Ultrasonic water meter

Abstract

An ultrasonic water meter includes a water pipe with an inlet and an outlet at both ends. A control valve is installed inside the water pipe to control the flow between the inlet and outlet. The meter also includes a controller, which comprises a first ultrasonic sensor and a second ultrasonic sensor. The first and second ultrasonic sensors are disposed inside the water pipe and spaced apart. The first and second ultrasonic sensors cooperate to detect the flow rate within the water pipe. The controller further includes a housing containing a control board connected to the first and second ultrasonic sensors and an opening / closing element controlled by the control board to open and close the control valve. The control board controls the opening / closing element to close the control valve when the flow velocity in the water pipe changes. The advantages of this invention are: this technical solution effectively achieves leakage protection by monitoring flow velocity changes in real time and automatically closing the control valve through the control board, thus avoiding water waste and equipment damage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a measuring device, and more particularly to an ultrasonic water meter. Background Technology

[0002] Ultrasonic water meters, as advanced flow measurement devices, have been widely used in various fields, especially in residential communities, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities, for accurate water consumption to support smart water management. In these scenarios, the water meter uses an ultrasonic sensor installed on the pipeline to emit high-frequency sound pulses and measure the time difference between upstream and downstream flow, thereby calculating the water flow velocity and cumulative volume. During use, the data is typically transmitted in real time to a central monitoring system via wired connection or wireless communication modules (such as LoRa or NB-IoT), enabling remote meter reading, water consumption analysis, and anomaly alarms, thus improving water resource utilization efficiency and user convenience.

[0003] However, existing technologies still have a significant drawback: the lack of leak protection. This means that ultrasonic water meters can only passively record flow data and cannot actively detect abnormal events such as pipe leaks, leading to water waste, soaring water bills for users, and potential flood risks. This deficiency not only exacerbates the environmental burden but also increases maintenance costs and safety hazards, limiting its full potential for application in smart cities and sustainable water systems. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides an ultrasonic water meter with leakage protection function.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an ultrasonic water meter, comprising a water pipe, with an inlet port for connecting to an inlet pipe and an outlet port for connecting to an outlet pipe at both ends of the water pipe, a control valve for opening and closing the flow between the inlet port and the outlet port being provided inside the water pipe, and a controller, comprising a first ultrasonic sensor and a second ultrasonic sensor, the first ultrasonic sensor and the second ultrasonic sensor being disposed inside the water pipe and spaced apart from each other, the first ultrasonic sensor and the second ultrasonic sensor cooperating to detect the flow rate inside the water pipe, the controller further comprising a housing, the housing being provided with a control board connected to the first ultrasonic sensor and the second ultrasonic sensor and an opening / closing element controlled by the control board for opening and closing the control valve, the control board controlling the opening / closing element to close the control valve when the flow rate inside the water pipe changes.

[0006] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This technical solution effectively achieves leakage protection by monitoring flow rate changes in real time and automatically closing the control valve through a control board, thus avoiding water waste and equipment damage. Specifically, an ultrasonic sensor detects flow information, and the control board analyzes the flow rate data. When an abnormal flow rate (such as a continuously low flow rate or a sudden change) is detected, the opening and closing mechanism is immediately triggered to close the valve. This integrates flow monitoring and protection mechanisms without the need for an additional leakage sensor, simplifying the system structure and reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, this design enhances the reliability and response speed of the water meter and is suitable for various water pressure environments. As a preferred approach, the control board uses an embedded microprocessor unit that integrates a flow rate monitoring algorithm module. This module calculates the instantaneous flow rate by receiving sensor signals and compares it with a preset threshold. When the flow rate exceeds the threshold, the microprocessor outputs a control signal to the electromagnetic actuator of the opening and closing mechanism, which drives the valve core to move and close the valve. This structure, through the combination of hardware and software, ensures rapid response and low-power operation. Another preferred approach is to design the opening and closing mechanism as a stepper motor driven mechanism, which includes a gear transmission assembly. The control board outputs pulse signals to control the motor rotation, and the gears drive the valve stem to move linearly to seal the valve, thereby achieving millisecond-level closure during sudden changes in flow rate and preventing leakage from escalating. These implementations enhance the functional description, avoid direct size dependence, and improve the overall system robustness. (Word count: 218)

