Low-power-consumption wireless meter reading remote transmission device
By designing a low-power MCU and a built-in power supply module, combined with a wake-up module and a remote transmission module, the problem of high power consumption in meter reading devices is solved, realizing a low-power, easy-to-install, and cost-effective wireless meter reading remote transmission device.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing meter reading devices consume a lot of power, resulting in large installation size, many installation steps, and high manufacturing costs.
The low-power design of the wireless meter reading remote transmission device is achieved by using a low-power MCU and a built-in power supply module, combined with a wake-up module and a remote transmission module. The wake-up module includes a timed wake-up circuit and a reed switch circuit, and the built-in power supply module provides power to the wireless acquisition, MCU, wake-up and remote transmission modules.
It effectively reduces the power consumption of remote meter reading devices, reduces installation size and steps, lowers manufacturing costs, extends battery life, and simplifies the installation process.
Smart Images

Figure CN224097799U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of smart meter technology, and in particular to a low-power wireless meter reading remote transmission device for smart meters. Background Technology
[0002] With the rapid development of the information age, industries such as electricity, gas, and water supply are increasingly demanding data collection and monitoring. Meter reading devices, as key tools for achieving automated data collection, have a huge market demand.
[0003] However, current meter reading devices on the market are limited by high power consumption and require an additional direct-plug power supply. This direct-plug power supply connects to the mains power, which increases the installation size and steps of the meter reading device, as well as the manufacturing cost, becoming a key factor restricting its widespread adoption. Utility Model Content
[0004] This invention provides a low-power wireless meter reading remote transmission device to solve the problems of high power consumption in existing meter reading devices, which leads to large installation size, many installation steps, and high manufacturing costs.
[0005] This utility model embodiment provides a low-power wireless meter reading remote transmission device, including a wireless acquisition module for receiving wireless data from smart meters, and further including:
[0006] The low-power MCU connects to the wireless acquisition module through the first port to receive wireless data received by the wireless acquisition module and generate reading information.
[0007] The wake-up module is connected to the second port of the low-power MCU and is used to receive the wake-up signal and control the low-power MCU to switch from standby mode to working mode.
[0008] The remote transmission module is connected to the third port of the low-power MCU and is used to send the reading information of the MCU when it is in operation.
[0009] The built-in power supply module is connected to at least the fourth port of the low-power MCU to power the wireless acquisition module, the low-power MCU, the wake-up module, and the remote transmission module.
[0010] Furthermore, the wake-up module includes a timed wake-up circuit.
[0011] Furthermore, the wake-up module includes a reed switch circuit.
[0012] Furthermore, the wake-up module also includes a wake-up sub-circuit connected to the remote transmission module. The wake-up sub-circuit includes a wake-up signal input port. The wake-up signal input port is connected to the first port of the reed switch circuit through a first node. The first node is connected to the built-in power supply module through a first resistor. The wake-up signal input port is connected to ground through a first capacitor and the second port of the reed switch circuit.
[0013] Furthermore, the meter reading remote transmission device also includes an indicator module, which is connected to a low-power MCU and is used to indicate the working status of the meter reading remote transmission device.
[0014] Furthermore, the indicator module includes an LED parallel circuit connected to the built-in power supply module. The LED parallel circuit includes a first LED, a second LED, and a third LED. The other end of the first LED is connected to a first switching circuit, the other end of the second LED is connected to a second switching circuit, and the other end of the third LED is connected to a third switching circuit. The control terminal of the first switching circuit is connected to the fifth port of the low-power MCU, the control terminal of the second switching circuit is connected to the sixth port of the low-power MCU, and the control terminal of the third switching circuit is connected to the seventh port of the low-power MCU.
[0015] Furthermore, the first, second, and third switching circuits are transistor switching circuits.
[0016] Furthermore, the meter reading remote transmission device includes an outer casing, the outer casing including an adhesive surface, the shape of which corresponds to the shape of the smart meter casing.
[0017] Furthermore, the outer casing is a customized outer casing, and the meter reading remote transmission device includes an inner casing. The inner casing is detachably fixed within the customized outer casing via a quick-release structure, which includes a snap-fit structure or a plug-in structure.
