A new intelligent gas meter

Abstract

The application discloses a novel intelligent gas meter, and relates to the technical field of novel gas meters.The novel intelligent gas meter comprises a gas meter main body, a gas passage is arranged in the gas meter main body, and an electromagnetic valve, a function chip and a combustible gas alarm are integrated in the gas meter main body; the electromagnetic valve is arranged on the gas passage and is used for controlling the on-off of the gas passage; the combustible gas alarm is in communication connection with the function chip, is used for detecting the concentration of combustible gas in the gas passage, and sends an alarm signal to the function chip when detecting that the concentration of combustible gas exceeds a preset concentration threshold; and the function chip is used for controlling the electromagnetic valve to be closed according to the alarm signal, so as to cut off the gas supply of the gas passage.The application improves the automation level and safety performance of gas leakage treatment, and significantly reduces the risk of safety accidents caused by leakage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of new gas meter technology, and in particular to a new type of smart gas meter. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in the field of gas meter safety, the urgent technical problem to be solved is how to improve the detection accuracy, emergency response speed and system integration of gas meters in the event of gas leaks, so as to ensure that gas meters can operate safely and reliably under various working conditions and prevent safety accidents caused by leaks.

[0003] Several gas leak detection solutions already exist in the current technology. For example, patent CN118857577 uses a combustible gas sensor, a data acquisition and processing unit, and an alarm system unit to detect leaks; patent CN112991693A uses a logical combination of the solenoid valve's on / off state and gas flow to determine the leak situation. These technologies, like the traditional separate architecture of "mechanical meter / smart meter + external combustible gas alarm + inlet solenoid valve," can all achieve basic leak alarm protection.

[0004] However, these existing technological solutions still have significant shortcomings. Low system integration remains a prominent issue, requiring independent procurement of gas meters, alarms, and solenoid valves. This leads to complex wiring between multiple devices, high installation and maintenance costs, and is particularly unfavorable for renovations in older residential areas. Compatibility issues between alarms and solenoid valves are significant; for example, voltage mismatch can cause system malfunctions or false alarms. Emergency functions have major safety blind spots: traditional solenoid valves rely on mains power; in the event of a power outage, such as unpaid bills or regional power failures, the detector alarm will not function, the solenoid valve will not close, and the leak cannot be eliminated. Furthermore, most residential alarms only support local audible and visual alarms and cannot be linked to remote platforms, preventing gas companies and users from being notified of leaks immediately. In addition, mainstream catalytic combustion sensors have significant defects; sulfides, silicides, lead compounds, etc., can permanently poison the catalyst, leading to decreased sensitivity or failure. According to NIST research data, sensitivity can decrease by more than 40% within two years, and they cannot distinguish between interfering gases such as methane, alcohol, and carbon monoxide. Performance deteriorates significantly in oxygen-deficient or high-temperature and high-humidity environments, affecting detection accuracy. Existing patented technologies have also failed to effectively solve these systemic problems.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a new type of smart gas meter that is highly integrated, responsive, and reliable, in order to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to address the shortcomings of the prior art, and specifically provides a novel smart gas meter, as follows: 1) In a first aspect, the present invention provides a novel smart gas meter, the specific technical solution of which is as follows: It includes the main body of the gas meter, which contains a gas passage and integrates a solenoid valve, a functional chip, and a combustible gas alarm. The solenoid valve is installed on the gas passage to control the opening and closing of the gas passage; The combustible gas alarm is connected to the functional chip to detect the concentration of combustible gas in the gas passage and sends an alarm signal to the functional chip when the concentration of combustible gas exceeds a preset concentration threshold. The functional chip is used to control the solenoid valve to close based on the alarm signal, thereby cutting off the gas supply to the gas passage.

[0007] The beneficial effects of the novel smart gas meter provided by this invention are as follows: By integrating the solenoid valve, functional chip, and combustible gas alarm into the gas meter body and establishing a linkage control mechanism on the gas passage, a highly integrated intelligent safety protection is achieved. This integrated design effectively solves the problem of low integration in traditional separate architecture systems, avoids independent procurement of multiple devices and complex wiring, reduces installation and maintenance costs, and eliminates compatibility risks. Real-time communication between the combustible gas alarm and the functional chip ensures timely gas concentration detection. Once the preset concentration threshold is exceeded, an alarm signal is immediately triggered. The functional chip responds quickly and controls the solenoid valve to close, directly cutting off the gas supply to the gas passage, thus achieving rapid emergency shutdown in the event of a leak and overcoming the slow response of traditional systems. The entire system has a compact structure, reliable operation, and improves the automation level and safety performance of gas leak handling, significantly reducing the risk of safety accidents caused by leaks.

[0008] Based on the above solution, the novel smart gas meter of the present invention can be further improved as follows.

[0009] Furthermore, the gas meter body also integrates a power module, which is connected to external mains power to provide operating power for the functional chip, solenoid valve, and combustible gas alarm.

[0010] The advantages of adopting the above-mentioned further solution are as follows: By integrating the power module into the gas meter body and connecting it to the external mains power, a unified and stable power supply is provided for the functional chip, solenoid valve, and combustible gas alarm, effectively solving the voltage mismatch and compatibility problems caused by independent power supplies in traditional separate devices. This integrated power supply design eliminates the need for complex wiring between multiple devices, simplifies the installation process, and reduces maintenance costs. A stable power supply ensures the continuous monitoring capability of the combustible gas alarm and the stable operation of the functional chip, ensuring that the solenoid valve can reliably operate upon receiving commands, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the entire gas meter system.

[0011] Furthermore, the gas meter body also integrates a dry cell battery, which is connected to the power module and serves as a backup power source, activated when the power module loses power.

[0012] The beneficial effects of adopting the above-mentioned further solution are as follows: By integrating dry cell batteries into the gas meter body and connecting them to the power module, a complete dual-power supply system is constructed. The dry cell batteries, acting as a backup power source, can be immediately activated when the power module loses power, continuously providing power to the functional chips, solenoid valves, and combustible gas alarms, effectively solving the safety hazard of complete failure of traditional systems in the event of a power outage. This backup power design ensures that the gas meter can still maintain normal leak monitoring and emergency shutdown functions when the mains power is interrupted, eliminating security blind spots caused by power outages and significantly improving the power supply reliability and continuous protection capabilities of the gas meter system.

[0013] Furthermore, the functional chip is also used to generate a power failure alarm message when the dry cell battery is activated.

[0014] The beneficial effects of adopting the above-mentioned further solutions are: effectively solving the problem that traditional gas meters cannot provide status notifications in the event of a power outage, and eliminating information transmission blind spots caused by power outages. By sending power outage alarm information in real time, it ensures that users and gas companies can grasp the abnormal power supply situation immediately, providing information support for subsequent maintenance and emergency handling, and improving the status transparency and management efficiency of the gas meter system.

[0015] Furthermore, a power switching circuit is provided between the power module and the dry cell battery. When the power module is powered off, the power switching circuit automatically switches the power supply to the dry cell battery.

[0016] The beneficial effects of adopting the above-mentioned further solution are: the power switching circuit can automatically switch the power supply to dry cell batteries when the power module loses power, achieving seamless switching between main and backup power supplies. This automatic switching mechanism ensures that the functional chips, solenoid valves, and combustible gas alarms can continuously receive power, completely eliminating the functional interruption problem that occurs in traditional gas meters when the power is interrupted. The millisecond-level switching speed ensures the continuity of system power supply, enabling gas leak monitoring and emergency shutdown functions to maintain normal operation under any power supply condition, significantly improving the power supply reliability and continuous safety protection of the gas meter system.

[0017] Furthermore, the power module is also used to monitor the voltage status of the dry cell battery.

[0018] The beneficial effects of adopting the above-mentioned further solutions are: timely identification of dry cell battery voltage drops or abnormal conditions, providing early warning of potential power shortages. Continuous monitoring ensures that the dry cell batteries have sufficient power supply capacity when the power module is powered off, preventing the functional chips, solenoid valves, and combustible gas alarms from malfunctioning due to battery failure. This improves the reliability and maintainability of the gas meter system's backup power supply, ensuring continuous safety protection in emergency situations.

[0019] Furthermore, the functional chip also communicates with the user's mobile app to send alarm signals to the user's mobile app.

[0020] The beneficial effects of adopting the above-mentioned further solution are: it enables the timely transmission of remote alarm information. Users can receive gas leak alarms immediately regardless of their location, gaining valuable time for emergency measures and evacuation. This remote communication capability greatly expands the safety protection range of the gas meter, effectively solving the problem of limited coverage in traditional alarm methods and significantly improving the user's safety level.

[0021] Furthermore, the functional chip also communicates with the gas company's alarm monitoring system to send alarm signals to the gas company's alarm monitoring system.

