of elastic netting provides an intuitive and reliable data foundation for fatigue strength testing. By amplifying and visualizing minute deformations through grid markings, and in conjunction with an image acquisition and analysis system, accurate calculation of deformation and generation of distribution maps are achieved.

[0021] 4. The airtightness test adopts an advanced method that combines negative pressure water immersion with humidity detection, which overcomes the subjectivity and uncertainty of the traditional bubble observation method and improves the sensitivity and reliability of the test through quantitative humidity analysis.

[0022] 5. The multi-link hinge design and automatic deployment mechanism of the water vapor rotation collection structure, combined with omnidirectional rotation scanning, enables comprehensive detection of all areas inside the gas meter casing, and can detect tiny leaks that are difficult to detect by conventional methods.

[0023] In summary, this invention provides a novel technical means for quality control of gas meter products, and has significant practical value and promising prospects for widespread application. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the upper casing of the gas meter in this invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the fatigue testing device in this invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the test installation station when the gas meter casing is not installed; Figure 5 This is a partial internal structure diagram of the upper shell of the present invention when it is sealed and installed at the test installation station; Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified view of a section at point I; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the humidity detection mechanism of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the water vapor rotation collection structure of the present invention when it is stored. Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of the water vapor rotation collection structure during the deployment process of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the two test units of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the detection process of the present invention.

[0025] Reference numerals: Gas meter upper casing 00, First test unit 01, Second test unit 02, Frame 03, Open end 001, Protruding mounting edge 002, Protruding piece 003, First gas connection port 004, Second gas connection port 005, Mounting frame 10, Test mounting station 20, Pressing mechanism 30, Gas pressure control system 40, Elastic net bag 50, Pressing mounting plate 11, Sliding connecting column 12, Station mounting plate 13, Connecting frame 14, Abutment positioning groove 21, Drive pressurizing structure 31, Tooling pressure plate 32, First gas blowing and suction dual-purpose component 41, Second gas blowing and suction dual-purpose component 42, Amplification plate 51, Drive cylinder 311, Connection and transmission assembly 312, Press-fit insertion part 321, Press-fit sealing part 322, Movable through hole 323, Central connecting column 3121 Connecting plate 3122, connecting rod 3123, clearance insertion notch 3211, protruding sealing edge 3221, water tank 60, pushing structure 70, humidity detection mechanism 80, mounting housing 81, lifting assembly 82, rotary drive assembly 83, water vapor rotary collection structure 84, lifting motor 821, belt drive structure 822, lead screw structure 823, rotary motor 831, rotary output shaft 832, connecting cover 841, connecting rod hinge assembly 842, water absorption component 843, elastic component 844, fixed lug 845, water absorption strip 846, slide groove 847, sliding plate 848, limiting plate 849, first connecting rod 8421, second connecting rod 8422, third connecting rod 8423, first hinge part 851, second hinge part 852, third hinge part 853. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Example 1: Reference Figure 1In this embodiment, the test object is the upper casing 00 of the gas meter, which is rectangular in shape and has an open end 001. The rectangular edge of the open end 001 protrudes to form a protruding mounting edge 002. Multiple strip-shaped protrusions 003 are provided at the upper end of the protruding mounting edge 002 to stably seal and connect with the other half of the gas meter casing. The upper casing 00 also has a first gas connection port 004 and a second gas connection port 005 for gas flow. It should be noted that the term "upper casing of the gas meter" originates from the upper and lower structural distribution in traditional gas meter casing designs, where the upper casing usually refers to the casing assembly installed at the top. With the continuous evolution and improvement of gas meter structural design, modern gas meter casing structures have various forms, some adopting a front and rear casing layout, no longer strictly distinguishing between upper and lower positions. However, in production, testing, and technical literature, the industry still habitually uses the traditional terms "upper casing" and "lower casing" to distinguish different casing assemblies, which has become a common term in the industry. Therefore, the term "gas meter upper casing" in this invention is a name based on industry conventions, and actually refers to a major component of the gas meter housing, regardless of its actual installation position within the entire unit. The intelligent detection system and method for the fatigue strength and airtightness of the gas meter upper casing provided by this invention can perform comprehensive performance testing on the gas meter upper casing 00, continuously and automatically testing from fatigue strength to airtightness, effectively ensuring the safety and long-term stability of the gas meter.

[0027] refer to Figures 2-6The intelligent testing system for the fatigue strength and airtightness of the gas meter casing is an integrated automatic testing system that can complete quality testing before the gas meter is assembled, thereby improving production efficiency and reducing costs. The system includes a frame 03, a first test unit 01 and a second test unit 02 both mounted on the frame 03. The first test unit 01 is mainly used for fatigue strength testing, simulating the actual use environment of the gas meter and evaluating its structural strength. It mainly consists of a mounting frame 10, a test installation station 20, a clamping mechanism 30, a pneumatic control system 40, an elastic net 50, and an image acquisition and analysis system (the image acquisition and analysis system is not shown in the figure). The second test unit 02 is mainly used for airtightness testing, using a negative pressure water immersion method and a humidity detection mechanism to assess the airtightness of the gas meter casing. In terms of spatial relationship, the mounting frame 10 is the supporting frame of the entire structure. The upper clamping mounting plate 11 and the lower workstation mounting plate 13 are vertically connected by four sliding connecting columns 12. The test installation station 20 is embedded in the center of the workstation mounting plate 13. The clamping mechanism 30 is installed on the upper part of the mounting frame 10, vertically downward and corresponding to the test installation station 20. The air pressure control system 40 is fixed to the side of the workstation mounting plate 13 through the connecting frame 14. The elastic net 50 is connected to the lower surface of the workstation mounting plate 13 and forms a semi-enclosed structure directly below the test installation station 20. The image acquisition and analysis system is fixed in an appropriate position by a bracket to ensure that the state changes of the elastic net 50 can be clearly captured.

