Novel camera shooting direct-reading water meter

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of water meters, in particular to a novel camera shooting direct-reading water meter. A mounting cover is arranged on the upper portion of a base meter assembly, and a sealing ring and a sealing gasket are arranged at the joint of the inner side of the mounting cover and a camera shooting module assembly; a non-magnetic small plate is arranged below the front end of the camera module assembly and connected to the main board through an electric wire, the front end of the main board is provided with a camera obliquely facing the dial plate of the base meter assembly through an electric wire, and the main board is arranged in the glue pouring position of the main board and provided with a wire end extending to the interior of the battery bin. A battery in the battery bin and the non-magnetic small plate are connected with the main board through respective threading sealing blocks, the interior of the camera module is effectively protected in a double-sealing mode of the camera module, and the shooting definition and the effect of resisting the severe environment influence are guaranteed. And the replaceable battery improves the energy consumption utilization and sustainable working state, so that the comprehensive performances of low cost, high stability, easiness in disassembly and assembly and the like are realized on the whole, and good market application prospects are realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water meter technology, specifically a novel camera-based direct-reading water meter. Background Technology

[0002] As a type of smart water meter technology, the core principle of camera-based direct-reading water meters is to directly read the numbers displayed on the digit wheel using image recognition technology. While it offers advantages in data accuracy and mechanical metering stability, existing designs still suffer from the following shortcomings: First, the surface of the character wheel is easily affected by water mist, scale, and air bubbles, which increases the recognition error rate. Low temperatures may also cause the glass of the character wheel to crack, affecting the image clarity. Strong light or shadows may interfere with image acquisition. In addition, dirt can easily get between the module and the watch body, which also increases the recognition error rate.

[0003] Secondly, existing technologies cannot reliably meet the long-term power supply needs of cameras, especially in battery-powered scenarios where battery life is limited. Some models experience high overall power consumption due to continuous camera operation, increasing maintenance costs. Therefore, this presents many challenges in terms of power consumption and cost maintenance.

[0004] Furthermore, due to the complex configuration of various water meters, the limited applicability of the single camera module leads to more complicated installation and maintenance. The traditional screw fastening method also lacks the necessary anti-disassembly and protection measures.

[0005] Finally, because camera-based water meters are currently purchased separately in the market, each module cannot understand customer needs, lacks versatility, and its design focus is not focused, resulting in functional defects or redundant functions in each module.

[0006] Based on the above reasons, this invention designs a novel camera-based direct-reading water meter. By applying potting compound to the gaps between the main board, the non-magnetic small board, the camera module, and the base meter, it effectively prevents dirt from entering and the environment from affecting the camera's clarity. Furthermore, the base meter is connected via a mounting cover, thus remaining unaffected by the replacement of the meter casing. In addition, the replaceable independent battery compartment and sealed management allow for direct battery replacement without removing the main board. Overall, this invention achieves stable camera accuracy, universal module replacement, good cost control, and high reusability and universal adaptability. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and provide a novel camera-based direct-reading water meter. By applying potting compound to the gaps between the main board, the non-magnetic small board, the camera module, and the base meter, the entry of dirt and the impact of the environment on the camera's clarity are effectively prevented. Furthermore, the base meter is seamlessly integrated through a mounting cover, thus remaining unaffected by the replacement of the meter casing. In addition, the replaceable independent battery compartment and sealed management allow for direct battery replacement without removing the main board. Overall, this invention achieves stable camera accuracy, universal module replacement, good cost control, and high reusability and universal compatibility.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a novel camera-based direct-reading water meter, comprising a base meter assembly, an upper mounting cover, a camera module assembly connected to the upper part of the mounting cover by screws and screw caps, a sealing ring provided at the connection between the inner side of the mounting cover and the camera module assembly, and a transparent sealing gasket on the dial of the base meter assembly, which is on the same plane as the sealing ring; a non-magnetic plate is provided below the front end of the camera module assembly, and a non-magnetic plate potting area is provided in the space above the non-magnetic plate, which is connected to the main board via wires; a camera inclined towards the dial of the base meter assembly is provided at the front end of the main board via wires, the main board is located in the main board potting area and has wire ends extending to the inside of the battery compartment, and the battery and the non-magnetic plate inside the battery compartment are respectively connected to the main board via their respective wire-through sealing blocks.