[0022] The beneficial effects of adopting the above-mentioned further solution are: it enables the alarm signal to be sent to the gas company's alarm monitoring system in real time. This function breaks through the limitation of traditional civilian alarms that only support local alarms, realizing remote and professional monitoring of gas leak information. The gas company can obtain leak alarm information immediately and promptly initiate professional emergency response procedures, greatly shortening the time for handling emergencies. This linkage mechanism with the professional monitoring system constructs a dual protection system for both the user end and the gas company, effectively improving the professional level of gas safety management and the efficiency of emergency response.

[0023] Furthermore, the combustible gas alarm employs a catalytic combustion sensor and / or a laser sensor.

[0024] The advantages of adopting the above-mentioned further solutions are: the catalytic combustion sensor offers stable response to combustible gases such as methane and is relatively inexpensive, making it suitable for routine monitoring needs. The laser sensor can detect trace leaks at the ppm level, enabling early warning and maintaining accurate measurements even in high-concentration environments. The combined use or optional configuration of the two sensors overcomes the shortcomings of a single catalytic combustion sensor, which is susceptible to chemical poisoning and environmental interference, improving the adaptability and accuracy of the detection system and ensuring reliable gas leak monitoring in various application scenarios.

[0025] Furthermore, the solenoid valve is a normally open type.

[0026] The advantages of adopting the above-mentioned further solution are as follows: The solenoid valve adopts a normally open design, keeping the gas passage unobstructed under normal conditions and ensuring that the gas supply is not affected. When the functional chip issues a shut-off command based on the alarm signal from the combustible gas detector, the solenoid valve responds quickly and cuts off the gas passage, effectively preventing leakage and spread. This design avoids unnecessary shutdowns due to misoperation or external interference, improving the stability of system operation and the continuity of user access. The normally open solenoid valve remains open when not energized, reducing energy consumption while ensuring reliable operation in emergencies, thus enhancing the safety protection capability of the gas meter. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below: Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of a novel smart gas meter according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a second structural schematic diagram of a novel smart gas meter according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The principles and features of the present invention are described below. The examples given are only for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0029] The technical solution of the present invention and how the technical solution of the present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems are described in detail below with specific embodiments. These specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be described again in some embodiments. The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, a novel smart gas meter according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a gas meter body, a gas passage provided inside the gas meter body, and an integrated solenoid valve, a functional chip and a combustible gas alarm. The gas passage is a key structural component within the main body of the new smart gas meter, used to guide and transport gas flow from the meter inlet to the outlet. The gas passage typically consists of an internal pipe or cavity, designed to ensure smooth gas flow while accommodating control components such as solenoid valves. The gas passage material must possess corrosion resistance, high pressure resistance, and good sealing properties, such as metal alloys or high-strength engineering plastics. The cross-sectional shape of the gas passage can be circular, rectangular, or other geometries optimized for fluid dynamics to reduce flow resistance. The dimensions of the gas passage are determined based on gas flow requirements, for example, a diameter between 10mm and 20mm, while the length is adjusted according to the overall layout of the gas meter. The gas passage is fixed to the gas meter inlet and outlet via threaded connections or welding to ensure no leakage. The internal surface of the gas passage must be smooth and flat to minimize friction loss and the risk of scale buildup. The gas passage path design must avoid sharp bends and narrow sections to ensure the stability and safety of gas flow. The gas passage is typically installed in the central area of ​​the gas meter body for easy integration of solenoid valves and combustible gas alarms. The manufacturing process of gas passages involves precision machining and rigorous testing to meet industry standards and safety regulations.

[0031] The specific setup process for the gas passage includes: 1) Design the overall layout and path of the gas passage. The gas passage starts from the gas meter inlet and extends to the gas meter outlet. The path must be straight or smoothly curved, avoiding sharp corners. The cross-section of the gas passage is designed to be circular, and the diameter is calculated based on the rated gas flow rate. The calculation formula is: ,in, This indicates the volumetric flow rate of the gas, measured in cubic meters per hour. This indicates the cross-sectional area of ​​the gas passage, measured in square meters. This indicates the gas flow velocity, measured in meters per second. Cross-sectional area. Through formula Calculate, where, This indicates the radius of the gas passage, measured in meters. The length of the gas passage is determined by the internal space of the gas meter body, and is typically between 200mm and 400mm.

[0032] 2) Select the material and manufacturing process for the gas passage. The gas passage is made of stainless steel or aluminum alloy, formed through extrusion or casting processes. The material thickness is calculated based on the working pressure using the formula... ,in, This indicates the maximum working pressure, measured in megapascals (MPA). This indicates the yield strength of a material, measured in megapascals (MPa). This indicates the material thickness, expressed in mm. This indicates the outer diameter of the gas passage, in mm. The interior of the gas passage is polished, with a surface roughness controlled below Ra 0.8 micrometers to reduce flow resistance.

[0033] 3) The solenoid valve is installed in the middle section of the gas passage and fixed by a flange or threaded connection. The valve seat of the solenoid valve is aligned with the inner wall of the gas passage to ensure a tight seal. The opening and closing of the solenoid valve is controlled by a functional chip. When an alarm signal is received, the coil of the solenoid valve is energized, generating a magnetic field that drives the valve core to move, blocking the gas flow. The installation position of the solenoid valve should facilitate maintenance and replacement.

[0034] 4) The detector head of the combustible gas alarm is embedded in the wall of the gas passage and fixed by a sealing ring to prevent gas leakage. The detector head is in contact with the inside of the gas passage to monitor the gas concentration in real time. The signal line of the combustible gas alarm is connected to the functional chip to achieve data communication.

[0035] 5) Use a pressure testing device to inject compressed air into the gas passage, maintaining the pressure at 1.5 times the working pressure for 10 minutes, and check for leaks. Flow testing verifies compliance with design specifications by measuring the gas flow rate at different pressures. The final installation of the gas passage must ensure a secure connection to the external gas pipeline, using threaded fittings or welding.

[0036] The solenoid valve is installed on the gas passage to control the opening and closing of the gas passage; the solenoid valve is a normally open type. Specifically: 1) The solenoid valve is integrated inside the gas meter body, located on the straight section of the gas passage, approximately 100mm to 150mm from the gas meter inlet. This location is chosen based on fluid dynamics optimization to reduce turbulence and pressure loss in gas flow. The solenoid valve's axis is aligned with the gas passage's axis to ensure consistent gas flow direction. The valve body's centerline is parallel to the gas passage's centerline to avoid skewness or angular deviation. The installation location must facilitate maintenance and replacement without affecting the layout of other components within the gas meter body.

[0037] 2) The solenoid valve is fixed to the gas passage via a flange connection or a threaded connection. For flange connections, a pair of matching flanges are used; one flange is welded to the open end of the gas passage, and the other flange is fixed to the solenoid valve body. A sealing gasket, such as a PTFE gasket, is used between the flanges to ensure airtightness. For threaded connections, internal threads are machined at the end of the gas passage, and external threads are machined on the solenoid valve body; the connection is secured by tightening. The strength of the connection structure must withstand the working pressure, using the formula... Calculations are performed, in which, This indicates the force exerted at the connection point, measured in Newtons (N). This indicates the maximum working pressure of the gas passage, measured in Pascals. This indicates the effective area of ​​the connection point, expressed in square meters. Through formula Calculate, where, This indicates the inner diameter of the gas passage, in meters. After the connection structure is completed, a pressure test is performed to verify that there are no leaks.

[0038] 3) The solenoid valve is a normally open type. The valve body has a cylindrical structure, made of stainless steel or brass, with a length of approximately 50mm to 80mm and a diameter of approximately 20mm to 30mm. The valve body internally contains a valve seat, valve core, spring, and solenoid coil. The valve seat is annular, fixed inside the valve body, and cooperates with the valve core to achieve a seal. The valve core is conical or spherical, made of rubber or polymer, and is used to block the flow of gas. The spring is installed behind the valve core, providing holding force so that the solenoid valve is in the open position under normal conditions. The solenoid coil is wound on an iron core and generates a magnetic field when energized. The inlet and outlet of the solenoid valve match the inner diameter of the gas passage to ensure a smooth flow transition. Terminals are located on the outside of the valve body for connecting to the control circuitry of the functional chip.

[0039] 4) Under normal conditions, the spring force in a normally open solenoid valve keeps the valve core away from the valve seat, ensuring unobstructed gas flow. When the function chip sends a shut-off command, the solenoid coil is energized, generating an electromagnetic force that overcomes the spring force, driving the valve core to move to the valve seat position and blocking gas flow. The magnitude of the electromagnetic force is determined by the formula... Calculate, where, Electromagnetic force is expressed in Newtons (N). This represents magnetic flux density, and its unit is Tesla. It represents electric current, and its unit is ampere; This indicates the length of the coil, in meters. This indicates the number of coil turns. The spring force is expressed by the formula... Calculate, where, This represents the spring force, and the unit is Newton; This indicates the spring stiffness coefficient, with units of Newtons per meter (N / m). This indicates the spring compression, measured in meters. The electromagnetic force must be greater than the sum of the spring force and the fluid pressure to ensure reliable closure. After power is cut off, the spring force resets the valve core, and the solenoid valve returns to the open state.