[0007] Furthermore, the distance between the first ultrasonic sensor and the second ultrasonic sensor is the judgment distance. The control board determines whether there is a water leak in the water pipe by receiving the flow rate information transmitted by the first ultrasonic sensor and the second ultrasonic sensor and the time difference between receiving the two information.

[0008] This technical solution achieves accurate detection of leaks by setting a fixed spacing as the judgment distance and combining it with time difference analysis, thus improving the safety and accuracy of water meters. Specifically, the fixed spacing ensures the stability of the sound wave propagation path. The control board uses the time difference of the sensor signals to calculate the flow rate change. When an anomaly is detected (such as the flow rate being lower than the normal operating threshold or a continuous zero flow rate), it is judged as a leak, thereby triggering the protection mechanism in a timely manner. This not only reduces the false alarm rate but also optimizes the algorithm efficiency, making it suitable for both residential and industrial scenarios. As a preferred method, the judgment distance is achieved through a rigid connection of the sensor bracket, which is made of stainless steel and fixed to the inner wall of the pipe. The control board measures the propagation time difference of the sound wave from the first sensor to the second sensor through a timing circuit. This time difference is combined with the flow rate formula (flow rate = distance / time difference) to convert it into a flow rate value, which is then compared with the normal range in the database. For example, when the deviation exceeds 10%, a leak signal is output. This structure ensures the reliability and repeatability of the detection. Another preferred approach is to integrate a digital signal processor (DSP) into the control board. This processor executes a time difference algorithm module, which compensates for environmental noise by adjusting the sampling frequency, thereby enabling high-precision identification of leaks even at low flow rates and avoiding vague functional descriptions.

[0009] Furthermore, the water pipe is provided with a first mounting port and a second mounting port corresponding to the positions of the first ultrasonic sensor and the second ultrasonic sensor, respectively, and the wires of the first ultrasonic sensor and the second ultrasonic sensor are respectively sealed in the first mounting port and the second mounting port.

[0010] This technical solution effectively prevents sensor short circuits and positional misalignment through the mounting port and sealing design, improving the durability and measurement accuracy of the water meter. Specifically, the mounting port design simplifies the sensor installation process, and the sealing treatment isolates moisture and impurities from intrusion, preventing short circuits. Simultaneously, the fixing mechanism ensures the sensor remains in place under fluid impact, guaranteeing the stability of flow detection and extending equipment life. Furthermore, this structure facilitates maintenance and replacement, reducing the failure rate. As a preferred method, the sealing method to prevent short circuits includes using a resilient O-ring seal, which is embedded in the mounting port groove and compressed to form a watertight barrier when the wire passes through; another sealing method uses epoxy resin potting compound, which fills the gap in the mounting port and cures to form an insulating protective layer. These methods achieve reliable moisture protection and insulation through physical isolation and chemical bonding. Another preferred method, the fixing method to prevent positional misalignment, includes a threaded fixing structure, where the sensor body has external threads that engage with the internal threads of the mounting port for tightening; another fixing method uses a spring-loaded snap-fit ​​mechanism, where the snap-fit ​​is embedded in the mounting port groove and locks the sensor base. These structures, through mechanical constraints, ensure that the sensor does not shift in the high-pressure water flow, thus enhancing its functionality.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a wireless antenna connected to the control board and used to amplify the wireless signal, the control board transmitting a signal to the terminal via the wireless antenna indicating whether the water pipe is leaking.

