Gas consumption monitoring device

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid consumption monitoring device for attachment to an outlet of a container containing pressurised fluid, such as liquefied petroleum gas. The device comprises an inlet for coupling to the container, an outlet for discharging fluid, and a mechanical pressure measuring means, preferably a Bourdon gauge, positioned in a flow path defined between the inlet and outlet of the device. A detector mechanism, including a reflector and optical sensor, converts the displacement of the pressure measuring element into an electronic signal representative of the measured pressure. At least one processor, in communication with a memory storage device, determines the weight of the fluid in the container based on the electronic signal.

Description

[0001] GAS CONSUMPTION MONITORING DEVICE

[0002] FILED OF INVENTION

[0003] THIS INVENTION is in the field of gas consumption monitoring devices. In particular devices for monitoring gas levels, gas consumption, and reporting on low gas levels for refill planning particularly but not exclusively where the fuel is liquefied petroleum gas.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] As a cooking fuel, liquefied petroleum gas is used in both residential (households) and commercial settings (hotels, restaurants & Institutions) and often stored in pressurized gas cylinders of varying sizes.

[0006] To use it however for cooking, a pressure regulator with a hose needs to be mounted on the liquefied petroleum gas cylinder & connected to the cook stove. The pressure regulator regulates gas flow ensuring a consistent flow rate of liquefied petroleum gas from the gas cylinder to the cook stove.

[0007] There are known pressure regulators that have a pressure gauge with a dial on it that moves along a scale / dial to indicate the pressure of the gas contained in the liquefied petroleum gas cylinder as well as regulate the flow of gas. With this type of design, a consumer can observe the pressure gauge to know if the gas level is running low in the liquefied petroleum gas cylinder. Unfortunately, a user would need to constantly engage with the pressure regulator to observe the pressure gauge and this adds on unnecessary work for users who conveniently want to access this information remotely and conveniently determine the amount of gas remaining in the gas cylinder.

[0008] There’s therefore a need for a device that simplifies gas level tracking, consumption monitoring, and refill planning in liquefied petroleum gas cylinders.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a pressurized fluid consumption monitoring device for fitting to an outlet of a container containing pressurized fluid, the fluid consumption monitoring device being arranged to monitor the pressure and determine the amount of the fluid in the container, wherein the fluid consumption monitoring device comprising: an inlet for coupling to an outlet of the container which is configured in the open position in use; an outlet for discharging pressurized fluid from the container; a mechanical pressure measuring means located in a flow path defined between the inlet and outlet of the device, the mechanical pressure measuring means being physically displaceable, by the pressure of the fluid, between a first configuration corresponding to a first pressure value of the fluid in the container and a second configuration corresponding to a second pressure value of the fluid in the container; a detector mechanism in communication with the mechanical pressure measuring means for detecting the positional displacement of the mechanical pressure means; at least one processor and at least one memory storage device in communication with the at least one processor, wherein the at least one memory storage device comprising instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the processor to determine the amount of fluid in the container based on the detected position of the mechanical pressure means.

[0011] The mechanical pressure measuring means may comprise a deformable member that is displaceable between a first configuration when exposed to a first pressure value and a second configuration when exposed to a second pressure value, the mechanical pressure means further comprising a pointer member connected to the deformable member, the pointer member being displaceable (rotatable about an axis on a dial) in response to the displacement of the deformable member, wherein the positioning of the pointer member corresponds to a pressure of the pressurized fluid inside the container.

[0012] The detector mechanism may comprise a reflector member connected to the pointer member and arranged to be displaced in tandem with the pointer member.

[0013] The detector mechanism may further comprise a position detector means for detecting the position of the reflector member, wherein the position of the reflector member corresponds to a pressure of the fluid inside the container.

[0014] Accordingly, the position detector means of the detector mechanism may comprise a light emitting means that is arranged to emit suitable light, in particular infrared light. The light emitting means may be arranged adjacent to the pointer member, in particular may be spaced above the pointer member but arranged such that it faces a surface of the reflector member (i.e. , arranged horizontally with respect to the upright reflector member and configured to face the reflector member) in use, so that the incident radiation from the light emitting means engages with the surface of the reflector member.

[0015] The surface of the reflector member may be curved, in particular the surface facing the light emitting means may be convex.

[0016] The detector mechanism may comprise a light receiving means, such as a sensor, for example a radiation detector or optical sensor for detecting light backscattered from the reflector member.

[0017] The radiation detector or optical sensor may be arranged to receive the backscattered light from the reflector member and generate a suitable signal, for example an electric or digital signal, in particular an electronic signal, more in particular a voltage / current signal corresponding to the light intensity of the backscattered light based on the position of the reflector member.

[0018] The detector mechanism or the fluid consumption monitoring device may comprise a current-voltage converter such as a transimpedance amplifier for converting the current signal to a voltage signal.