[0009] A desiccant is installed on the bottom of the motherboard.

[0010] The desiccant is placed in the un-glued space inside the camera module assembly.

[0011] A transparent cover injection port is provided between the top cover of the camera module assembly and the gap between the transparent cover below it.

[0012] The mounting cover and the base unit are connected by a snap-fit ​​mechanism.

[0013] Compared with existing technologies, this invention effectively avoids the entry of dirt and the impact of the environment on the clarity of the camera by applying glue to the gaps between the motherboard, the non-magnetic small board, the camera module and the base watch. This improves its stability in harsh environments. The camera in the camera assembly adopts an inclined angle for shooting, which can shoot the entire dial above the dial wheel, greatly improving the accuracy of the shooting.

[0014] The base unit is seamlessly integrated with the mounting cover, making it unaffected by case replacement. Furthermore, the replaceable independent battery compartment and sealed management allow for direct battery replacement without removing the motherboard. The independent battery compartment design accommodates various bidding requirements and battery capacities. This invention achieves overall stability in camera accuracy, versatility in module replacement, good cost control, and high reusability and universal adaptability.

[0015] In addition, a desiccant has been added to the camera module assembly to prevent corrosion of metal parts, short circuits on circuit boards, or mold growth on components that may be caused by humid air. The desiccant can effectively absorb moisture, reduce relative humidity, and protect the precision structure. It has high moisture absorption capacity and rapid adsorption characteristics. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water meter structure installation according to the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the water meter structure of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the camera module component of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the motherboard and the non-magnetic small board of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the glue-filling position of the non-magnetic small board of the present invention.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1 Base unit, 2 Mounting cover, 3 Sealing ring, 4 Camera module assembly, 5 Screw, 6 Screw cap, 7 Transparent cover potting area, 8 Camera, 9 Sealing gasket, 10 Battery compartment, 11 Desiccant, 12 Wiring sealing block, 13 Mainboard, 14 Mainboard potting area, 15 Non-magnetic small board potting area, 16 Non-magnetic small board, 17 Top cover, 18 Transparent cover. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] See Figures 1-5 This invention provides a novel camera-based direct-reading water meter, comprising a base meter assembly 1. A mounting cover 2 is provided on the upper part of the base meter assembly 1. A camera module assembly 4 is connected to the upper part of the mounting cover 2 via screws 5 and screw caps 6. A sealing ring 3 is provided at the connection between the inner side of the mounting cover 2 and the camera module assembly 4. A transparent sealing gasket 9, coplanar with the sealing ring 3, is provided on the dial of the base meter assembly 1. A non-magnetic plate 16 is provided below the front end of the camera module assembly 4. A non-magnetic plate potting area 15 is provided above the non-magnetic plate 16. The non-magnetic plate 16 is connected to a main board 13 via wires. A camera 8, tilted towards the dial of the base meter assembly 1, is provided at the front end of the main board 13 via wires. The main board 13 is located within the main board potting area 14 and has wire ends extending into the battery compartment 10. The battery inside the battery compartment 10 and the non-magnetic plate 16 are respectively connected to the main board 13 via their respective wire-through sealing blocks 12.

[0024] A desiccant 11 is installed on the bottom surface of the motherboard 13.

[0025] Desiccant 11 is placed in the un-glued space inside the camera module assembly 4.

[0026] A transparent cover potting area 7 is provided between the top cover 17 of the camera module assembly 4 and the transparent cover 18 below it.

[0027] The mounting cover 2 is connected to the base unit 1 by a snap-fit ​​mechanism.