[0040] 4) The functional chip is connected to the solenoid coil of the solenoid valve via a control circuit. The control circuit includes power and signal lines. The power line provides DC voltage, such as 12V or 24V, and the signal line transmits switching commands. Based on the alarm signal from the combustible gas detector, the functional chip outputs a pulse signal to drive the solenoid coil. The control circuit includes relays or transistor switches for signal isolation and amplification. The solenoid valve's response time must be less than 1 second to ensure rapid shut-off. The functional chip monitors the solenoid valve's status in real time and verifies the valve position via a feedback circuit.

[0041] The solenoid valve enables reliable on / off control in the gas passage, ensuring that the new smart gas meter responds quickly in the event of a gas leak, thus improving safety.

[0042] The combustible gas alarm communicates with a functional chip to detect the concentration of combustible gas in the gas passage. When the detected concentration exceeds a preset concentration threshold, it sends an alarm signal to the functional chip. Specifically, the combustible gas alarm employs a catalytic combustion sensor and / or a laser sensor. 1) The combustible gas alarm is fixedly installed inside the gas meter body, located above the side wall of the gas passage, approximately 50mm to 80mm from the solenoid valve. The detector end of the combustible gas alarm is directly embedded into the wall of the gas passage through a dedicated interface, communicating with the internal space of the gas passage to ensure direct contact with the flowing gas. The main body of the combustible gas alarm is cubic in shape, with dimensions of approximately 30mm × 30mm × 25mm, and the outer shell is made of explosion-proof metal material. Inside the combustible gas alarm, the sensor module is sealed in a protective cover with vent holes. The vent diameter of the protective cover is less than 0.5mm, ensuring free gas diffusion while preventing dust or moisture from entering. The installation location of the combustible gas alarm is selected based on the principle of gas diffusion to ensure rapid response in the event of a gas leak.

[0043] 2) The combustible gas alarm connects to the functional chip via a four-core cable, which includes two power lines and two signal lines. The power lines provide the operating voltage, typically 5V DC; the signal lines transmit concentration data and alarm signals. The communication protocol uses standard UART serial communication with a data transmission rate of 9600 baud. The combustible gas alarm integrates a microprocessor for real-time processing of the concentration data collected by the sensor. When the detected concentration of combustible gas exceeds a preset concentration threshold, the microprocessor generates a digital alarm signal, which is sent to the functional chip via the signal lines. The alarm signal is formatted as an 8-bit binary code, where a high level indicates an alarm status. The communication line length is kept within 200mm to reduce signal attenuation and interference.

[0044] 3) The catalytic combustion sensor comprises a detection element and a compensation element, both made of platinum wire coils coated with a catalytic material. The detection element is exposed to the combustion gas environment, while the compensation element is sealed in an inert gas. When the combustible gas diffuses to the surface of the detection element, an oxidation reaction occurs under catalytic action, generating heat. This heat causes a change in the resistance of the platinum wire coil, which is measured by a Wheatstone bridge circuit. The bridge outputs a voltage signal. Concentration of combustible gas The relationship between them is represented as follows: ,in, This indicates the output voltage, measured in millivolts. This represents the sensor sensitivity coefficient, with units of millivolts per percentage volume concentration. This indicates the concentration of combustible gas, expressed as a percentage by volume (LEL). The catalytic combustion sensor has a detection range of 0% LEL to 100% LEL, with a preset concentration threshold of 10% LEL. The laser sensor consists of a laser emitter, a photodetector, and an optical chamber. The laser emitter generates a mid-infrared laser beam with a wavelength of 1650 nm, which passes through the gas sample in the optical chamber. When the laser beam interacts with combustible gas molecules, some light is absorbed, causing a decrease in light intensity. The photodetector measures the transmitted light intensity and calculates the gas concentration using the Lambert-Beer law. (Transmitted light intensity...) With incident light intensity The relationship between them is represented as ,in, This indicates the intensity of transmitted light, measured in watts per square meter. This indicates the intensity of incident light, measured in watts per square meter. This represents the absorption coefficient, expressed as a percentage volume concentration per meter. This indicates the concentration of combustible gases, expressed as a percentage by volume. This indicates the optical path length, measured in meters. The laser sensor's detection range is 0 ppm to 10000 ppm, with a preset concentration threshold of 500 ppm for early warning.

[0045] 4) The functional chip is installed in a separate compartment within the gas meter body, located between the combustible gas alarm and the solenoid valve. The mounting plate of the functional chip is fixed to a heat dissipation base made of aluminum alloy, with dimensions of approximately 60mm × 40mm × 5mm. The connecting cable between the functional chip and the combustible gas alarm is routed along an internal cable tray within the gas meter body, with a tray depth of 3mm and a width of 5mm. The functional chip also connects wirelessly to the user's mobile app and the gas company's alarm monitoring system via a module integrated on the functional chip's circuit board, supporting 4G or NB-IoT communication protocols. The functional chip is powered by the gas meter body's power module, with a DC-DC converter stabilizing the voltage at 3.3 volts.

[0046] Combustible gases are gaseous substances that can be ignited and burned in the presence of air or oxygen. In gas meter applications, combustible gases typically refer to hydrocarbon gases such as methane, propane, or butane. These gases have specific lower and upper explosive limits; for example, the lower explosive limit of methane is 5% by volume, and the upper explosive limit is 15% by volume. Measuring the concentration of combustible gases is crucial for safety monitoring.

[0047] Specifically, the functional chip is a microcontroller unit (MCU), a semiconductor device that integrates a processor, memory, and input / output interfaces. The MCU is responsible for processing the concentration data sent by the combustible gas alarm, controlling the opening and closing of the solenoid valve, and managing communication with the user's mobile app and the gas company's alarm monitoring system. MCUs are typically based on the ARM Cortex-M series architecture and operate at frequencies between 50 MHz and 100 MHz.

[0048] Among them, the catalytic combustion sensor is a gas detection device based on the principle of catalytic oxidation. The catalytic combustion sensor detects gas concentration by measuring the change in heat generated by the oxidation of combustible gas on the catalyst surface. The catalytic combustion sensor includes a detection element and a compensation element, which together form a Wheatstone bridge circuit. The catalytic combustion sensor is characterized by fast response speed, long lifespan, and low cost.

[0049] Among them, the laser sensor is a gas detection device based on the principle of spectral absorption. The laser sensor calculates the gas concentration by emitting a laser beam of a specific wavelength and measuring the intensity attenuation of the laser beam after it passes through a gas sample. The laser sensor comprises a laser emitter, a photodetector, and an optical chamber. Laser sensors are characterized by high precision, interference resistance, and the ability to detect minute leaks.

[0050] The functional chip is used to control the solenoid valve to close based on the alarm signal, thereby cutting off the gas supply to the gas passage. Specifically: 1) The combustible gas alarm transmits the digital alarm signal to the universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter interface of the functional chip via the signal line in the four-core cable. The microcontroller unit inside the functional chip samples the input signal at a frequency of 1000 times per second and eliminates high-frequency noise interference through a built-in digital filter. When more than five high-level signals are continuously acquired, the microcontroller unit confirms that a valid alarm signal has been received. At this time, the microcontroller unit will execute the interrupt service routine, suspend the current non-emergency task, and immediately enter the solenoid valve closing control process. The microcontroller unit also records the timestamp of the alarm occurrence and stores this information in flash memory for future reference.

[0051] 2) The microcontroller reads the 8-bit binary code sent by the combustible gas alarm and parses the concentration level information contained within. Based on the preset concentration threshold parameter, the microcontroller performs a comparison operation. The mathematical expression for the comparison operation is as follows: ,in, This indicates the real-time gas concentration value measured by the combustible gas alarm, expressed as a percentage of volume concentration. This indicates the preset concentration threshold, expressed as a percentage of volume concentration. Simultaneously, the microcontroller checks the system's current status flags, including power status, solenoid valve historical operation records, and communication link status. The microcontroller only generates a solenoid valve closing command when the verification passes and the system is in normal operating mode.

[0052] 3) The microcontroller outputs control signals through a general-purpose input / output interface. These signals are boosted to 12V DC voltage by a level conversion circuit. The pulse width of the control signal is precisely calculated using the following formula: ,in, Indicates the pulse width, in seconds; This indicates the inductance value of the solenoid valve coil, measured in Henry. This indicates the resistance value of the solenoid valve coil, measured in ohms. This indicates the driving voltage, measured in volts. This represents the actuation threshold voltage of the solenoid valve, measured in volts. The microcontroller unit adjusts the duty cycle of the output waveform using pulse width modulation (PWM) technology to ensure that the solenoid valve coil receives sufficient starting current.