[0018] This utility model embodiment provides a low-power wireless meter reading remote transmission device, including a wireless acquisition module for receiving wireless data from a smart meter, and further including: a low-power MCU connected to the wireless acquisition module via a first port for receiving the wireless data received by the wireless acquisition module and generating reading information; a wake-up module connected to the second port of the low-power MCU for receiving a wake-up signal and controlling the low-power MCU to switch from standby mode to working mode; a remote transmission module connected to the third port of the low-power MCU for transmitting the reading information of the MCU in working mode; and a built-in power supply module connected to at least a fourth port of the low-power MCU for supplying power to the wireless acquisition module, the low-power MCU, the wake-up module, and the remote transmission module. This allows the wake-up module and the built-in power supply module, in conjunction with the low-power MCU, to effectively reduce the power consumption of the meter reading remote transmission device. The built-in power supply module can provide power to other modules of the meter reading remote transmission device for extended periods. For example, the wake-up module can perform a meter reading task once a day, and after the meter reading is completed, it controls the low-power MCU to enter a sleep state, further reducing energy consumption. Since it does not require direct connection to the mains power, the installation size of the meter reading remote transmission device is effectively reduced, the installation steps are simplified, and the manufacturing cost of the meter reading device is also saved. Attached Figure Description
[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0020] Figure 1 This is a circuit block diagram of a low-power wireless meter reading remote transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 2 This is a circuit block diagram of a low-power wireless meter reading remote transmission device according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] Figure 3 This is a circuit block diagram of a low-power wireless meter reading remote transmission device according to another embodiment of this utility model;
[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Circuit diagram of the wake-up sub-circuit of the low-power wireless meter reading remote transmission device in the embodiment;
[0024] Figure 5 Figure 3 The circuit block diagram of the indicator module of the low-power wireless meter reading remote transmission device in the embodiment. Detailed Implementation
[0025] To make the technical problems solved, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.
[0026] When ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are mentioned in the embodiments of this utility model, unless they actually express the meaning of order according to the context, they should be understood as being used only for differentiation.
[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0028] Please refer to Figure 1 The diagram shown is a circuit block diagram of one embodiment of the low-power wireless meter reading remote transmission device of this utility model. The low-power wireless meter reading remote transmission device includes a wireless acquisition module for receiving wireless data from a smart meter, and is characterized by further comprising:
[0029] The low-power MCU connects to the wireless acquisition module through the first port to receive wireless data received by the wireless acquisition module and generate reading information.
[0030] The wake-up module is connected to the second port of the low-power MCU and is used to receive the wake-up signal and control the low-power MCU to switch from standby mode to working mode.
[0031] The remote transmission module is connected to the third port of the low-power MCU and is used to send the reading information of the MCU when it is in operation.
[0032] The built-in power supply module is connected to at least the fourth port of the low-power MCU to power the wireless acquisition module, the low-power MCU, the wake-up module, and the remote transmission module.
[0033] In this embodiment, the built-in power supply module can directly power the wireless acquisition module, the low-power MCU, the wake-up module, and the remote transmission module, and can also indirectly power the wireless acquisition module, the low-power MCU, the wake-up module, and the remote transmission module through the low-power MCU.
[0034] The wake-up module can be a timed wake-up module. For example, the wake-up module can perform a meter reading task once a day, and after the meter reading is completed, it controls the low-power MCU to enter a sleep state.
[0035] The built-in power supply module can use rechargeable power sources such as lithium batteries or lithium iron phosphate batteries, or it can use a disposable power supply.
[0036] The remote transmission module can be a 4G module or a LoRa module. The wireless acquisition module can be an infrared acquisition module.