[0028] refer to Figures 3-5 The test installation station 20 is a dedicated device in this testing system for the precise positioning and fixing of the gas meter casing 00. As a fundamental component for continuous fatigue strength and airtightness testing, it securely positions the gas meter casing 00 under test and ensures positional accuracy throughout the testing process. This station design allows the gas meter casing 00 to be placed with its open end 001 facing upwards, facilitating subsequent compression sealing and dual testing operations. Structurally, the test installation station 20 is formed by precisely drilling matching holes and slots into the station mounting plate 13. The size and shape of these holes and slots closely match the outline of the gas meter casing 00, ensuring stable positioning of the test object without displacement deviation. This provides a reliable positional reference for subsequent fatigue strength and airtightness testing, effectively guaranteeing the accuracy and repeatability of the testing method.

[0029] refer to Figures 4-6The elastic net 50 is the core component of the fatigue strength testing section of this testing system. As a sensitive deformation detection medium, it can amplify and visualize the minute deformations generated by the gas meter casing 00 during pressurization, which is a key technical aspect of the testing method. Utilizing its special material properties, the elastic net 50 transforms the structural deformation of the gas meter casing 00 into a more obvious deformation pattern within the net itself. Through this "deformation amplification" mechanism, minute deformations that were originally difficult to observe directly become easier to capture and measure, thereby significantly improving the accuracy and reliability of the fatigue strength assessment of the gas meter casing 00 and providing an accurate data foundation for the entire intelligent testing system.

[0030] The elastic net 50 is made of a flexible material with a high elastic coefficient. Structurally, the elastic net 50 is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the workstation mounting plate 13 and designed to fit snugly around and cover the outer surface of the bottom of the gas meter upper shell 00. This innovative structural design not only serves fatigue strength testing but also provides effective protection for subsequent airtightness testing, offering multiple functional advantages: First, it provides uniformly distributed elastic support for the gas meter upper shell 00, ensuring uniform stress on the gas meter upper shell 00 during testing; second, during the installation of the gas meter upper shell 00, the net acts as a support and buffer, preventing collision damage caused by operational errors; finally, during the loading and unloading of the gas meter upper shell 00, the net's covering structure effectively prevents accidental slippage of the test piece, significantly improving the safety and convenience of the entire testing process, reducing the psychological burden on operators, and enhancing the operability of the testing method.

[0031] To further improve the accuracy and visualization of fatigue strength testing in this intelligent testing system, a precision marking system is used on the surface of the elastic net 50, with high-precision geometric patterns or grid marks pre-printed on it. These marks serve as deformation references, generating corresponding tensile changes when the elastic net 50 is subjected to stress. By analyzing the deformation patterns of these marks, the testing system can accurately quantify the degree of deformation in different areas and generate deformation distribution maps, providing intuitive data support for the implementation of the testing method. Especially for areas with large local deformation, the deformation of the marks will be more obvious, thus helping technicians accurately identify structural weaknesses in the gas meter casing 00 and providing a strong basis for product design optimization. This embodiment uses a rhomboid grid as the marking system. This grid structure has uniform deformation sensitivity in all directions, comprehensively reflecting the deformation characteristics of the gas meter casing 00 in different directions, which helps to achieve the overall technical effect of this testing system and method.

[0032] To address the reliability issue of the connection between the elastic mesh bag 50 and the workstation mounting plate 13, and to ensure the stability and accuracy of the entire testing process, this system design employs an expanded connection structure, effectively enhancing the fixation stability between the two. Specifically, a widened expansion plate 51 is added to the upper end of the elastic mesh bag 50. This expansion plate 51 significantly increases the contact area with the workstation mounting plate 13. Through a secure connection with the lower end of the workstation mounting plate 13, it is ensured that the elastic mesh bag 50 will not loosen or detach due to tension changes during the dual testing processes of fatigue strength and airtightness.

[0033] refer to Figure 3 To achieve intelligent testing of the fatigue strength and airtightness of the gas meter casing 00, the airtightness of the testing system must first be ensured. Therefore, this testing system incorporates a dedicated clamping mechanism 30 as the sealing unit of the entire system. This mechanism clamps and seals the opening 001 of the gas meter casing 00, a crucial step in the testing method. The clamping mechanism 30 is installed above the testing installation station 20, employing a vertical downward pressing design and equipped with a driving pressurizing structure 31. In operation, the driving pressurizing structure 31 drives the tooling pressure plate 32 mounted at its lower end to move vertically downward, allowing the tooling pressure plate 32 to extend into the gas meter casing 00 and form a sealing fit with the opening 001, thus creating a sealed testing environment and providing the foundation for subsequent dual testing of fatigue strength and airtightness.

[0034] Specifically, the driving pressurization structure 31 employs a system design combining pneumatic drive and mechanical transmission to ensure precise control of the testing process. This structure includes an upper-level driving cylinder 311 and its supporting force transmission system—the connecting transmission assembly 312. The driving cylinder 311 is fixedly mounted on the clamping mounting plate 11, with its piston rod extending downwards and connecting to the upper end of the connecting transmission assembly 312. The connecting transmission assembly 312 slides through four sliding connecting columns 12 via a guide structure, and its lower end connects to the tooling pressure plate 32. Structurally, the connecting transmission assembly 312 consists of three parts from top to bottom: first, a central connecting column 3121 directly connected to the cylinder piston rod; second, a connecting plate 3122 that slides with the four sliding connecting columns 12; and finally, four evenly distributed connecting rods 3123 between the connecting plate 3122 and the tooling pressure plate 32. This multi-point support design ensures the uniformity of pressure transmission, effectively guaranteeing the stability and controllability of the pressurization process in the testing method.

[0035] To simulate the actual usage environment, this intelligent testing system requires applying a controllable gas pressure load to the sealed gas meter casing 00. The gas pressure control system 40 is designed for this purpose. As the power source of the testing system, it injects test gas into the test object according to preset pressure parameters and time curves, making it a crucial step in simulating actual working conditions during the testing method. This system is connected to the workstation mounting plate 13 via a connecting frame 14. Its core actuators include a first gas blowing / suction dual-purpose component 41 and a second gas blowing / suction dual-purpose component 42, which form airtight connections with the first gas connection port 004 and the second gas connection port 005 on the gas meter casing 00, respectively, constituting a gas path system capable of gas injection, pressure holding, and discharge. This not only provides a pressure environment for fatigue strength testing but also provides a gas control basis for subsequent airtightness testing.