[0028] Working principle: See Figures 1-5This invention requires minimal adjustment during installation. First, the mounting cover 2 is installed around the base meter assembly 1 using a snap-fit ​​method. Then, the camera module assembly 4 is secured to the mounting cover 2 using screws 5 and screw caps 6, completing the overall installation. This simple installation method also facilitates disassembly, providing great convenience and flexibility for replacing different modules and performing maintenance. During use, the non-magnetic board 16 receives the rotation of the metal plate on the impeller or pointer of the water meter below, converting the sensed change into an electrical pulse signal, which is transmitted to the main board 13 via a signal line. The non-magnetic board 16 is housed in its own space and covered by a non-magnetic board potting area 15 for sealing and waterproofing. Simultaneously, the camera 8 at the top of the space above the dial can also capture images of the numbers on the dial's dial wheel and transmit the captured data to the main board 13. For sealing, waterproofing, and moisture protection, in addition to potting the non-magnetic board 16, the space containing the main board 13 is also potted through the main board potting area 14, protecting the non-magnetic board 16 and the main board 13 from external environmental influences that could affect the normal operation of their electronic components. The gaps at the connections between the modules are also sealed. Specifically, there is a certain gap between the mounting cover 2 and the periphery of the camera module assembly 4. This gap is filled by the sealing ring 3 with an interference fit. Similarly, the gap at the connection between the camera module assembly 4 and the dial is also filled by the transparent sealing gasket 9 with an interference fit (the sealing gasket 9 is only at the dial position and will not interfere with the non-magnetic board 16). This ensures that the gaps between the camera module assembly 4, the mounting cover 2, and the dial are completely filled, preventing the intrusion of external dirt and moisture. The top cover 17 of the camera module assembly 4 and the transparent cover 18 below it are also sealed by potting glue. This creates a relatively closed environment inside the entire camera module assembly 4, preventing external moisture from affecting it. A desiccant 11 is also placed inside to dehumidify the main shooting space, absorbing moisture that may cause corrosion of metal parts in the electronic module, short circuits on circuit boards, or mold growth on components, thereby reducing relative humidity and protecting the precision structure. In terms of power supply replacement, simply extend the connector of the motherboard 13 from the potting area into the battery compartment 10, and the replaceable battery inside can be replaced by connecting it to the connector, without having to remove the entire motherboard 13, thus improving the convenience of its replacement and maintenance.

[0029] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention, intended only to aid in understanding the method and core ideas of this application. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments; all technical solutions falling within the scope of the present invention's concept are within its protection. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principles of the present invention should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] This invention comprehensively solves the shortcomings of existing water meter modules, such as unstable camera recording due to insufficient protection levels, susceptibility to environmental influences, cumbersome battery replacement, and limited base meter compatibility. By employing a double-sealing method, the invention effectively protects the internal components of the camera module, ensuring image clarity and resistance to harsh environments. Furthermore, the convenient replaceable battery improves energy efficiency and continuous operation, and it is compatible with a wider range of base meter models, indirectly reducing overall costs. The invention achieves a comprehensive performance characterized by low cost, high stability, and ease of installation and disassembly, demonstrating promising market application prospects.

Claims

1. A novel camera-based direct-reading water meter, comprising a base meter assembly (1), characterized in that, The upper part of the base watch assembly (1) is provided with a mounting cover (2), and the upper part of the mounting cover (2) is connected to the camera module assembly (4) by screws (5) and screw caps (6). A sealing ring (3) is provided at the connection between the inner side of the mounting cover (2) and the camera module assembly (4). A transparent sealing gasket (9) with the sealing ring (3) is provided on the dial of the base watch assembly (1). A non-magnetic plate (16) is provided below the front end of the camera module assembly (4). The upper part of the non-magnetic plate (16) is provided with a mounting cover (2). A non-magnetic small board potting area (15) is set in the square space. The non-magnetic small board (16) is connected to the main board (13) through wires. A camera (8) with the dial of the base watch assembly (1) is set at the front end of the main board (13) through wires. The main board (13) is set in the main board potting area (14) and has wire ends extending to the inside of the battery compartment (10). The battery inside the battery compartment (10) and the non-magnetic small board (16) are respectively connected to the main board (13) through their respective wire sealing blocks (12).

2. The novel camera-based direct-reading water meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, A desiccant (11) is installed on the bottom surface of the motherboard (13).

3. The novel camera-based direct-reading water meter according to claim 2, characterized in that, The desiccant (11) is placed in the unfilled space inside the camera module assembly (4).

4. The novel camera-based direct-reading water meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, A transparent cover injection port (7) is provided between the top cover (17) of the camera module assembly (4) and the transparent cover (18) below it.

5. The novel camera-based direct-reading water meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting cover (2) is connected to the base plate assembly (1) by a snap-fit ​​mechanism.

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