[0019] The memory storage device or the fluid consumption monitoring device may contain a database that contains a plurality of prestored voltage signals or electronic signals corresponding to pressure values of the pressurized fluid associated with the position of the reflector member in response to the displacement of the pointer member as a result of the displacement of the deformable member, wherein each predefined voltage signal is further associated with the amount of fluid (i.e., weight / level) of the pressurized fluid contained in the container, wherein the amount of fluid contained in the container is determined based on one or more of the pressure exerted by the fluid on the mechanical pressure measuring means, volume of the container and the properties of the fluid.

[0020] In another embodiment, the fluid consumption monitoring device may be in communication with a remote database by a network. The database may contain a plurality of prestored voltage signals or electronic signals corresponding to pressure values of the pressurized fluid associated with the position of the reflector member, wherein each predefined voltage signal is further associated with the amount of fluid of the pressurized fluid contained in the container, wherein the amount of fluid contained in the container is determined based on one or more of the pressure exerted by the pressurized fluid on the mechanical pressure measuring means, volume of the container and the properties of the fluid.

[0021] The memory device may contain suitable instructions for converting the measured pressure of the pressurized fluid in the container into weight.

[0022] The at least one processor is arranged to receive the voltage signal corresponding to the backscattered light; match the received voltage signal with a corresponding pre-stored voltage signal stored in the database; and output the amount of fluid (i.e. , weight and / or level) of the pressurized fluid contained in the container.

[0023] The fluid consumption monitoring device may comprise a display for displaying the weight of the pressurized fluid in real time or substantially in real time.

[0024] The fluid consumption monitoring device may comprise a pressure regulator for regulating the flow of fluid dispensed by the container. The mechanical pressure measuring means may be connected to the pressure regulator.

[0025] The fluid consumption monitoring device may further comprise a main housing enclosing the mechanical pressure measuring means, detector mechanism, the at least one processor, the at least one memory device and partially enclosing the pressure regulator such that a discharge port of the pressure regulator partially protrudes from the housing.

[0026] The fluid consumption monitoring device may further comprise a secondary housing for housing the mechanical pressure measuring means and the detector mechanism. The secondary housing may be a sensor housing and may be a black housing.

[0027] The fluid consumption monitoring device may further comprise a power means for providing power to, inter alia, the detector mechanism, current-voltage converter means, the at least one processor and the at least one memory storage device.

[0028] The fluid consumption monitoring device may further comprise a wireless communication module arranged to communicate, via a communication network, and display the amount of pressurized fluid contained in the container to a terminal device of a person associated with the container and / or terminal device associated with a supplier responsible for replenishing the fluid in the container or exchanging the empty container with a refilled container containing pressurized fluid.

[0029] The communication module may further comprise a GSM module or a cellular network modem arranged to communicate the amount of the pressurized fluid remaining in the container to the terminal device, for example by way of a short messaging system.

[0030] The container may be a gas cylinder.

[0031] The pressurized fluid may be pressurized gas, for example liquefied petroleum gas. The mechanical pressure measuring means may be a Bourdon gauge. Accordingly, the deformable member may be a Bourdon tube.

[0032] The reflector member may comprise a curved body to provide a high surface area for interacting with incident light from the light emitting means.

[0033] The curved body may have a light reflecting surface which may be a white surface or a shiny metallic surface, wherein the shiny metallic surface may comprise or essentially consist of aluminium or silver.

[0034] The fluid consumption device may have a drainage opening which may be in communication with a channel arranged to accommodate the power means. The drainage opening may be configured to discharge water ingress in the housing.

[0035] The fluid consumption device may comprise a tap detection means arranged to trigger an event, like sending measured gas value data to the terminal device or displaying the same on the display, when the housing is tapped a predetermined number of times in a predefined period, for example two successive taps. The tap detection means may comprise an accelerometer / vibration sensor.

[0036] The fluid consumption device may comprise an ignition lever position sensor, such as a magnetic sensor, to detect whether the ignition lever is in a first position corresponding to an “on-state” or second position corresponding to an “off-state”.

[0037] The fluid consumption device may comprise a battery detection means arranged to detect if the battery is connected or not. The battery detection means may include a battery position sensor, such as a magnetic sensor.

[0038] The fluid consumption device may comprise an anti-tamper detection means arranged to detect when the device is tampered with. The anti-tamper detection means may include a position sensor, such as a magnetic sensor, arranged to detect when the housing is disassembled.

[0039] The fluid consumption device may comprise a connection detection means arranged to detect whether the device is mounted or fitted adequately on the container and when the device is dismounted from the container. The connection detection means may be in the form of a vibrator motor and accelerometer / vibration sensor fitted in the housing to determine a change in vibration when the device is mounted or dismounted from the container.