[0036] To automate and improve the accuracy of intelligent testing of the fatigue strength and airtightness of the gas meter casing 00, this system is equipped with an advanced image acquisition and analysis system. As mentioned earlier, this system, as an important component of the entire testing system, can visually capture the deformation of the elastic net 50 and automatically determine its deformation through data processing, providing technical support for the scientific implementation of the testing method. The image acquisition and analysis system mainly consists of a high-definition camera (its structure is not shown) and supporting image processing software. The high-definition camera is installed at a position that can clearly capture images of the elastic net 50, used to capture images of the elastic net 50 in its initial state before testing and its deformation state after pressure testing. The system inputs these two sets of images into the image processing software for comparative analysis, calculates the actual deformation of the gas meter casing 00 through the displacement of the grid marks, and then compares it with the preset deformation threshold standard in the system, automatically generating test results and determining whether the gas meter casing 00 meets the fatigue strength requirements. This image recognition-based testing method avoids human error in traditional measurement methods, improves the accuracy and efficiency of the entire testing process, and gives this testing system and method significant technical advantages.

[0037] refer to Figures 4-6 To ensure the reliability and ease of operation of this intelligent testing system, the installation and sealing structure of the gas meter casing 00 during testing has been specially designed. These designs aim to solve two key problems in the implementation of the testing method: first, the stable positioning of the gas meter casing 00; and second, reliable sealing during testing, to ensure the accuracy of fatigue strength and airtightness testing.

[0038] The design of the test installation station 20 adopts the principle of precise correspondence, with an abutment positioning groove 21 designed along the entire perimeter of its inner wall at its upper end. This structure corresponds to the protruding mounting edge 002 of the opening end 001 of the gas meter upper shell 00, allowing the protruding mounting edge 002 to accurately abut against the upper end of the abutment positioning groove 21. Through this structural cooperation, the natural positioning and stable installation of the gas meter upper shell 00 are achieved, ensuring that the test object remains in a fixed position throughout the dual testing process of fatigue strength and airtightness, thereby improving the reliability of the test data and the accuracy of the test results.

[0039] The tooling plate 32 is the core component for achieving a seal, and its overall design is highly compatible with the size and shape of the opening end 001 of the gas meter upper housing 00. The tooling plate 32 can be divided into two functional parts from bottom to top: a press-fit insertion part 321 and a press-fit sealing part 322. The press-fit insertion part 321 is designed with the insertion process in mind, featuring specially designed clearance notches 3211 at its lower corners on both sides. This structure allows the press-fit insertion part 321 to be smoothly inserted into the gas meter upper housing 00 during the downward pressing process of the tooling plate 32. After insertion, the upper part of the press-fit insertion part 321 fits snugly against the inner walls of the opening end 001, forming the first sealing barrier. Based on this, the side walls of the press-fit sealing part 322 are designed with outwardly protruding sealing edges 3221, which precisely correspond to the protruding mounting edges 002 of the gas meter upper housing 00. To enhance the sealing effect, a special sealing rubber gasket (its structure is not shown in the figure) is also installed at the lower end of the protruding sealing edge 3221. When the driving pressurizing structure 31 applies pressure, the sealing rubber gasket of the protruding sealing edge 3221 forms a tight fit with the inner wall of the protruding mounting edge 002, creating a second sealing barrier. This ensures the complete sealing of the opening end 001 of the gas meter upper casing 00, creating the necessary conditions for subsequent fatigue strength testing and airtightness testing. It is the technical guarantee for the smooth implementation of this testing system and method.

[0040] Based on the above structural design, the gas meter upper casing fatigue strength and airtightness testing method provided by this intelligent testing system adopts a comprehensive testing technology combining cyclic pressure testing and negative pressure water immersion. This testing method fully simulates the various working conditions experienced by the gas meter during actual use. By applying cyclic pressure load and negative pressure water immersion testing to the gas meter upper casing, its long-term fatigue resistance and airtightness are comprehensively evaluated, realizing the scientific and intelligent quality testing. The specific testing process is as follows: First, fatigue strength testing is performed. The gas meter casing 00 to be tested is installed and positioned at the test installation station 20, and its stable placement is ensured by abutting the positioning groove 21. Before the test begins, the system records the initial state of the grid marks on the surface of the elastic net bag 50 through the image acquisition and analysis system, which serves as the reference data for subsequent deformation calculations. Then, the clamping mechanism 30 is activated, causing the tooling pressure plate 32 to move down and form a sealed fit with the opening end 001 of the gas meter casing 00, creating a sealed test space.

[0041] Next, the pressure control system 40 injects test gas into the sealed gas meter casing 00 according to a predetermined program, forming the initial test pressure. The system can set different pressure cycling modes according to the testing standards, including constant pressure maintenance, stepped pressure increase, and periodic pressure fluctuation, to comprehensively evaluate the structural response of the gas meter casing 00 under various operating conditions. Throughout the testing process, the elastic mesh 50 changes accordingly with the minute deformations of the gas meter casing 00; these changes are amplified and visualized through the grid markings on its surface.

[0042] After the fatigue strength test is completed, the qualified gas meter casing 00 is immediately subjected to an airtightness test without changing the test location, thus achieving continuous and efficient testing. The system first depressurizes the gas pressure control system 40 to return the internal pressure of the gas meter casing 00 to normal pressure, and then starts the second test unit 02 to accurately evaluate the airtightness of the gas meter casing 00 through the negative pressure water immersion method and humidity detection mechanism 80.

[0043] Once all tests are completed, the system automatically generates a comprehensive test report, including a deformation distribution diagram and airtightness test data. This report is then compared with pre-set product quality standards to automatically determine whether the tested object simultaneously meets both fatigue strength and airtightness requirements. For non-conforming products, the system will issue an alarm signal and record detailed non-conformity information for production management personnel to analyze and improve.