[0053] 4) The control signal is transmitted to the gate of the power MOSFET. The on-resistance of the power MOSFET is less than 0.1 ohms, and it can provide a maximum drive current of 3 amps. When the power MOSFET is turned on, the solenoid valve coil circuit forms a complete loop, and the operating current flowing through the coil... Satisfy the formula ,in, This indicates the current in the solenoid valve coil, measured in amperes. This indicates the driving voltage, measured in volts. This indicates the resistance of the solenoid valve coil, measured in ohms. This represents the inductance of the solenoid valve coil, measured in Henry. This indicates the energizing time, measured in seconds. The magnetic flux generated by the solenoid valve coil causes the armature inside the solenoid valve to move, leading to complete contact between the valve core sealing surface and the valve seat, thus reliably cutting off the gas passage.

[0054] 5) The microcontroller unit reads the feedback signal from the solenoid valve position sensor via an analog-to-digital converter. The output voltage of the position sensor is proportional to the valve core displacement. Simultaneously, the microcontroller unit monitors the current change curve in the drive circuit and analyzes the current derivative. This is used to determine whether the solenoid valve has reached its designated position. Once the solenoid valve is confirmed to be fully closed, the microcontroller immediately sends a status report to the user's mobile app and the gas company's alarm monitoring system via wireless communication. The status report includes complete information such as alarm type, occurrence time, processing result, and current system status. The microcontroller also records relevant data about this event in non-volatile memory, including alarm signal characteristics, control command parameters, and execution results, providing data support for subsequent analysis and maintenance.

[0055] Optionally, in the above technical solution, the gas meter body also integrates a power module, which is connected to an external mains power supply to provide operating power for the functional chip, solenoid valve, and combustible gas alarm. Specifically: 1) The gas meter body adopts a rectangular shell structure, approximately 200mm long, 150mm wide, and 100mm high. The shell material is made of high-strength engineering plastic or metal alloy, possessing explosion-proof and corrosion-resistant properties. The gas meter body is internally divided into multiple functional areas: the upper area houses the functional chip and communication module, the middle area contains the gas passage and solenoid valve, and the lower area accommodates the power module and dry cell battery compartment. The front of the gas meter body has a gas inlet and a gas outlet, connected to the external gas pipeline via threaded interfaces. The rear of the gas meter body is designed with ventilation holes and a mounting bracket for easy fixation to a wall or pipeline. The internal layout of the gas meter body ensures compact space between components and minimizes connection lines to reduce interference and improve reliability. The gas meter body is manufactured using a modular assembly method, with each functional area tested independently before overall integration.

[0056] 2) The power module is installed in the lower part of the gas meter body, above the dry cell battery compartment, and is fixed to a metal base plate with four screws. The metal base plate is in close contact with the inner wall of the gas meter body, serving both heat dissipation and mechanical support. The power module is installed at least 50mm away from the gas meter inlet and outlet to avoid the effects of high temperatures or vibrations. The input of the power module is connected to external AC power via a waterproof connector, and the output is connected to the functional chip, solenoid valve, and combustible gas alarm via multiple sets of wires. The power module is approximately 80mm long, 60mm wide, and 30mm high, with a flat rectangular shape to accommodate the internal space constraints of the gas meter body.

[0057] 3) The power supply module includes a transformer, rectifier circuit, filter circuit, and voltage regulator circuit. The transformer reduces the external 220V AC mains voltage to a lower voltage AC, the rectifier circuit converts the AC to DC, the filter circuit uses electrolytic capacitors to smooth voltage fluctuations, and the voltage regulator circuit ensures stable output voltage. The power supply module outputs 12V and 5V DC, which are used to drive the solenoid valve and power the functional chip and combustible gas alarm, respectively. The power capacity of the power supply module is calculated using the formula... Calculation, where This indicates the output power of the power module, measured in watts. This indicates the output voltage, measured in volts. This indicates the output current, measured in amperes. The power module is designed with a maximum output power of 10 watts to meet the peak power consumption requirements of all components. The power module's circuit board uses a fiberglass substrate, features a compact component layout, and is covered with an insulating coating to prevent short circuits.

[0058] 4) External mains power is connected to a dedicated terminal block on the outside of the gas meter body via a three-core cable. The terminal block is mounted on the side wall of the gas meter body and has a protective cover to prevent contact with the outside. The live, neutral, and ground wires of the cable are connected to the input terminals of the power module, respectively. The connections are made using crimping and soldering to ensure electrical reliability and are insulated with heat-shrink tubing. The input side of the power module is equipped with overcurrent protection devices, such as fuses or circuit breakers, with a rated current of 1 amp, to prevent short-circuit damage. The grounding wire of the power module is connected to the metal casing of the gas meter body for safe grounding. The power module maintains a stable output when the external mains voltage fluctuates between 198 volts and 242 volts.

[0059] 5) The power module's output is distributed via a multi-port connector. The connector has multiple pins, outputting 12V and 5V DC voltages respectively. The 12V DC output is connected to the solenoid valve's power interface via two wires with a cross-sectional area of ​​0.5 mm² to carry a maximum current of 2 amps. The 5V DC output is connected to the power input points of the functional chip and the combustible gas alarm via another set of wires. The functional chip's power interface is located on a dedicated pad on its circuit board, and the combustible gas alarm's power interface is connected via a four-core cable. All power lines are routed along internal grooves within the gas meter body, with a groove depth of 4mm and a width of 6mm. The lines are secured with cable ties to prevent loosening. The power module monitors the output current in real time and implements overload protection through a sampling resistor and comparator circuit. The resistance value of the sampling resistor... 0.1 ohms, overload threshold current Set to 2.5 amps, using the formula The tests were conducted, among which... This represents the sampling voltage, measured in volts. This represents the actual current, measured in amperes. This indicates the resistance value of the sampling resistor, in ohms.

[0060] 6) A recessed structure is specially designed in the lower area of ​​the gas meter body, with dimensions matching the power module. The recess depth is 35mm, and locating pins are provided at the edges to ensure accurate installation of the power module. A silicone gasket is used to seal between the power module and the gas meter body to prevent dust and moisture from entering. Ventilation holes are opened on the outer shell of the gas meter body at the corresponding location of the power module to promote airflow and heat dissipation. The output lines of the power module are connected to the internal bus of the gas meter body through a hub. The bus adopts a flexible circuit board design to reduce the risk of connection point failure. The assembly process of the gas meter body includes the pre-installation of the power module, wiring connection, and final sealing test to ensure that the overall structure is robust and safe.

[0061] The gas meter body is the main casing and supporting structure of the new smart gas meter, housing and integrating all internal components, including the gas passage, solenoid valve, functional chip, combustible gas alarm, and power module. The gas meter body is typically made of corrosion-resistant materials, such as aluminum alloy or reinforced polymer, and features standard industrial dimensions and interfaces. The design of the gas meter body must meet requirements for sealing, mechanical strength, and thermal management to ensure stable operation under various environmental conditions. The gas meter body also provides connection points to external pipelines and power sources, enabling the input and output of gas and electricity. The power module is an electronic component in the new smart gas meter, responsible for converting external AC power into a stable DC power supply suitable for the internal components. The power module contains circuit elements such as transformers, rectifiers, filters, and voltage regulators, capable of handling voltage fluctuations and load changes. The output voltage and current of the power module are precisely designed to meet the power consumption requirements of the functional chip, solenoid valve, and combustible gas alarm. The power module typically features overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection, and short-circuit protection to ensure safe and reliable system operation. The installation location and heat dissipation design of the power module are crucial to overall performance.

[0062] Optionally, in the above technical solution, the gas meter body also integrates a dry cell battery, which is connected to the power module. The dry cell battery serves as a backup power source and is activated when the power module loses power. Specifically: 1) The dry cell batteries are installed in a specially designed battery compartment inside the gas meter body. The battery compartment is located in the lower part of the gas meter body, to the side of the power module. The battery compartment maintains a distance of approximately 20mm from the power module to ensure heat dissipation and maintenance space. The battery compartment has a rectangular structure, measuring 150mm long, 100mm wide, and 50mm high, and can accommodate four D-type alkaline dry cell batteries connected in series. The bottom of the battery compartment has shock-absorbing pads made of rubber or silicone, 3mm thick, to buffer vibration and impact. The top of the battery compartment has an openable cover that connects to the gas meter body via a hinge and is equipped with a locking buckle to ensure sealing and safety. The inner wall of the battery compartment has guide grooves to facilitate the insertion and positioning of the dry cell batteries.