[0040] The fluid consumption device may comprise indicator means which may be in the form of lights, in particular LED lights to display, for example flicker or blink for a predetermined period, when an event occurs, wherein the event may include the housing being tapped twice for example; the housing being tampered with; the ignition lever being displaced between on and off states; the battery being connected or disconnected; and the device being mounted or dismounted from the container. The indicator means may have different colours representative of each event.

[0041] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer readable storage device comprising instructions, which when executed by one or more processors of a computer are arranged to determine the weight of pressurized fluid contained in a container based on a signal provided by a detector mechanism of a fluid consumption monitoring device as herein before described.

[0042] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0043] The objects of this invention and the manner of obtaining them, will become more apparent, and the invention itself will be better understood, by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, wherein:

[0044] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a gas monitoring device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0045] Figure 2 shows a rear perspective view of gas monitoring device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0046] Figure 3 shows a top-side perspective view of a gas regulator of the gas monitoring device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0047] Figure 4 shows a top view of an assembly of a gas regulator and bourdon gauge of the gas monitoring device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0048] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an assembly of a gas regulator and bourdon gauge of the gas monitoring device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0049] Figure 6 shows a bottom perspective view of an assembly of a gas regulator and bourdon gauge of the gas monitoring device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0050] Figure 7 shows part of a sensor housing of the gas monitoring device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0051] Figure 8 shows a sensor of a detection mechanism of the gas monitoring device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0052] Figure 9 shows a reflector member of a detection mechanism attached to a pointer member of a pressure gauge of the gas monitoring device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, as well as the sensor arranged relative to the reflector member, in use; and

[0053] Figure 10 shows a gas cylinder and the gas monitoring device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0054] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT

[0055] The following description of the invention is provided as an enabling teaching of the invention. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognise that many changes can be made to the embodiment described, while still attaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present invention can be attained by selecting some of the features of the present invention without utilising other features. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognise that modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present invention. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not a limitation thereof.

[0056] It will be appreciated that the phrase “for example,” “such as”, and variants thereof describe non-limiting embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. Reference in the specification to “one example embodiment”, “another example embodiment”, “some example embodiment”, or variants thereof means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment(s) is included in at least one embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. Thus, the use of the phrase “one example embodiment”, “another example embodiment”, “some example embodiment”, or variants thereof does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s).

[0057] Unless otherwise stated, some features of the subject matter described herein, which are, described in the context of separate embodiments for purposes of clarity, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Similarly, various features of the subject matter disclosed herein which are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

[0058] As can be seen in Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings, there is provided a fluid, in particular a gas consumption monitoring device (i.e. , a smart gas meter) designated generally by reference numeral 10. The gas consumption monitoring device 10 comprises a housing 12 which houses a gas regulator, detector mechanism, mechanical pressure measuring means, suitable circuitry and a powering means which are described in more detail below.

[0059] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the gas consumption monitoring device 10 includes a L-shaped housing 12 having a top cover 14, an upright rear wall 16, a side wall 18, and a bottom cover 20 fitted to the bottom of the upright rear wall 16. The side wall 18 and rear wall 16 define openings 22 through which retaining lugs 102 extend and which lugs 102 are arranged to retain a holder member 90 onto the housing 12. The housing 12 defines an elongate, upright channel 24 which is arranged to accommodate a battery casing 30 which will be described in more detail further below. The sidewall 18 defines a switch opening 26 for accommodating an electromechanical switch 126. It is envisaged that the electromechanical switch 126 may be substituted with a touch sensor which may be arranged to perform at least some of the functions of the electromechanical switch 126.

[0060] The device 10 further comprises a power means 28 comprising the battery casing 30 which defines a battery channel 32 for accommodating a rechargeable battery 34. An upper face 36 of the battery casing 30 has a charging port 38 configured for charging the rechargeable battery through a suitable charging cable (not shown). The battery casing 30 has a power module 40 and a pair of contact plates or pins 42, 44 fitted externally on a lower face 46 of the battery casing 30. The lower face 46 of the casing 30 may be a conductive surface to allow for the battery to be electrically coupled to the contact plates or pins 42, 44.

[0061] The device 10 further comprises a microcontroller unit 48 comprising a processor 50 and a memory device 52 in communication with the processor 50. The processor 50 may be one or more processors in the form of programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform actions by operating on input data and generating an output. The processor 50, as well as any computing device referred to herein, may be any kind of electronic device with data processing capabilities including, by way of non-limiting example, a general processor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other electronic computing device comprising one or more processors of any kind, or any combination thereof. For brevity, steps described as being performed by the device 10 may be steps which are partly / fully performed by the processor 50 and vice versa unless otherwise indicated. It will be appreciated that the memory device 52 may be in the form of computer- readable medium including system memory and including random access memory (RAM) devices, cache memories, non-volatile or back-up memories such as programmable or flash memories, read-only memories (ROM), etc. In addition, the memory device 52 may be considered to include memory storage physically located elsewhere in the device 10, e.g. any cache memory in the processor 50 as well as any storage capacity used as a virtual memory, e.g., as stored on a mass storage device.