[0044] This integrated intelligent detection method not only improves the accuracy and efficiency of detection, but also provides important technical support for the quality control and design optimization of gas meter products, demonstrating the innovative value and practicality of this invention in the field of gas meter detection.

[0045] refer to Figure 2The airtightness of the gas meter casing 00 is one of the key indicators for ensuring the quality and safety of gas meter products, and it is also a core parameter evaluated by this intelligent testing system. After completing the fatigue strength test, some potential defects such as poor interface installation or micro-cracks may become apparent. Although these defects are not obvious under static conditions, they may lead to gas leakage during use. Therefore, this testing system seamlessly integrates the airtightness testing step into the overall testing process, constructing a complete gas meter casing quality assessment system. This avoids the need for additional airtightness testing later and improves overall testing efficiency. To this end, this system is equipped with a dedicated second testing unit 02 for accurately evaluating the airtightness performance of the gas meter casing 00, forming a systematic series testing process with the first testing unit 01.

[0046] The second test unit 02 employs an innovative negative pressure water immersion method for airtightness testing, which is one of the technical features of this testing method. Unlike the conventional positive pressure observation bubble method, this embodiment uses a reverse thinking testing principle: first, the test piece is placed in water, and then the air inside the sealed test piece is drawn out to create a negative pressure. If there is a leak in the shell, the external water will be drawn into the shell. Subsequently, the presence of a leak is determined by detecting the change in humidity inside the test piece. This method is more accurate and easier to automate than the traditional bubble observation method, greatly improving the accuracy and efficiency of the test. The structural design of the second test unit 02 includes three main parts: a water tank 60 located below the first test unit 01, a pushing structure 70, and a humidity detection mechanism 80 located on the pressing mechanism 30. The water tank 60 is a container for holding clean water, with its upper opening connected to the outside for easy water level observation and replenishment. The pushing structure 70 is installed at the lower end of the water tank 60 to control the vertical movement of the water tank 60. To ensure the smooth vertical movement of the water tank 60, a sliding connection structure is incorporated between the water tank 60 and the frame 03. This connection is achieved through fitting grooves and sliders. To enhance the stability and reliability of the pushing action, the pushing structure 70 in this embodiment employs a dual-cylinder design. The two pushing cylinders are symmetrically arranged to ensure that the water tank 60 does not tilt or sway during its ascent, providing reliable hardware support for the accurate implementation of the airtightness testing method.

[0047] refer to Figures 7-9The humidity detection mechanism 80 is the core component of the second test unit 02 in this intelligent detection system. It is a key technical link in realizing the airtightness detection method and is used to accurately detect humidity changes inside the gas meter upper shell 00. This mechanism adopts a modular design. Its main body is installed on the upper end of the tooling pressure plate 32, and the execution part can extend downwards and unfold inside the gas meter upper shell 00 to achieve all-round detection of leak points. The humidity detection mechanism 80 mainly includes four functional parts: the mounting housing 81 serves as a support carrier, and three key functional modules are installed inside: a lifting component 82 that controls vertical movement, a rotary drive component 83 that is responsible for rotational movement, and a water vapor rotary collection structure 84 that performs water vapor collection. These components are connected in sequence to form a complete motion chain, allowing the water vapor rotary collection structure 84 to penetrate deep into the gas meter upper shell 00 through the movable through-hole 323 on the tooling pressure plate 32. To achieve intelligent and data-driven testing, a dedicated testing component (not shown in the figure) is also installed inside the housing 81. This component is responsible for processing and analyzing the collected water vapor data to obtain accurate airtightness assessment results and complete the testing process of the entire intelligent testing system.

[0048] The water vapor rotation collection structure 84 adopts a symmetrical layout design and is the executing component of the airtightness testing method in this detection system. It mainly includes a connecting cover 841 as a basic support component. Two sets of connecting rod hinge assemblies 842 are symmetrically hinged to the inner edge of the connecting cover 841 via two fixed lugs 845. These connecting rod hinge assemblies 842 form a sliding connection with the water-absorbing component 843, ensuring flexible adaptation during movement. An elastic element 844 with rebound properties is connected between the two water-absorbing components 843 by screws. In the initial state of the system, the connecting rod hinge assembly 842 and the connected water-absorbing component 843 are confined inside the movable through hole 323, while the elastic element 844 is in a bent and compressed state. When the water vapor rotating collection structure 84 moves downward under the control of the lifting component 82, freeing the component from the restriction of the movable through hole 323, the rebound force of the elastic element 844 causes the entire structure to rotate and unfold outward. Conversely, during the upward movement, the inner wall of the movable through hole 323 acts as a guide, causing the structure to rotate and contract, forming an adaptive expansion and contraction mechanism. This design enables the water vapor rotating collection structure 84 to collect water vapor within the entire range inside the gas meter upper casing 00, effectively improving the accuracy of airtightness detection and providing technical support for the implementation of this intelligent detection system and method.

[0049] To achieve coordinated movement and rotation between the linkage assembly 842 and the vertical movement, this intelligent detection system adopts a three-hinged structure. This structure provides precise motion control and stable mechanical transmission, representing a technological innovation in the water vapor collection stage of the airtightness testing method. Specifically, the first hinge 851 is formed by hinged joints at one end of the first link 8421 of the two linkage assemblies 842 to the center of the bottom of the connecting cover 841, serving as the reference point for the entire motion system. The second hinge 852 is formed by hinged joints at the other end of the first link 8421 to the second link 8422, serving as a key node for directional changes. The second link 8422 forms a sliding connection with the water-absorbing component 843. The third hinge 853 is formed by hinged joints at one end of the third link 8423 to the fixed lug 845, and the other end of the third link 8423 is hinged to the second hinge 852, forming a complete motion chain. With this multi-hinged design, when the connecting rod hinge assembly 842 moves up and down, the second connecting rod 8422 rotates around the second hinge part 852 under the elastic force of the elastic element 844 or the guiding action of the movable through hole 323, while driving the third connecting rod 8423 and the first connecting rod 8421 to rotate together, thereby realizing the unfolding or retraction process of the water-absorbing element 843, forming an efficient water vapor collection system, and enabling the airtightness testing method to be implemented accurately.