[0037] This utility model embodiment provides a low-power wireless meter reading remote transmission device, including a wireless acquisition module for receiving wireless data from a smart meter, and further including: a low-power MCU connected to the wireless acquisition module via a first port for receiving the wireless data received by the wireless acquisition module and generating reading information; a wake-up module connected to the second port of the low-power MCU for receiving a wake-up signal and controlling the low-power MCU to switch from standby mode to working mode; a remote transmission module connected to the third port of the low-power MCU for transmitting the reading information of the MCU in working mode; and a built-in power supply module connected to at least a fourth port of the low-power MCU for supplying power to the wireless acquisition module, the low-power MCU, the wake-up module, and the remote transmission module. This allows the wake-up module and the built-in power supply module, in conjunction with the low-power MCU, to effectively reduce the power consumption of the meter reading remote transmission device. The built-in power supply module can provide power to other modules of the meter reading remote transmission device for extended periods. For example, the wake-up module can perform a meter reading task once a day, and after the meter reading is completed, it controls the low-power MCU to enter a sleep state, further reducing energy consumption. Since it does not require direct connection to the mains power, the installation size of the meter reading remote transmission device is effectively reduced, the installation steps are simplified, and the manufacturing cost of the meter reading device is also saved.
[0038] Please refer to Figure 2 The diagram shown is a circuit block diagram of another embodiment of the low-power wireless meter reading remote transmission device of this utility model. Unlike the above embodiment, the wake-up module of this embodiment also includes a reed switch circuit. The low-power MCU can be manually activated by the reed switch circuit through a magnet, so that the MCU is in working state.
[0039] In this embodiment, the low-power MCU is model Air780E. The Air780E draws only 5uA in low-power mode and 50mA during normal operation, significantly reducing power consumption compared to ordinary MCUs used in traditional meter reading devices. This refined power management, combined with an intelligent sleep / wake-up mechanism, allows the remote meter reading device to remain in a low-power sleep state most of the time, activating only during the daily meter reading task. This greatly extends battery life; a single battery can last for at least 3 years, reducing the manpower and material costs associated with frequent battery replacements and solving the power supply inconvenience problem caused by the high power consumption of traditional wireless meter reading devices.
[0040] This embodiment provides a method for collecting meter readings on-site, expanding the application scenarios of the low-power wireless meter reading remote transmission device of this utility model.
[0041] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The diagram shown is a circuit block diagram of another embodiment of the low-power wireless meter reading remote transmission device of this utility model. Unlike the above embodiment, the wake-up module further includes a wake-up sub-circuit connected to the remote transmission module. The wake-up sub-circuit includes a wake-up signal input port. The wake-up signal input port is connected to the first port H1 of the reed switch circuit through the first node1. The first node1 is connected to the built-in power supply module through the first resistor R1. The wake-up signal input port is connected to ground through the first capacitor C1 and the second port H2 of the reed switch circuit.
[0042] As a preferred option rather than a limitation, the wake-up sub-circuit also includes a microcontroller unit directly connected to the built-in power supply module. The microcontroller unit includes an STM32L051 with a standby current of 0.3μA and an operating current of 80uA. Using a microcontroller unit to replace the low-power MCU in standby mode and to wake up the low-power MCU can further reduce the standby power consumption of the meter reading remote transmission device.
[0043] This embodiment provides an alternative method for remotely starting the MCU besides timed and manual MCU startup. By providing a wake-up sub-circuit in conjunction with the microcontroller, the standby power consumption of the meter reading remote transmission device is further reduced, the charging cycle of the meter reading remote transmission device is extended, and the manpower and material costs caused by frequent battery replacement are further reduced. It also solves the problem of power supply inconvenience caused by high power consumption in traditional wireless meter reading devices.
[0044] As a preferred, and not limited, embodiment of the meter reading remote transmission device, the indicator module is also included. This indicator module is connected to a low-power MCU and is used to indicate the operating status of the meter reading remote transmission device. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 5 As shown, the indicator module includes an LED parallel circuit connected to the built-in power supply module. The LED parallel circuit includes a first LED, a second LED, and a third LED. The other end of the first LED is connected to a first switching circuit, the other end of the second LED is connected to a second switching circuit, and the other end of the third LED is connected to a third switching circuit. The control terminal of the first switching circuit is connected to the fifth port of the low-power MCU, the control terminal of the second switching circuit is connected to the sixth port of the low-power MCU, and the control terminal of the third switching circuit is connected to the seventh port of the low-power MCU.
[0045] Specifically, the first, second, and third switching circuits are transistor switching circuits.
[0046] By providing a multi-LED indicator module, users can determine the meter reading remote transmission device at any time based on the LED status, which also facilitates later maintenance.