[0063] 2) The dry cell batteries are type D alkaline batteries, with a nominal voltage of 1.5 volts and a capacity of 12000 mAh per cell. Four dry cell batteries are connected in series, and the total output voltage is calculated using the formula... Calculate, where, This indicates the total voltage of the dry cell battery pack, measured in volts. Indicates the number of dry cell batteries. ; This indicates the voltage of a single dry cell battery, measured in volts. The positive and negative terminals of the dry cell battery are connected to the terminals inside the battery compartment via gold-plated spring contacts. The spring contacts are made of phosphor bronze with a spring constant of 5 Newtons per mm, ensuring reliable contact with the battery electrodes. The battery compartment contains a battery separator that independently separates each dry cell battery. The separator is 2 mm thick and made of flame-retardant ABS plastic.

[0064] 3) The positive terminal of the dry cell battery is connected to the backup power input terminal of the power module via a multi-strand copper wire with a cross-sectional area of ​​1.0 mm². The negative terminal of the dry cell battery is connected to the common ground terminal of the power module via another wire of the same specification. The power module has an internal power switching circuit, which consists of two ideal diodes and a comparator. When the power module is working normally, the external mains power supply voltage... satisfy ,in, This indicates the minimum operating voltage of the power module. At this time, the power switching circuit prioritizes external AC power, and the dry cell battery is in standby mode. When the power module loses power, i.e. The power switching circuit automatically switches the power source to dry cell batteries. Switching time From the capacitance in the circuit and load resistance The decision is made, and the calculation formula is as follows: ,in, Indicates the switching time, in seconds; This indicates the load resistance, and the unit is ohms. This indicates the capacitance of the smoothing capacitor, and the unit is the farad. This indicates the switching threshold voltage, measured in volts. This indicates the voltage of the dry cell battery pack, measured in volts.

[0065] 4) The power module integrates a voltage detection circuit, which monitors the dry cell voltage in real time through a high-precision voltage divider resistor network. The voltage divider resistor network consists of two metal film resistors connected in series, with a total resistance of 2 megohms. The voltage division factor is determined using the formula... Calculate, where, Indicates the partial pressure coefficient; This indicates the resistance value of the upper voltage divider resistor. megaohms; This indicates the resistance value of the lower voltage divider resistor. Megohms. Detected voltage. ,in, This indicates the detected voltage, measured in volts. The detected voltage is converted into a digital signal by a 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The ADC has a reference voltage of 3.3 volts and a resolution of 0.8 millivolts. The power module's microcontroller reads the ADC value every 10 seconds. When it detects that the dry cell battery voltage is below a preset threshold... At 12:00 pm, a low battery warning signal is sent through the functional chip.

[0066] 5) When the power module loses power, the power switching circuit... Power switching is completed within milliseconds. The dry cell battery immediately provides power to the functional chip, solenoid valve, and combustible gas alarm. Upon detecting the power switching event, the functional chip activates the backup power mode, adjusting system power consumption to energy-saving mode. Simultaneously, the functional chip sends a power failure alarm message to the user's mobile app via wireless communication, including the event type, occurrence time, and remaining dry cell battery power. Dry cell battery runtime... Through formula Estimate, among which, This indicates the battery life, in hours. This indicates the total capacity of the dry cell battery pack, measured in ampere-hours (Ahs). This represents the average operating current of the system, measured in amperes. Under typical operating conditions, the dry cell battery can sustain the system for at least 72 hours.

[0067] 6) The dry cell battery compartment is secured to the base of the gas meter body via four mounting posts, each 15mm high and 5mm in diameter. A labyrinth-style sealing structure is used between the dry cell battery compartment and the gas meter body, with nitrile rubber as the sealing material and a sealing width of 5mm. A ventilation grille, 3mm wide and 120mm long, is provided on the gas meter body at the corresponding location of the dry cell battery compartment to ensure airflow. The lead wires from the dry cell battery compartment are connected to the power module via a waterproof connector, which meets IP67 protection standards. The entire dry cell battery integrated structure has undergone vibration testing, temperature cycling testing, and sealing testing to ensure reliable operation in harsh environments.

[0068] Optionally, in the above technical solution, the functional chip is also used to: generate a power failure alarm message when the dry cell battery is activated, specifically: 1) The functional chip connects to the status output pin of the power module via a general-purpose input / output interface. This pin outputs a level signal indicating the current power supply status. When the power module is normally powered by external mains power, the status output pin remains high; when the power module is powered off and the dry cell battery is enabled, the status output pin switches to low. The microcontroller unit inside the functional chip samples this level signal 100 times per second and eliminates transient interference through a digital filtering algorithm. The microcontroller unit executes the status judgment logic: when more than 10 consecutive low-level sampling signals are detected, it confirms that the dry cell battery is enabled. At this time, the microcontroller unit records the timestamp of the status transition and updates the power status flag from normal power supply status to dry cell battery power supply status.

[0069] 2) The functional chip reads the dry cell battery voltage detection signal provided by the power module through its internally integrated 12-bit analog-to-digital converter. The reference voltage of the analog-to-digital converter... It is 3.3 volts, and the quantization formula is: ,in, This represents the digital value output by the analog-to-digital converter; This indicates the actual voltage value of the dry cell voltage detection signal, measured in volts. This represents the reference voltage for the analog-to-digital converter, measured in volts. The functional chip converts the digital value into the actual voltage value using the following formula: ,in, This indicates the actual voltage of the dry cell battery pack, measured in volts. This indicates the voltage division ratio of the voltage divider circuit within the power module. The functional chip performs a complete voltage acquisition and conversion process every 30 seconds.

[0070] 3) Upon confirming that the dry cell battery is enabled, the microcontroller immediately creates an alarm information data packet. This packet contains the following fields: alarm type code, event timestamp, dry cell battery voltage value, power module status flag, and system operating mode. The alarm type code is an 8-bit binary number, with the code for the dry cell battery enable event being 00010001. The event timestamp is obtained from the real-time clock module of the functional chip, in the format YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS. The dry cell battery voltage value retains two decimal places. The total length of the data packet is 32 bytes, arranged in little-endian byte order. The microcontroller uses a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) algorithm to ensure data integrity, generating a 4-byte checksum appended to the end of the data packet.

[0071] 4) The serial peripheral interface of the functional chip connects to the wireless communication module, configured in master mode with a clock frequency of 8 MHz. The microcontroller sends alarm information data packets to the transmit buffer of the wireless communication module through the serial peripheral interface. The wireless communication module uses a 4G network standard and establishes a transmission control protocol to connect to the remote server. The data transmission process includes a handshake protocol: the functional chip first sends a connection request, transmits data packets after receiving confirmation from the server, and waits for the server to return a successful reception response. If no response is received within 5 seconds, the functional chip initiates a retransmission mechanism, with a maximum of 3 retries. The timing of the entire transmission process satisfies the formula... ,in, This indicates the total transmission time, in seconds. This indicates the connection establishment time, in seconds. Indicates data transmission time, in seconds; This indicates the processing delay time, in seconds.

[0072] 5) The microcontroller writes each generated power failure alarm message to a circular log area in the flash memory. The log area has a capacity of 1024 records and uses a first-in, first-out (FIFO) management strategy. Simultaneously, the function chip drives the LCD module to display the current power status, showing specific icons and text prompts when the dry cell battery is enabled. The function chip also controls the audible alarm to emit a short beep with a frequency of 2000 Hz and a duration of 0.5 seconds. These local indications ensure that users are aware of power status changes even when wireless communication is interrupted.

[0073] 6) After successfully sending an alarm message, the control unit marks the corresponding log record as transmitted. If the maximum number of retries is reached due to transmission failures, the log record is marked as transmitted failed, and retransmission is prioritized after power is restored. The functional chip tracks the voltage changes of the dry cell battery pack in real time, and detects when the voltage falls below a preset threshold. At a certain time, a low battery warning message is generated and attached to the next periodic status report. The entire alarm message generation and transmission process is fully automated, requiring no manual intervention, ensuring that users and gas companies can promptly grasp changes in the power status of the gas meter.

[0074] Optionally, in the above technical solution, a power switching circuit is provided between the power module and the dry cell battery. The power switching circuit automatically switches the power supply to the dry cell battery when the power module is powered off. Specifically: 1) The power switching circuit is installed in the dedicated circuit area of ​​the power module, located in the lower right corner of the power module circuit board, and measures 40mm × 30mm. The power switching circuit is fixed to the power module circuit board by four copper supports, each 5mm high and 2mm in diameter. The power switching circuit is 15mm away from the power module's transformer assembly and 25mm away from the dry cell battery terminals. An insulating shield, 1mm thick, made of aluminum alloy with an anodized surface, covers the power switching circuit. The input / output interfaces of the power switching circuit are connected to the main circuit board of the power module via gold-plated pins.