[0050] The sliding connection between the third connecting rod 8423 and the water-absorbing component 843 is achieved through a specially designed structure, improving the flexibility and durability of the detection system. A groove 847 is provided on the side wall of the third connecting rod 8423, which slides in conjunction with a sliding plate 848, which is fixedly connected to the water-absorbing component 843. This design allows the water-absorbing component 843 to move adaptively while the connecting rod hinge assembly 842 rotates, effectively buffering the stress generated by the elastic component 844 during tension or bending, significantly improving the service life and operational reliability of the water vapor rotation collection structure 84. This structural design ensures full contact between the water vapor and the inner wall of the gas meter upper casing 00 during water vapor collection, guaranteeing comprehensive and uniform water vapor collection. This provides an accurate data basis for airtightness testing and is a significant innovation in the technical implementation of this gas meter upper casing fatigue strength and airtightness intelligent detection system and method, effectively solving problems such as detection blind spots and uneven detection in traditional airtightness testing.

[0051] To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the water vapor rotation collection structure 84, this intelligent detection system incorporates an additional limiting mechanism, providing technical support for the implementation of the airtightness testing method. The limiting plate 849 is an angle control device used to precisely limit the maximum rotation angle of the two-link hinge assembly 842, ensuring that the water-absorbing component 843 maintains an ideal straight posture in its unfolded state, thereby achieving optimal contact. The system has two limiting plates 849, connected to the two second hinge parts 852 respectively. When the two second links 8422 rotate the water-absorbing component 843 to a horizontal position, the limiting plate 849 prevents the second links 8422 from continuing to rotate outward, preventing structural damage caused by over-expansion. Even if the water-absorbing component 843 is not completely straight in some cases, its compressibility, made of absorbent sponge or similar materials, provides some adaptive compensation, ensuring effective contact with the inner wall of the gas meter's upper casing 00 and improving the accuracy of the airtightness test.

[0052] To achieve comprehensive and efficient water vapor collection and ensure the accuracy and reliability of the airtightness testing method, this intelligent testing system has specifically optimized the material and structure of the water-absorbing component 843. The water-absorbing component 843 is made of a highly flexible composite material, and its structural design extends beyond the edge of the second connecting rod 8422, increasing the effective contact area. This design gives the water-absorbing component 843 good deformation adaptability, allowing it to automatically adjust according to the shape of the inner wall, increasing the contact area and tightness with the inner wall of the gas meter upper shell 00. It should be noted that due to the limited length compression performance of the water-absorbing component 843, it may not be fully adaptable to some upper shells with large aspect ratios. In such cases, it may be necessary to adjust the size or structural parameters of the water-absorbing component 843 according to different specifications of gas meter upper shells. Within the standard size range, the length of the water-absorbing component 843 after being fully flattened is designed to be at least equal to or slightly greater than the length of the diagonal of the gas meter upper shell 00. This design ensures that it can cover the entire bottom area inside the gas meter upper shell 00 during rotation. Meanwhile, the structure of the water-absorbing component 843 has a certain degree of telescopic function, enabling it to wipe all areas within the planar range where moisture may exist during the rotation and ascent. Considering the flow characteristics of water, liquid water usually collects on the bottom surface. Therefore, this detection system focuses on strengthening the wiping coverage of the bottom surface, while the wiping of the side walls can be appropriately simplified, ensuring both the airtightness detection effect and improving the detection efficiency.

[0053] Furthermore, to enhance the performance of the water vapor rotation collection structure 84 and ensure the accuracy of the gas meter upper casing 00 airtightness test, this intelligent detection system has undergone in-depth optimization of the water absorption component, improving the technical feasibility of the detection method. The sidewall of the water absorption component 843 is designed with multiple slender water absorption strips 846 (this structure is only used when...). Figure 8(This is illustrated in some figures, but not shown in others). These absorbent strips 846 have multiple functions: when the absorbent component 843 moves to the bottom of the gas meter upper shell 00, the absorbent strips 846 can penetrate deep into the recessed area at the bottom of the gas meter upper shell 00, compensating for areas that the main absorbent component 843 cannot fully contact; during rotation, the absorbent strips 846 significantly increase the effective contact area with the inner wall; more importantly, during high-speed rotation, some absorbent strips 846 will be thrown outward due to centrifugal force, forming a dynamic contact mode, achieving multiple contacts with various parts of the inner wall, thereby ensuring the comprehensiveness and thoroughness of water vapor collection and overcoming the detection blind zone problem existing in traditional airtightness testing methods.

[0054] To achieve intelligent detection and quantitative analysis of the water vapor content adsorbed by the water-absorbing element 843, this detection system is equipped with a professional detection component system, which is the core technology of intelligent airtightness detection. This detection component mainly includes two core elements: a heating element and a humidity sensor. The main function of the heating element is to convert the liquid water adsorbed in the water-absorbing element 843 into water vapor, facilitating accurate detection by the humidity sensor. The system collects the humidity value data detected by the humidity sensor and compares it with a pre-set standard humidity threshold. Through this data comparison method, the airtightness of the gas meter casing 00 can be objectively determined. The heating element can be flexibly installed inside or around the water vapor rotating collection structure 84 in a suitable location, ensuring uniform heating without affecting the function of other components. This airtightness assessment method based on humidity detection has higher sensitivity and better quantification compared to traditional observation methods.