[0047] As a preferred embodiment, and not a limitation, the remote meter reading device includes an outer casing, the outer casing including an adhesive surface whose shape corresponds to the shape of the smart meter housing. Specifically, the outer casing is a custom-designed outer casing, and the remote meter reading device includes an inner casing, the inner casing being detachably fixed within the custom-designed outer casing via a quick-release structure, which may include a snap-fit structure or a plug-in structure.
[0048] For example, the quick-release structure includes a cutout located in the middle of the customized outer shell, with slots or grooves along the edge of the cutout. The inner shell is provided with a wireless acquisition window for the wireless acquisition module. When the inner shell is set at the cutout by a snap or insert, the wireless acquisition window of the wireless acquisition module is also located at the cutout and corresponds to the position of the signal transmission window for receiving wireless data from the smart meter.
[0049] This embodiment provides a customizable housing, allowing users to select a housing corresponding to their meter model. By integrating all circuit modules into the inner housing of the remote meter reading device, the compatibility of this invention with different meter models is improved. Furthermore, by providing an adhesive surface, this invention eliminates the complex installation process of traditional meter reading devices, employing a simple installation design with adhesive backing and infrared interface alignment. Users only need to peel off the adhesive backing and precisely align the wireless infrared acquisition port with the infrared data interface of the meter according to the markings on the meter's surface. The entire installation process requires no professional tools or technicians and can be completed by ordinary users within 1 minute. This completely breaks the limitation that installation in special scenarios such as high-voltage cabinets must be done by professionals, greatly expanding the device's applicability and lowering the barrier to entry.
[0050] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A low-power wireless meter reading remote transmission device, comprising a wireless acquisition module for receiving wireless data from a smart meter, characterized in that, Also includes: The low-power MCU connects to the wireless acquisition module through the first port to receive wireless data received by the wireless acquisition module and generate reading information. The wake-up module is connected to the second port of the low-power MCU and is used to receive the wake-up signal and control the low-power MCU to switch from standby mode to working mode. The remote transmission module is connected to the third port of the low-power MCU and is used to send the reading information of the MCU when it is in operation. The built-in power supply module is connected to at least the fourth port of the low-power MCU to power the wireless acquisition module, the low-power MCU, the wake-up module, and the remote transmission module.
2. The low-power wireless meter reading remote transmission device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The wake-up module includes a timed wake-up circuit.
3. The low-power wireless meter reading remote transmission device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The wake-up module includes a reed switch circuit.
4. The low-power wireless meter reading remote transmission device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The wake-up module further includes a wake-up sub-circuit connected to the remote transmission module. The wake-up sub-circuit includes a wake-up signal input port. The wake-up signal input port is connected to the first port of the reed switch circuit through a first node. The first node is connected to the built-in power supply module through a first resistor. The wake-up signal input port is connected to ground through a first capacitor and the second port of the reed switch circuit.
5. The low-power wireless meter reading remote transmission device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The meter reading remote transmission device also includes an indicator module, which is connected to a low-power MCU and is used to indicate the working status of the meter reading remote transmission device.
6. The low-power wireless meter reading remote transmission device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The indicator module includes an LED parallel circuit connected to the built-in power supply module. The LED parallel circuit includes a first LED, a second LED, and a third LED. The other end of the first LED is connected to a first switching circuit, the other end of the second LED is connected to a second switching circuit, and the other end of the third LED is connected to a third switching circuit. The control terminal of the first switching circuit is connected to the fifth port of the low-power MCU, the control terminal of the second switching circuit is connected to the sixth port of the low-power MCU, and the control terminal of the third switching circuit is connected to the seventh port of the low-power MCU.
7. The low-power wireless meter reading remote transmission device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The first, second, and third switching circuits are transistor switching circuits.
8. The low-power wireless meter reading remote transmission device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The meter reading remote transmission device includes an outer shell, and the outer shell includes an adhesive surface, the shape of which corresponds to the shape of the smart meter housing.
9. The low-power wireless meter reading remote transmission device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The outer casing is a customized outer casing. The meter reading remote transmission device includes an inner casing. The inner casing is detachably fixed inside the customized outer casing by a quick-release structure, which includes a snap-fit structure or a plug-in structure.