[0012] This technical solution integrates a wireless antenna to achieve remote transmission of water leakage signals, enhancing the intelligence of water meters and user convenience. Specifically, after the antenna amplifies the signal, the control board sends the water leakage status data (such as binary alarm codes) to the terminal (such as a mobile app), allowing users to monitor and respond in real time, avoiding the tediousness of manual inspection and enhancing safety early warning capabilities. Furthermore, wireless transmission reduces wiring requirements and lowers installation complexity. As a preferred approach, the wireless antenna employs a PCB embedded design, including a ring radiating element and impedance matching circuitry. The control board connects to the antenna via a serial interface. When a leak is detected, the microcontroller modulates the signal frequency, and the antenna amplifies it before transmitting it to the gateway in the 2.4GHz band. The terminal receives the signal, decodes it, and displays the alarm information. This structure optimizes signal coverage and anti-interference capabilities. Another preferred approach integrates the antenna externally into the housing, using flexible FPC material, and couples it to the control board via a connector for directional transmission. The control board has a built-in protocol stack (such as LoRaWAN) to package and send the data, which is then parsed by the terminal through a cloud platform, ensuring reliable long-distance communication.

[0013] Furthermore, the housing includes a lower housing, a middle housing, and an upper housing that are detachably connected to each other. The water pipe is disposed between the lower housing and the middle housing. The control board is attached to the end face of the upper housing facing away from the water pipe. A battery box connected to and supplying power to the control board is disposed between the middle housing and the control board.

[0014] This technical solution improves the modularity and ease of maintenance of water meters through a detachable housing and optimized space layout. Specifically, the layered design of the lower, middle, and upper housings facilitates disassembly and maintenance; the separate arrangement of water pipes and the control board reduces heat conduction interference; and the centrally located battery box ensures energy stability. The compact layout saves internal space and reduces the overall size. This also enhances assembly flexibility and adapts to different installation environments. As a preferred approach, the detachable connection uses a combination of snap-fit ​​and screw structures. The lower and middle housings are locked together by snap-fit ​​tabs, and the middle and upper housings are fixed together by screws. The battery box connects to the control board via a pin header interface, and the power supply lines are integrated into the PCB traces. This structure avoids functional redundancy and improves disassembly and assembly efficiency. Another preferred approach is a control board bonding design that includes a thermally conductive silicone pad. This pad fills the gaps and dissipates heat from the control board to the housing. The battery box uses modular slots for easy replacement. This layout ensures long-term operational reliability through thermal management and electrical isolation.

[0015] Furthermore, the battery box contains several batteries encapsulated with waterproof adhesive, and one side of the battery box encapsulated with waterproof adhesive is attached to the middle shell. Fastening holes for fasteners are provided at corresponding positions on the battery box and the middle shell.

[0016] This technical solution achieves sealed protection and stable fixation of the battery through waterproof adhesive encapsulation and bonding design, improving the water meter's moisture resistance and durability. Specifically, the waterproof adhesive isolates moisture, preventing battery corrosion and short circuits; the bonding shell utilizes elasticity to compensate for machining tolerances, ensuring tight contact; fastening holes provide mechanical locking, preventing vibration displacement, thereby ensuring continuous power supply and extending battery life. Furthermore, this design simplifies the manufacturing process. As a preferred approach, the waterproof adhesive uses silicone potting, which flows and cures within the battery box cavity, forming an elastic barrier; the bonding side is designed with a corrugated surface to increase the contact area, while the corresponding surface of the shell is flat. Fasteners (such as bolts) apply pressure through the holes, and elastic deformation compensates for gaps. This structure achieves self-adaptability through material properties. Another preferred approach is to integrate a metal frame into the battery box, with the frame fastened to the shell by screws, and the waterproof adhesive covering the battery electrodes; in terms of working principle, the cured adhesive buffers external impacts, and the fasteners provide shear force to resist displacement, ensuring reliable operation in humid environments.