[0055] The lifting assembly 82 is the actuator for the vertical movement of the water vapor rotary collection structure 84 in this intelligent detection system. It is a key power device in the implementation of the airtightness detection method, responsible for controlling the extension and retraction of the detection element. This assembly is driven by a motor, including a lifting motor 821 as the power source, a belt drive structure 822 as the motion conversion device, and a lead screw structure 823 as the precise displacement control element. During operation, the lifting motor 821 drives the belt drive structure 822, which transmits the rotational motion to the lead screw structure 823. The lead screw structure 823 converts the rotational motion into vertical linear motion and connects with the rotary drive assembly 83 to achieve the overall lifting function, ensuring that the water vapor rotary collection structure 84 can accurately reach the designated position inside the gas meter's upper casing 00.

[0056] The rotary drive assembly 83 is responsible for the horizontal rotation of the water vapor collection structure 84 and is a key component for achieving comprehensive water vapor collection, demonstrating the technological advancement of this detection system. This assembly mainly includes a rotary motor 831 as the rotational power source and a rotary output shaft 832 as the power transmission component. The rotary motor 831 adjusts its speed and direction of rotation through a control system, while the rotary output shaft 832 is directly connected to the water vapor collection structure 84, accurately transmitting the motor's rotational motion to the collection device. This design allows the water vapor collection structure 84 to rotate omnidirectionally within the inner wall and bottom of the gas meter's upper casing 00, ensuring the integrity and uniformity of water vapor collection.

[0057] In this embodiment, to improve the fatigue strength of the gas meter's upper casing and the overall structural stability and operational reliability of the intelligent gas tightness detection system, the system is also equipped with several auxiliary support and protective components, including structural elements such as the casing frame and connecting frame. These components are mainly used to protect the lifting assembly 82 and the rotary drive assembly 83, enhance the connection strength between the components, and provide a good structural foundation for the entire detection system, ensuring the smooth implementation of the detection method. Considering that the lifting assembly 82 and the rotary drive assembly 83 adopt mature existing technologies and are not part of the core innovation of this invention, their structural details will not be described in detail here.

[0058] The control system of this intelligent detection system is the core management unit of the entire detection system. It is used to coordinate the workflow of the first test unit 01 and the second test unit 02, realize the automatic switching and data sharing between the two test units, and is the key technical support for realizing the intelligent detection method of this invention.

[0059] The control system adopts a modular design, mainly composed of a hardware layer and a software layer. The hardware layer includes a high-performance industrial-grade processor, a large-capacity memory, an industrial control interface board, and human-machine interaction devices; the software layer includes system control software, data acquisition and processing modules, detection algorithm modules, and report generation modules. This structural design gives the control system powerful data processing capabilities and flexible scalability, enabling it to meet the diverse needs of intelligent detection of the fatigue strength and airtightness of the gas meter's upper casing.

[0060] In terms of system architecture, the control system adopts a three-layer structure: the bottom layer is the device driver layer, responsible for direct communication and control with each actuator; the middle layer is the data processing layer, responsible for the acquisition, processing, and analysis of test data; and the top layer is the application management layer, responsible for coordinating the test process, determining results, and displaying the interactive interface. Data exchange between the layers is achieved through standardized interfaces, ensuring the system's stability and reliability.

[0061] In terms of functionality, the control system mainly performs the following tasks: First, the control system establishes real-time communication with each actuator through the industrial bus to precisely control key components such as the pressing mechanism 30, the air pressure control system 40, the image acquisition and analysis system, the pushing structure 70, and the humidity detection mechanism 80, ensuring that each test unit operates in coordination according to the predetermined program.

[0062] Secondly, the control system is responsible for the acquisition and processing of test data. During the fatigue strength test, the system acquires and analyzes images of the deformation of the elastic net 50 in real time, calculates the deformation of the gas meter casing 00 using a dedicated image processing algorithm, and generates a deformation distribution map. During the airtightness test, the system acquires humidity data from the humidity detection mechanism 80 and compares it with a preset threshold.

[0063] Third, the control system enables intelligent switching and data sharing between the two testing units. After the first testing unit 01 completes the fatigue strength test, the system automatically evaluates the results. For qualified products, the second testing unit 02 is immediately activated for airtightness testing, requiring no manual intervention. For unqualified products, the system terminates subsequent tests and issues an alarm. This automated workflow significantly improves testing efficiency and reduces human error.

[0064] Fourth, the control system is equipped with a user-friendly human-machine interface, including a touchscreen display and an operation panel. Operators can easily set test parameters, monitor the test process, view test results, and generate test reports through the interface. The system interface adopts an intuitive graphical design, combined with data visualization technology, making the test process and results clearer and more understandable.

[0065] Finally, the control system possesses powerful data management and report generation capabilities. The system can automatically record and store detailed data for each test, including test time, test object information, deformation data, humidity values, etc., and automatically generate standardized test reports based on this data. These reports can be exported in various formats, facilitating quality analysis and tracking for production management personnel.

[0066] In addition, the control system has built-in self-diagnosis and remote maintenance functions, which can monitor the working status of each component of the system in real time, detect and report potential faults in a timely manner, and support remote software upgrades and parameter adjustments, greatly improving the maintainability and service life of the system.

[0067] Through the implementation of the above functions, the control system of this intelligent detection system has achieved full automation and intelligence in the process of testing the fatigue strength and airtightness of the gas meter casing, providing strong technical support for the quality control of gas meter products and demonstrating the innovative value of this invention in the field of gas meter testing.