[0075] 2) The power switching circuit includes two power MOSFETs, a voltage comparator, multiple precision resistors, and several filter capacitors. The power MOSFETs are IRF7413s, packaged in a TO-220 package, measuring 10mm × 15mm × 4mm. The voltage comparator is an LM393, packaged in an SO-8 package, measuring 5mm × 6mm × 1.5mm. The precision resistors are 0805 packages with a resistance accuracy of 1%. The filter capacitors are ceramic with a capacitance of 100 nanofarads. All components are surface-mounted on a double-sided printed circuit board (PCB) with a thickness of 1.6mm and a copper foil thickness of 35 micrometers. The minimum spacing between components is 0.5mm to ensure sufficient electrical clearance.

[0076] 3) The power switching circuit has three main connection terminals: the power module input terminal, the dry cell battery input terminal, and the system output terminal. The power module input terminal is connected to the DC output terminal of the power module via two wires with a cross-sectional area of ​​0.75 mm². The dry cell battery input terminal is connected to the positive and negative terminals of the dry cell battery pack via two additional wires with a cross-sectional area of ​​1.0 mm². The system output terminal is connected to the power input points of the functional chip, solenoid valve, and combustible gas alarm via a ribbon cable. All connection points are secured using a double fixing method of soldering and screws to ensure reliable connection. Freewheeling diodes are connected in parallel at both the power module input terminal and the dry cell battery input terminal to prevent reverse current flow.

[0077] 4) The core of the power switching circuit is an automatic switching mechanism based on voltage comparison. The voltage comparator continuously monitors the output voltage of the power module. and dry cell battery output voltage When the power module is working normally, satisfy ,in, Indicates the switching threshold voltage. At this point, the voltage comparator outputs a high level, driving the first power MOSFET to turn on and the second power MOSFET to turn off, and the system is powered by the power module. When the power module is powered off, Drop to below When the voltage comparator outputs a low level, the trigger state flips, the first power MOSFET turns off, and the second power MOSFET turns on, automatically switching the system to dry cell battery power.

[0078] 5) Switching time of the power switching circuit Mainly determined by the response time of the voltage comparator Switching time of power metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors Decision. The formula for calculating the total switching time is as follows: ,in, This indicates the total switching time, in milliseconds. This indicates the response time of the voltage comparator, in milliseconds. This indicates the switching time of a power metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor, measured in milliseconds. In practical designs, It is 0.05 milliseconds. It is 0.1 milliseconds, therefore The time is 0.15 milliseconds. The voltage drop during the power switching circuit does not exceed 0.3 volts, ensuring that the functional chip, solenoid valve, and combustible gas alarm will not reset due to voltage surges.

[0079] 6) The power switching circuit includes overcurrent protection, reverse connection protection, and surge protection. Overcurrent protection is achieved through a self-resetting fuse with a rated current of 3 amps, installed at the input front of the power switching circuit. Reverse connection protection is achieved by connecting a Schottky diode in series in each input circuit, with a maximum forward current of 5 amps. Surge protection is achieved through a varistor with a rated voltage of 18 volts. Heat dissipation of the power switching circuit is primarily achieved through the heat sink integrated into the power MOSFET and the copper foil area of ​​the printed circuit board. Under the most severe operating conditions, the junction temperature of the power MOSFET is... Through formula Calculate, where, This indicates the junction temperature, expressed in degrees Celsius. This indicates the ambient temperature, expressed in degrees Celsius. Power consumption is expressed in watts. This represents the thermal resistance of a power metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor to the environment, measured in degrees Celsius per watt. Design ensures... Always below the maximum permissible value of 125 degrees Celsius.

[0080] The power switching circuit is an electronic component in the new smart gas meter, responsible for automatically switching power between the power module and dry cell batteries. The power switching circuit includes a voltage detection unit, a switch control unit, and a protection unit, capable of monitoring the power status in real time and seamlessly switching to dry cell battery power when the power module loses power. The design of the power switching circuit must consider switching speed, power consumption, and reliability to ensure the gas meter continues to operate normally in the event of a power failure. The power switching circuit typically employs high-efficiency semiconductor devices and sophisticated control logic to meet stringent electrical performance requirements.

[0081] Optionally, in the above technical solution, the power module is also used to monitor the voltage state of the dry cell battery, specifically: 1) The power module acquires the dry cell battery voltage signal through a voltage divider sampling circuit. Specifically, inside the power module, a precision resistor voltage divider network is directly connected between the positive and negative terminals of the dry cell battery pack. The voltage divider network consists of two high-precision metal film resistors connected in series, wherein the upper voltage divider resistor... 1 megohm resistance, lower voltage divider resistor The resistance is 330 kΩ. The output voltage of the voltage divider network. With dry cell battery voltage The relationship is ,in, This represents the voltage divider sampling voltage, measured in volts. This indicates the actual voltage of the dry cell battery pack, measured in volts. This indicates the resistance value of the voltage divider resistor, in ohms. This indicates the resistance value of the voltage divider resistor, in ohms. The voltage divider network proportionally reduces the voltage of the dry cell battery pack to a suitable measurement range, ensuring measurement safety and accuracy.

[0082] 2) Voltage divider sampling voltage First, a low-pass filter circuit is used to filter out high-frequency noise interference. The filter circuit consists of resistors... and capacitor Composition, cutoff frequency ,in, This indicates the cutoff frequency, measured in Hertz (Hz). This indicates a filter resistor with a resistance of 10 kΩ. This indicates the filter capacitor, with a capacitance of 100 nanofarads. The filtered signal is then fed into a 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for digitization. The ADC's reference voltage... It is 3.3 volts, and the output is a digital value. With input voltage The relationship is ,in, This represents the digital value output by the analog-to-digital converter; This represents the voltage divider sampling voltage, measured in volts. This indicates the reference voltage for the analog-to-digital converter, measured in volts.

[0083] 3) The microcontroller inside the power module uses the formula The actual voltage of the dry cell battery pack is restored. The microcontroller performs a complete voltage acquisition and calculation process every 10 seconds, continuously acquiring 5 sample values. After discarding the maximum and minimum values, the arithmetic mean is taken as the final measurement result. The measurement result is compared with a preset voltage threshold, which includes a normal voltage threshold. Volts, warning voltage threshold Volt, critical voltage threshold Volts. All voltage threshold parameters are stored in the electrically erasable programmable read-only memory of the power supply module.

[0084] 4) The microcontroller classifies the dry cell battery status into four levels based on voltage measurement results: normal state, alert state, warning state, and emergency state. The normal state corresponds to... Pay attention to the corresponding states. Warning status corresponds to Emergency response The status report generated by the microcontroller includes the current voltage value, status level, evaluation time, and historical trend data. The status report is transmitted to the functional chip via an internal integrated circuit interface at a transmission rate of 100 kilobits per second.

[0085] 5) The microcontroller maintains a circular log table in non-volatile memory, recording the dry cell battery voltage data hourly for 30 days. The rate of voltage decrease is calculated by analyzing the historical data. ,in, This indicates the rate of voltage drop, measured in volts per day. This indicates the starting voltage, and the unit is volts. This indicates the final voltage, measured in volts. This represents the total time, expressed in days. This trend analysis helps predict the remaining lifespan of dry cell batteries and provides early maintenance reminders when abnormal voltage drops occur.

[0086] 6) When the dry cell battery voltage is detected to be lower than the warning voltage threshold, the power module immediately sends a status change notification to the functional chip. Upon receiving the notification, the functional chip initiates the corresponding processing flow, including recording the event log, adjusting the system power consumption mode, and sending a dry cell battery status report to the user's mobile app via wireless communication module when necessary. The power module also periodically performs a self-calibration process, correcting the gain and offset errors of the measurement channel using an internal reference voltage source to ensure the long-term accuracy of voltage monitoring. The entire monitoring system adopts a redundant design, with key parameters stored in multiple non-volatile memories to prevent data loss.

[0087] Optionally, in the above technical solution, the functional chip also communicates with the user's mobile phone APP to send alarm signals to the user's mobile phone APP, specifically: 1) A 4G LTE communication module, measuring 30mm × 30mm × 2.8mm and packaged in an LGA package, is soldered onto the functional chip's circuit board. The communication module connects to the functional chip's main processor via 52 pins, including a USB 2.0 interface, a SIM card interface, and an RF antenna interface. The functional chip provides the communication module with a 3.3V operating voltage and a maximum current consumption of 2A. The communication module supports multiple network bands, including Band 1 (2100MHz), Band 3 (1800MHz), and Band 8 (900MHz), ensuring network compatibility in different regions. The antenna section uses a PCB antenna design, integrated on the edge of the functional chip's circuit board, with a gain of 3dBi, and connects to the communication module via a 50-ohm microstrip line.