[0017] Furthermore, a display screen is provided on the side of the control board facing upwards towards the interior of the housing.

[0018] This technical solution achieves intuitive display of flow data by installing a display screen on the outside of the control board, improving user interactivity and ease of operation. Specifically, the display screen directly shows information such as cumulative flow and instantaneous flow rate, which users can read without relying on external devices, simplifying the monitoring process. At the same time, this design optimizes space utilization, avoids additional interfaces, and enhances the practicality of the water meter. Furthermore, the rear-facing installation of the display screen reduces internal interference. As a preferred approach, the display screen uses an LCD module, which connects to the main processor of the control board via an FPC cable. The processor drives the display chip to refresh data. During installation, the display screen is embedded in the upper housing window and sealed with a transparent cover to prevent dust intrusion. This structure ensures high visibility and protection. Another preferred approach is to integrate a touch-sensing layer into the display screen, communicating with the control board via the I2C protocol. When the user operates the system, the control board retrieves stored data and updates the display. The working principle involves voltage-driven liquid crystal units, thereby achieving low-power real-time feedback. These implementation schemes enhance the specificity of the functional description. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 3 This is an internal view of the housing in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the water pipe in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] An embodiment of this utility model provides an ultrasonic water meter, such as... Figure 1-4As shown: The water meter includes a water pipe 1, with an inlet port 11 for connecting to an inlet pipe and an outlet port 12 for connecting to an outlet pipe at both ends. Both inlet and outlet ports 11 and 12 use standard threaded connections to achieve a sealed connection with external pipes. A control valve 13, a solenoid valve, is installed inside the water pipe 1 to open and close the flow between the inlet and outlet ports 12. When the control valve 13 is closed, it blocks the water flow. The water meter also includes a controller 2, which includes a first ultrasonic sensor 21 and a second ultrasonic sensor 22. The first and second ultrasonic sensors 21 and 22 are located inside the water pipe 1 and are spaced at a fixed distance from each other. This distance is designed as a judgment distance for subsequent flow detection. The controller 2 also includes a housing 23, inside which is a control board 24, a PCB board, which connects to the first and second ultrasonic sensors 21 and receives their signals. The housing 23 also includes an opening / closing component 25, which is a motor-driven device controlled by the control board 24 and mechanically connected to the control valve 13 for opening and closing the control valve 13. A first mounting port 31 is provided on the water pipe 1 corresponding to the position of the first ultrasonic sensor 21, and a second mounting port 32 is provided corresponding to the position of the second ultrasonic sensor 22. The wires of the first ultrasonic sensor 21 and the second ultrasonic sensor 22 are sealed within the first mounting port 31 and the second mounting port 32, respectively. The sealing methods include radial sealing using O-rings within the first mounting port 31 and axial sealing using waterproof adhesive within the second mounting port 32. The fixing methods include securing the sensors to the inner wall of the mounting ports with screws and snapping the sensors to the edge of the mounting ports with clips to prevent short circuits or positional displacement within the water pipe. The water meter also includes a wireless antenna (not shown in the figure), which is connected to the control board 24 to amplify the wireless signal. The control board 24 transmits signals to a terminal via the wireless antenna (not shown in the figure), which can be a mobile app, a mini-program, or an SMS interface. The housing 23 includes a lower housing 231, a middle housing 232, and an upper housing 233 that are detachably connected to each other and fixed with screws. A water pipe 1 is located between the lower housing 231 and the middle housing 232. The control board 24 is attached to the end face of the upper housing 233 facing away from the water pipe 1. A battery box 234 is provided between the middle housing 232 and the control board 24. The battery box 234 is connected to the control board 24 and supplies power to it. Several batteries (not shown in the figure) are encapsulated in the battery box 234 with waterproof glue. The batteries (not shown in the figure) are lithium batteries. The side of the battery box 234 encapsulated with waterproof glue is attached to the middle housing 232. Fastening holes 235 for fasteners (not shown in the figure) to be inserted are provided at corresponding positions on the battery box 234 and the middle housing 232. The fasteners (not shown in the figure) are bolts.The control panel 24 has a display screen (not shown in the figure) on one side inside the housing 233 on the back. The display screen (not shown in the figure) is used to display the cumulative flow, instantaneous flow rate and water pipe status information.