[0068] The process and principle of the air tightness detection method implemented by the intelligent anti-fatigue strength and air tightness detection system for the gas meter upper casing are as follows: After the anti-fatigue strength test is completed, the control system of this intelligent detection system automatically makes a judgment based on the test results, and continues to perform air tightness detection on the products judged to be qualified, so as to realize the consistency and high efficiency of the detection process, which fully reflects the integrated detection advantage of the present invention. According to the preset program, the control system precisely controls the test process in accordance with the following three main stages: The first stage is the test preparation stage. First, the control system confirms through the data processing layer that the result of the anti-fatigue strength test meets the requirements, and then sends an instruction to maintain the sealed press-fitting state of the gas meter upper casing 00, and simultaneously controls the air pressure control system 40 to completely release the pressure inside the gas meter upper casing 00, so that the internal pressure returns to normal pressure. Subsequently, the control system sends a precise displacement control instruction to the pushing structure 70 through the device driving layer, and controls the water containing tank 60 to move upward until the gas meter upper casing 00 is completely immersed in the clear water in the water containing tank 60. The control system monitors the water level sensor data in real time to confirm that the clear water completely covers the outer surface of the gas meter upper casing 00, creating conditions for subsequent detection. Next, the control system switches the working mode of the air pressure control system 40, so that it acts as a negative pressure control system to perform negative pressure air extraction inside the sealed gas meter upper casing 00, and at the same time ensures that the negative pressure value is stable for a preset time through feedback control. In this process, if there is a tiny leakage point in the gas meter upper casing 00, the external water will seep into the gas meter upper casing 00 under the action of negative pressure, providing a judgment basis for subsequent humidity detection.

[0069] The second stage is the water vapor collection stage. The control system sends a start instruction to the lifting assembly 82 through the industrial bus, precisely controls the water vapor rotary collection structure 84 to move downward, and monitors the feedback of the position sensor in real time until the link hinge assembly 842 is completely separated from the restriction of the movable through hole 323. The system detects through the force sensor that the rebound force of the elastic member 844 drives the link hinge assembly 842 and the water absorbing member 843 connected thereto to expand to both sides, and confirms that the water absorbing member 843 and the water absorbing strip 846 are in close contact with the inner wall of the gas meter upper casing 00. Subsequently, the control system sends a precise speed control instruction to the rotary drive assembly 83, driving the entire water vapor rotary collection structure 84 to rotate in all directions inside the gas meter upper casing 00. The control system calculates the optimal rotation speed and rotation path through a software algorithm, ensuring that the water absorbing member 843 can completely scan along the inner walls around the gas meter upper casing 00 and the bottom once, so as to realize comprehensive collection of water vapor. In particular, when the position sensor feeds back that the water vapor rotary collection structure 84 moves down to the bottom of the gas meter upper casing 00, the control system automatically switches to a multi-turn rotation mode, and by precisely controlling the number of rotation turns and the speed, ensures that the water vapor that may accumulate at the bottom is fully absorbed by the water absorbing member 843 and the water absorbing strip 846, improving the detection accuracy.

[0070] The third stage is the results analysis stage. After the water vapor collection is completed, the control system sends a control command to the lifting component 82 again to precisely control the upward movement of the water vapor rotating collection structure 84, and confirms its gradual retraction into the movable through hole 323 through position feedback. At this time, the control system activates the heating unit and humidity sensor in the humidity detection mechanism 80 to accurately measure the moisture content adsorbed by the water vapor rotating collection structure 84. The data processing layer of the control system collects and processes the humidity data, and calculates the actual humidity value inside the gas meter upper shell 00 through filtering and calibration algorithms. The application management layer compares and analyzes this humidity value with the standard humidity threshold stored in the system database to automatically determine whether the airtightness of the test piece meets the requirements. For products with unqualified test results, the control system immediately issues an alarm signal and automatically records the relevant unqualified information into the database. At the same time, it displays detailed reasons for the unqualified results and data curves on the interactive interface, providing important reference data for production quality control and product improvement.

[0071] Through the intelligent management and precise control of the above control system, this invention provides an efficient, accurate, and automated comprehensive testing solution for the gas meter casing, which significantly improves the quality control level of gas meter products and provides a reliable guarantee for the safe use of gas meters.

Claims

1. An intelligent detection system for the fatigue strength and airtightness of a gas meter casing, characterized in that, include: The first test unit (01) includes: an installation frame (10) as an overall support frame; a test installation station (20) located at the bottom for positioning and fixing the gas meter upper shell (00); a clamping mechanism (30) installed at the top, which controls the tooling plate (32) to form a sealed fit with the upper shell opening end (001) through a driving pressurization structure (31), wherein the tooling plate (32) is provided with a movable through hole (323); a gas pressure control system (40) connected to the first gas connection port (004) and / or the second gas connection port (005) of the gas meter upper shell (00); an elastic net (50) connected to the lower surface of the station installation plate (13) to form a semi-enclosed structure, with grid markings printed on the surface; and an image acquisition and analysis system that monitors the state changes of the elastic net (50) in real time through a camera and software, calculates the deformation, and generates a deformation distribution map. The second test unit (02) includes: a frame (03) connected to the bottom of the first test unit (01) to form a support; a water tank (60) combined with a push structure (70) for immersing the gas meter casing (00) in water for testing; a negative pressure control system that achieves functional conversion through a shared air pressure control system (40) with the first test unit (01) to apply negative pressure to the inside of the submerged gas meter casing (00), allowing external moisture to enter through the leak point; and a humidity detection mechanism (80) installed on the upper end of the tooling plate (32) and connected to the inside of the gas meter casing (00) through a movable through hole (323); the humidity detection mechanism (80) includes a lifting assembly (82), which includes a lifting motor (821). A lead screw structure (823) is provided, which converts the rotational motion output by the motor into linear motion in the vertical direction and is connected to the rotary drive assembly (83). The rotary drive assembly (83) includes a rotary motor (831), which drives the rotary output shaft (832) to rotate. The lower end of the rotary output shaft (832) is fixedly connected to the water vapor rotary collection structure (84). The water vapor rotation collection structure (84) includes: a disc-shaped connecting cover (841), which is fixedly connected to the lower end of the rotating output shaft (832); and two sets of symmetrically arranged connecting rod hinge assemblies (842) hinged to the inner edge of the connecting cover (841), each set of connecting rod hinge assemblies (842) including three mutually hinged connecting rods: a first connecting rod (8421), a second connecting rod (8422), and a third connecting rod. (8423); a water-absorbing component (843) slidably connected to the connecting rod hinge assembly (842); a sliding groove (847) is provided on the side wall of the second connecting rod (8422), the sliding groove (847) and the sliding plate (848) are slidably engaged, the sliding plate (848) and the water-absorbing component (843) are fixedly connected; an elastic component (844) is connected between the two water-absorbing components (843); the elastic component (844) has rebound properties; In the initial state, the connecting rod hinge assembly (842) and the water-absorbing component (843) are confined inside the movable through hole (323), while the elastic component (844) is in a bent and compressed state. When the water vapor rotation collection structure (84) is freed from the confinement of the movable through hole (323), the rebound force of the elastic component (844) drives the connecting rod hinge assembly (842) and the water-absorbing component (843) to unfold to both sides. The control system coordinates the workflow of the first test unit (01) and the second test unit (02).