[0088] 2) When the functional chip receives an alarm signal from the combustible gas alarm, the main processor immediately initiates the data encapsulation process. The data packet structure consists of three parts: a header, a data body, and a checksum. The header is fixed at 4 bytes and contains the protocol version number and data packet length information. The data body contains information such as alarm type, concentration value, timestamp, and device ID, with a total length of 28 bytes. The checksum is generated using the CRC-32 algorithm and is 4 bytes long. The complete data packet length L can be calculated using the formula: ,in, Indicates the total length of the data packet, in bytes; Indicates the length of the packet header, in bytes; Indicates the length of the data body, in bytes; This indicates the checksum length in bytes. The data packet is serialized using JSON format to ensure readability and ease of parsing.

[0089] 3) The functional chip initiates the network attach process through the communication module, first reading the SIM card information and then searching for available base station signals. Signal quality is measured by the Reference Received Power (RSRP), requiring an RSRP value greater than -110 dBm. The functional chip establishes a connection with the server using the TCP / IP protocol; the target server address and port number are stored in the functional chip's non-volatile memory. Connection establishment time... Due to network conditions, the calculation formula is as follows: ,in, This indicates the total connection time, in milliseconds. This indicates the base station search time, in milliseconds. This indicates the network attachment time, measured in milliseconds. This indicates the PDP context activation time, in milliseconds. Under good network conditions, the connection establishment time is less than 5 seconds.

[0090] 4) The functional chip sends the encapsulated data packets to the cloud server via the established TCP connection. The transmission process uses a layered confirmation mechanism; each data packet requires an ACK signal from the server for successful transmission. Transmission rate. Determined by network quality and data packet size, the calculation formula is as follows: ,in, This indicates the data transmission rate, measured in kilobits per second. Indicates the length of the data packet, in kilobits; This indicates the transmission time, measured in seconds. To prevent data loss, the functional chip implements a retransmission mechanism; if an ACK signal is not received, a retransmission will occur within the timeout period. The data packet will be resent after 3 seconds, with a maximum of 3 retries.

[0091] 5) After receiving the alarm data sent by the functional chip, the cloud server immediately parses and verifies it. Upon successful verification, the server pushes the alarm information to the user's mobile app via the vendor's push service (such as Apple APNs or Google FCM). The push message uses a specific format, including fields such as title, content, priority, and expiration time. The server also records detailed information about the alarm event in the database, including the receipt time, processing status, and device information, to support subsequent data analysis.

[0092] 6) The user's mobile app receives alarm information via the operating system-level push interface, ensuring timely notification even when the app is running in the background. The app simultaneously uses sound, vibration, and pop-up notifications to ensure immediate user awareness. The app interface displays detailed alarm information, including gas concentration values, time of occurrence, and suggested response measures. Users can confirm the alarm through the app; the confirmation signal is then fed back to the functional chip via the cloud platform, forming a complete communication loop.

[0093] 7) The functional chip continuously monitors the communication module's operating status, including signal strength, network connection quality, and data transmission success rate. When communication interruption exceeds a preset threshold, the functional chip stores unsent alarm data in local flash memory, prioritizing transmission upon communication recovery. The functional chip periodically sends heartbeat data packets to the cloud platform at specific intervals. The time limit is used to maintain the persistent connection and report online status. All communication events and error messages are logged in the functional chip's log system for subsequent fault analysis and system optimization.

[0094] The user's mobile app is an application software installed on the user's smartphone, specifically designed to receive and display various alarm information and status data from the new smart gas meter. The user's mobile app establishes a real-time connection with the cloud server via mobile internet, enabling timely push notifications of gas leak alarms, power status changes, and system faults. The user's mobile app provides an intuitive graphical interface, displaying historical data records and statistical information, and supports users in remotely confirming alarms and viewing handling suggestions. The user's mobile app is typically compatible with mainstream mobile operating systems, such as iOS and Android, ensuring device compatibility and ease of use for a wide range of users.

[0095] Optionally, in the above technical solution, the functional chip is also communicatively connected to the gas company's alarm monitoring system to send alarm signals to the gas company's alarm monitoring system, specifically: 1) The functional chip integrates an industrial-grade 4G communication module. This module supports the TCP / IP protocol stack and has VPN traversal capabilities. The communication module connects to the functional chip's main processor via a PCI-E interface and is controlled using AT commands. The functional chip first initializes the communication module, sets the APN access point to the gas company's dedicated APN name, and establishes a connection with the mobile operator's network. After the connection is established, the functional chip establishes a TCP connection with the gas company's alarm monitoring system server IP address and port number via Socket programming. The connection timeout is set to 30 seconds, and the heartbeat interval is maintained at 60 seconds.

[0096] 2) The alarm data packet conforms to the CJ / T 188 protocol format, a standard in the gas industry. The data packet structure includes a frame header, address field, frame sequence number, command unit, and checksum. The command unit contains information such as alarm type, concentration value, equipment status, and timestamp. The formula for calculating the data packet length L is... ,in, Indicates the total length of the data packet, in bytes; Indicates the frame header length, in bytes; Indicates the length of the address field, in bytes; Indicates the frame sequence number length, in bytes; Indicates the length of the command unit, in bytes; This indicates the length of the checksum, in bytes. The data content is encoded in hexadecimal, and the character set is ASCII.

[0097] 3) The functional chip uses a hardware encryption module to encrypt transmitted data using AES-128 encryption. The encryption key is pre-distributed through a secure channel. Each data packet is appended with a digital signature generated using the RSA algorithm, and the private key is stored in the functional chip's secure storage area. When the functional chip establishes a connection with the gas company's alarm monitoring system, it first sends an authentication request. The authentication data includes the device's unique ID, SIM card number, and a random challenge code. After successful authentication, the gas company's alarm monitoring system returns a session key, which is used for encryption and decryption of this communication session.

[0098] 4) The functional chip employs an automatic retransmission mechanism to ensure data reliability. After sending a data packet, it will retransmit it within a set time. If no confirmation response is received from the gas company's alarm monitoring system within seconds, the functional chip will automatically retransmit the data packet. The maximum number of retransmissions is 3, with the retransmission interval calculated using an exponential backoff algorithm. The interval for the nth retransmission is... ,in, This represents the time interval for the nth retransmission, in seconds. Indicates the basic retransmission interval, in seconds; Indicates the number of retransmissions. The data transmission rate is dynamically adjusted based on network quality to ensure communication continues even when the signal is weak.

[0099] 5) The functional chip categorizes alarm signals into three levels based on their severity: Level 1 alarms correspond to immediate danger, Level 2 alarms to a warning state, and Level 3 alarms to equipment malfunction. Different transmission strategies are used for different alarm levels: Level 1 alarms are sent immediately, Level 2 alarms are sent within 5 seconds, and Level 3 alarms are sent within 30 seconds. The functional chip maintains an alarm transmission queue, sorted by alarm level and occurrence time, ensuring that high-priority alarms are transmitted first.

[0100] 6) The functional chip monitors the communication connection status with the gas company's alarm monitoring system in real time and maintains a long connection by periodically sending heartbeat packets. Heartbeat packet interval. seconds, timeout period Seconds. When a communication interruption is detected, the functional chip will automatically attempt to re-establish the connection, with reconnection intervals starting at 5 seconds and increasing exponentially to a maximum of 300 seconds. During the communication interruption, the functional chip stores unsent alarm data in local non-volatile memory, which will be resent in priority order after communication is restored.

[0101] 7) In addition to sending alarm signals, the functional chip can also receive and process instructions from the gas company's alarm monitoring system. These instructions include parameter settings, status queries, remote control, and firmware upgrades. After receiving an instruction, the functional chip first verifies its validity, then executes the corresponding operation and returns the execution result to the gas company's alarm monitoring system. This two-way communication mechanism enables the gas company to proactively manage smart gas meters and achieve remote monitoring and maintenance.

[0102] The gas company's alarm monitoring system is a dedicated computer system used to receive and process alarm signals from smart gas meters. It typically consists of a server cluster, database system, communication gateway, and monitoring terminals, deployed in the gas company's data center. This system can simultaneously process a large amount of real-time data from smart gas meters, enabling the reception, parsing, storage, display, and distribution of alarm information. It also provides data statistical analysis functions to support the gas company's safety monitoring and operational decision-making. The system usually employs redundant design and security measures to ensure high availability and data security.