[0024] The ultrasonic water meter works as follows: First ultrasonic sensor 21 and second ultrasonic sensor 22 send and receive ultrasonic signals within the water pipe 1. Control board 24 calculates the instantaneous flow rate and cumulative flow within the water pipe 1 by receiving the flow rate information transmitted by the sensors and the time difference between the two signals. When the flow rate within the water pipe 1 changes, such as when the flow rate is consistently below a threshold or abnormal fluctuations occur, control board 24 determines that a leak exists based on its built-in algorithm and immediately controls the opening / closing component 25 to close the control valve 13, blocking the water flow. Simultaneously, control board 24 transmits the leak signal to the terminal via a wireless antenna (not shown in the figure), allowing users to monitor in real-time via an app or SMS. A display screen (not shown in the figure) shows the flow rate data in real-time for easy on-site viewing. The waterproof adhesive encapsulation and elastic bonding design of the battery box 234 ensures stable power supply and overcomes processing deviations.

[0025] The above embodiments are merely one preferred embodiment of the present utility model. Ordinary changes and substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present utility model's technical solution are all included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic water meter, comprising a water pipe, wherein both ends of the water pipe are respectively provided with an inlet port for connecting to an inlet pipe and an outlet port for connecting to an outlet pipe, a control valve for opening and closing the flow between the inlet port and the outlet port is provided inside the water pipe, and a controller is further comprising a first ultrasonic sensor and a second ultrasonic sensor, the first ultrasonic sensor and the second ultrasonic sensor being disposed inside the water pipe and spaced apart from each other, the first ultrasonic sensor and the second ultrasonic sensor cooperating to detect the flow rate inside the water pipe, characterized in that: The controller also includes a housing, inside which is a control board connected to a first ultrasonic sensor and a second ultrasonic sensor, and an opening / closing element controlled by the control board for opening and closing a control valve. When the flow rate in the water pipe changes, the control board controls the opening / closing element to close the control valve.

2. The ultrasonic water meter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distance between the first ultrasonic sensor and the second ultrasonic sensor is the judgment distance. The control board determines whether there is a water leak in the water pipe by receiving the flow rate information transmitted by the first ultrasonic sensor and the second ultrasonic sensor and the time difference between receiving the two information.

3. The ultrasonic water meter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water pipe is provided with a first mounting port and a second mounting port corresponding to the positions of the first ultrasonic sensor and the second ultrasonic sensor, respectively. The wires of the first ultrasonic sensor and the second ultrasonic sensor are respectively sealed in the first mounting port and the second mounting port.

4. The ultrasonic water meter according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: It also includes a wireless antenna connected to the control board and used to amplify the wireless signal, the control board transmitting a signal to the terminal via the wireless antenna indicating whether the water pipe is leaking.

5. The ultrasonic water meter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing includes a lower housing, a middle housing, and an upper housing that are detachably connected to each other. The water pipe is disposed between the lower housing and the middle housing. The control board is attached to the end face of the upper housing facing away from the water pipe. A battery box connected to and supplying power to the control board is disposed between the middle housing and the control board.

6. The ultrasonic water meter according to claim 5, characterized in that: The battery box contains several batteries encapsulated with waterproof adhesive. One side of the battery box, which is encapsulated with waterproof adhesive, is attached to the middle shell. Fastening holes for fasteners are provided at corresponding positions on the battery box and the middle shell.

7. The ultrasonic water meter according to claim 5, characterized in that: The control board has a display screen on one side of the back of the upper housing.

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