2. The intelligent detection system for fatigue strength and airtightness of the gas meter casing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tooling plate (32) includes a press-fit insertion part (321) and a press-fit sealing part (322). The lower corner of the press-fit insertion part (321) is provided with a clearance insertion notch (3211), and the surrounding side walls of the press-fit sealing part (322) are provided with an outwardly protruding sealing edge (3221).

3. The intelligent detection system for fatigue strength and airtightness of the gas meter casing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas pressure control system (40) includes a first gas blowing and suction dual-purpose component (41) and a second gas blowing and suction dual-purpose component (42). The first gas blowing and suction dual-purpose component (41) and the second gas blowing and suction dual-purpose component (42) respectively form an airtight connection with the first gas connection port (004) and the second gas connection port (005) on the upper shell (00) of the gas meter.

4. The intelligent detection system for fatigue strength and airtightness of the gas meter casing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner edge of the connecting cover (841) has two fixed lugs (845). The two sets of connecting rod hinge assemblies (842) are symmetrically hinged through the fixed lugs (845). One end of the first connecting rod (8421) is hinged to the center of the bottom of the connecting cover (841) to form a first hinge part (851). The other end of the first connecting rod (8421) is hinged to the second connecting rod (8422) to form a second hinge part (852). One end of the third connecting rod (8423) is hinged to the fixed lugs (845) to form a third hinge part (853). The other end of the third connecting rod (8423) is hinged to the second hinge part (852).

5. The intelligent detection system for fatigue strength and airtightness of the gas meter casing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The absorbent component (843) has multiple slender absorbent strips (846) on its side wall to increase the contact area with the inner wall of the gas meter upper shell (00); A limiting plate (849) connected to the second hinge (852) is used to limit the maximum rotation angle of the connecting rod hinge assembly (842) to ensure that the water-absorbing part (843) maintains an ideal straight posture in the unfolded state.

6. A method for testing the upper casing of a gas meter, using the intelligent testing system for the fatigue strength and airtightness of the upper casing of a gas meter as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Install the gas meter casing (00) at the test installation station (20); The fatigue strength test includes the following steps: Step 1: Drive the clamping mechanism (30) to move the tooling plate (32) down and form a sealed fit with the opening end (001) of the gas meter upper shell (00); Step 2: The gas pressure control system (40) injects test gas into the gas meter housing (00) and performs a cyclic pressurization test; Step 3: The image acquisition and analysis system acquires and analyzes the state of the elastic net bag (50) to determine whether the gas meter upper shell (00) meets the fatigue strength requirements; The gas meter casing (00) that has passed the fatigue strength test is then subjected to an airtightness test while still under pressure at the original test position, including the following steps: Step 1: Depressurize the gas pressure control system (40) to allow the internal pressure of the gas meter casing (00) to return to normal pressure; Step 2: Push the structure (70) to control the water tank (60) to move upward, so that the gas meter upper shell (00) is immersed in the clean water in the water tank (60); Step 3: The negative pressure control system applies negative pressure to the inside of the gas meter upper shell (00), so that external moisture enters the inside through the leakage point of the gas meter upper shell (00) under the action of negative pressure. Step 4: Start the lifting assembly (82) and the rotation drive assembly (83) to control the water vapor rotation collection structure (84) to collect water vapor inside the gas meter upper shell (00); Step 5: The humidity detection unit (80) detects the collected water vapor content and determines whether the airtightness of the gas meter casing (00) is qualified.

7. The gas meter casing detection method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cyclic pressurization test includes the following steps: Step 1: The gas pressure control system (40) injects test gas into the sealed gas meter housing (00) according to a predetermined procedure to form the initial test pressure; Step 2: Set different pressure cycle modes, including one or more of constant pressure maintenance, stepped pressure increase, and periodic pressure fluctuation, to evaluate the structural response of the gas meter casing (00) under various operating conditions. Step 3: The elastic mesh bag (50) changes accordingly with the deformation of the gas meter upper shell (00), and these changes are magnified and visualized by the grid markings on its surface; Step 4: The image acquisition and analysis system acquires the state of the elastic net bag (50) and compares it with the initial state, calculates the actual deformation of the gas meter upper shell (00) at various parts, and generates a deformation distribution map.

8. The gas meter casing detection method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The water vapor collection includes the following steps: Step 1: Start the lifting assembly (82) and control the water vapor rotation collection structure (84) to move downward until the connecting rod hinge assembly (842) is completely free from the restriction of the movable through hole (323); Step 2: The rebound force of the elastic element (844) drives the connecting rod hinge assembly (842) and the water-absorbing element (843) to unfold to both sides, so that the water-absorbing element (843) and the water-absorbing strip (846) form a tight contact with the inner wall of the gas meter upper shell (00). Step 3: The rotary drive assembly (83) is started, which drives the entire water vapor rotary collection structure (84) to rotate in all directions inside the gas meter upper shell (00). The water suction component (843) performs a complete scan along the inner walls and bottom of the gas meter upper shell (00) to achieve comprehensive water vapor collection. Step 4: When the water vapor rotating collection structure (84) moves down to the bottom of the gas meter upper shell (00), control the rotating drive assembly (83) to rotate multiple times to ensure that the water vapor that may accumulate at the bottom is fully absorbed by the water absorption component (843) and the water absorption strip (846). Step 5: The lifting component (82) controls the water vapor rotation collection structure (84) to move upward, so that it gradually retracts into the movable through hole (323).

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