[0103] In another embodiment, to address the issue of immediate emergency shutdown in the event of a gas leak, this invention provides a novel smart gas meter. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the gas meter's inlet and outlet are connected to an external gas pipeline via threaded connections, and the gas passage extends from the gas meter's inlet to its outlet. A solenoid valve 1, normally open, is installed on the gas passage to control the gas flow. A functional chip 2 is installed in the center of the gas meter's main body, connected to the solenoid valve 1 via a control circuit, and to the combustible gas alarm 5 via a signal circuit. A dry cell battery 3 is installed in a dedicated battery compartment at the bottom of the gas meter's main body, connected in parallel with a power module 4 via a power cord. The power module 4 is fixed to the bottom of the gas meter's main body, connected to an external 220V power supply via a cable, and outputs multiple lines to the functional chip. 2. The solenoid valve 1 and the combustible gas alarm 5 are powered by the solenoid valve 1 and the combustible gas alarm 5 is installed on the side wall of the gas meter body and the detection end is embedded in the gas channel. It uses a catalytic combustion sensor or a laser sensor to detect the gas concentration. When the combustible gas alarm 5 detects that the concentration exceeds the limit, it sends an alarm signal to the function chip 2. The function chip 2 immediately controls the solenoid valve 1 to close and cut off the gas supply. At the same time, it sends the alarm information to the mobile APP and the gas company's alarm monitoring system through the built-in wireless communication module. The power module 4 monitors the voltage status of the dry cell battery 3 in real time. When the external power supply is interrupted, it automatically switches to the dry cell battery 3 for power supply. At this time, the function chip 2 will send a power failure alarm information to the user's mobile APP.

[0104] In the event of a gas leak, the combustible gas detector paired with the gas meter will sound an alarm. An integrated chip within the gas meter will then automatically shut off the solenoid valve, providing an emergency shutdown function. The alarm information will also be communicated to the customer's mobile app and the gas company's alarm monitoring system. Furthermore, to prevent power loss, the gas meter is equipped with a backup dry-cell battery. When the battery is activated, any power failure will be promptly communicated to the user's mobile app, enhancing safety.

[0105] This invention discloses a novel smart gas meter. The gas meter body contains a power module, dry cell battery, functional chip, solenoid valve, and other components. An external combustible gas alarm, communicating with the functional chip, is mounted on the gas meter body. This combustible gas alarm is manufactured simultaneously with the gas meter, integrating the previously separate architecture into a single unit for prefabricated production. The gas meter body has a gas channel for transmitting gas from the gas inlet to the gas outlet. A normally open solenoid valve is located on the gas channel to control its opening and closing. The combustible gas alarm communicates with the functional chip to detect the concentration of combustible gas in the gas channel and sends an alarm signal to the functional chip when the concentration exceeds a preset threshold. The functional chip controls the solenoid valve to close based on the alarm signal, cutting off the gas supply to the gas channel. The functional chip within the gas meter body has communication and interlocking functions, enabling real-time data communication and monitoring with the user's mobile app, the gas company's alarm monitoring system, the combustible gas alarm, and the solenoid valve within the gas meter body. The functional chip communicates with the user's mobile app to send alarm signals to the user's mobile app. The functional chip also communicates with the gas company's alarm monitoring system to send alarm signals. The solenoid valve, controlled by the functional chip, automatically shuts off after receiving a closing command. Based on the alarm signal from the combustible gas detector, the functional chip drives the solenoid valve to close, ensuring a rapid cut-off of gas supply upon receiving the alarm signal. The power module connects to an external 220V AC mains power supply, providing power to the gas meter's functional chip, solenoid valve, and combustible gas detector. The power module also monitors the voltage status of the dry cell batteries, detecting their voltage levels in real time. The dry cell batteries are connected to the power module and act as a backup power source, activating when the power module loses power. A power switching circuit connects the power module and the dry cell batteries, automatically switching power to the dry cell batteries when the power module loses power. When the external 220V AC power is interrupted, the dry cell batteries provide power to the gas meter's functional chip, solenoid valve, and combustible gas detector. The combustible gas alarm is directly connected to the gas meter, and its power supply is provided by the gas meter's power module. Data can be communicated to the functional chip inside the gas meter. The combustible gas alarm uses two detection modes: a catalytic combustion sensor and / or a laser sensor. The standard version uses the catalytic combustion sensor mode, which offers stable response to combustible gases, low cost, and triggers an alarm when the detected combustible gas concentration exceeds 10% LEL. The upgraded version uses the laser sensor mode, capable of detecting leaks from ppm levels to 100% volumetric concentration.

[0106] This invention provides a novel smart gas meter, comprising components such as an electromagnetic valve, a functional chip, a combustible gas alarm, a dry cell battery, and a power module, manufactured as a complete set. A key feature of this invention is its ability to immediately shut off the electromagnetic valve within the gas meter in the event of a gas leak, cutting off the gas supply and ensuring safety. The combustible gas alarm employs either catalytic combustion or laser detection modes, and the functional chip immediately transmits alarm information to the customer's mobile app and the gas company's alarm monitoring system. A backup dry cell battery provides backup power in the event of a power outage. Simultaneously, when the backup dry cell battery is activated, the functional chip promptly sends a power outage alarm to the user's app, enhancing safety. The gas meter is a complete unit; users do not need to purchase separate gas meters, electromagnetic valves, or combustible gas alarms during installation, making it an integrated procurement and installation solution.

[0107] The gas meter inlet and outlet are threaded to the external gas pipeline to ensure a secure and reliable seal. The functional chip communicates internally with the solenoid valve, combustible gas alarm, user's mobile app, and the gas company's alarm monitoring system, enabling real-time data sharing. The functional chip processes monitoring data from the combustible gas alarm in real time and controls the solenoid valve when necessary, while simultaneously transmitting relevant information to the user's mobile app and the gas company's alarm monitoring system. The combustible gas alarm employs two detection modes: a catalytic combustion sensor and / or a laser sensor. The standard version uses a catalytic combustion sensor, which offers stable and low-cost response to combustible gases and triggers an alarm when the concentration exceeds 10% LEL. The upgraded version uses a laser sensor, capable of detecting leaks from ppm levels to 100% volume concentration, providing early warning. The power module connects to an external 220V power supply, which, after rectification and voltage regulation, provides power to the smart gas meter. In the event of an external power failure, the dry cell battery activates and sends a power outage alarm to the user's app via the functional chip. The power module continuously monitors the dry cell battery voltage to ensure the reliability of the backup power system. The backup dry-cell battery provides backup power to the smart gas meter in case of external power failure. The battery pack is seamlessly connected to the power module through a well-designed circuit, ensuring continuous system operation even during power outages. The gas meter is a complete unit; users do not need to purchase separate components such as the gas meter, solenoid valve, or combustible gas alarm separately during installation. This integrated design simplifies the installation process and improves system reliability and maintenance convenience.

[0108] In summary, the novel smart gas meter of this invention detects gas leaks via a combustible gas alarm and immediately activates the solenoid valve inside the gas meter to shut off the gas supply, ensuring safety. Simultaneously, the functional chip transmits the alarm information to the customer's mobile app and the gas company's alarm monitoring system. A backup battery provides power in case the gas meter loses power; when the backup battery is activated, the functional chip promptly sends a power outage alarm to the user's app, further enhancing safety. The gas meter is a complete unit; users do not need to purchase separate gas meters, solenoid valves, combustible gas alarms, etc., during installation. This integrated procurement and installation improves the overall safety level of gas usage.

Claims

1. A novel smart gas meter, characterized in that, It includes a gas meter body, which has a gas passage and integrates a solenoid valve, a functional chip and a combustible gas alarm. The solenoid valve is installed on the gas passage and is used to control the opening and closing of the gas passage; The combustible gas alarm is connected to the functional chip for detecting the concentration of combustible gas in the gas channel and sending an alarm signal to the functional chip when the concentration of combustible gas exceeds a preset concentration threshold. The functional chip is used to control the solenoid valve to close according to the alarm signal, so as to cut off the gas supply to the gas passage.

2. The novel smart gas meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas meter body also integrates a power module, which is connected to an external mains power supply to provide operating power for the functional chip, the solenoid valve and the combustible gas alarm.

3. A novel smart gas meter according to claim 2, characterized in that, The gas meter body also integrates a dry cell battery, which is connected to the power module. The dry cell battery serves as a backup power source and is activated when the power module loses power.

4. A novel smart gas meter according to claim 3, characterized in that, The functional chip is also used to generate a power failure alarm message when the dry cell battery is activated.

5. A novel smart gas meter according to claim 4, characterized in that, A power switching circuit is provided between the power module and the dry cell battery. When the power module is powered off, the power switching circuit automatically switches the power supply to the dry cell battery.

6. A novel smart gas meter according to claim 3, characterized in that, The power module is also used to monitor the voltage status of the dry cell battery.

7. A novel smart gas meter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The functional chip is also connected to the user's mobile phone APP to send the alarm signal to the user's mobile phone APP.

8. A novel smart gas meter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The functional chip is also connected to the gas company's alarm monitoring system to send the alarm signal to the gas company's alarm monitoring system.

9. A novel smart gas meter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The combustible gas alarm uses a catalytic combustion sensor and / or a laser sensor.

10. A novel smart gas meter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The solenoid valve is a normally open type.

Images