[0062] It will be appreciated that the computer programs executable by the processor 50 may be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative or procedural languages, and can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, object, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. The computer program may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. The program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a mark-up language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub-programs, or portions of code).

[0063] The computer programs may be stored in the memory device 52 or in memory provided in the processor 50. Though not illustrated or discussed herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the field of the invention that the device 10 may comprise a plurality of logic components 54, electronics 56, driver circuits 58, peripheral devices, etc., not described herein for brevity.

[0064] The microcontroller unit 48, processor 50, memory device 52, a plurality of logic components 54, electronics 56, driver circuits 58 are fitted in an electronics holder 60 which has compartments dedicated for holding each of the microcontroller unit 48, processor 50, memory device 52, a plurality of logic components 54, electronics 56, and driver circuits 58. The electronics holder 60 comprises a recessed opening (not shown) at the bottom thereof which is arranged to receive a cylindrical member 65 protruding from an upper surface of a regulator 62 to retain the holder 60 in position on the regulator 62.

[0065] Although not shown, the pair of contact plates or pins 42, 44 of the power means 28 are arranged to provide power to the microcontroller unit 48, processor 50, memory device 52, a plurality of logic components 54, electronics 56, driver circuits 58 via a suitable connection. The contact plates or pins 42, 44 are arranged at the bottom of the battery casing 30, away from the charging port, to ensure that any water ingress through the housing from the top wall 14 does not reach the contact plates or pins 42, 44 thereby protecting the electronics inside the housing 12. As a safety measure, the housing 12 includes a drainage opening (not shown) on the bottom cover 20 which is in fluid communication with the elongate channel 24 of the housing and arrange for discharging water ingress inside the housing 12.

[0066] The device 10 further comprises a mechanical pressure measuring means 68 in the form of a bourdon gauge 68 which includes a cylindrical body 72, a circular upper face 74, and a bourdon gauge pointer 76 which is connected to a bourdon tube (not shown) via a suitable linkage (not shown) and arranged to rotate on the upper face 74 about an axis (not shown). The internal surface of the bourdon gauge 68 is generally painted in black. This black internal surface serves a function in the operation of the device's gas level sensing mechanism as will be described below. The device 10 further comprises a regulator 62 comprising a regulator body 64 and a bonnet 84 fitted on top of the regulator body 64. The regulator 62 has an outlet 66 which is fitted to an inlet 70 of the mechanical pressure measuring means 68.

[0067] As shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6, the regulator 62 further comprises an outlet nozzle 78, ignition lever 80, locking button 82, locking collar 86, and a regulator valve 88. The valve 88 within the regulator 62 controls the flow of gas from the container 128 to the outlet nozzle 78 as well as opening 78 of the mechanical pressure means 68. By adjusting the valve 88, the regulator 62 may maintain a constant output pressure which may help ensure safe and consistent gas supply to the connected appliance. The mechanical pressure means 68 is arranged to receive pressure from the container substantially in real time despite any output pressure variations.

[0068] The regulator 62 serves as an interface between the gas cylinder 128 and a consumer gas cooker unit (not shown), providing regulated gas flow. The bourdon gauge 68 is coupled to or integrated into the regulator 62 and measures the internal gas pressure of the container.

[0069] As mentioned above, the bourdon gauge 68 comprises a deformable member (i.e. , a bourdon tube) and a pointer member 76 connected to the deformable member by a suitable linkage member (not shown). The bourdon tube (not shown) tends to straighten out / bend when pressure is applied to it inside the container. This movement is translated into rotary motion of the pointer member 76 over a calibrated scale allowing for pressure measurement.

[0070] The device 10 comprises a support / holder member 90, as shown in Figure 1 , having a first support portion 92 having a pair of outwardly curved, arc-shaped members 94, 96 and an inner curved central member 98 which are shaped and sized to accommodate the regulator body 64. The support member 90 further comprises a second support portion 100 which is shaped and sized to accommodate the body 72 of the mechanical pressure measuring means 68. Each of the outwardly curved members 94, 96 and the second support portion 100 comprises retaining lugs 102 respectively which are arranged to be accommodated in the lug openings 22 defined by the housing 12 as described above.

[0071] The device 10 further comprises a detection mechanism 104 comprising a hollow sensor housing 106 which includes a collar shaped portion 108 (as shown in Figure 7) and a top cover 110 fitted on the collar shaped portion 108, as shown in Figure 1. The collar shaped portion 108 defines an opening 111 on a side thereof through which the detector mechanism 104 which comprises the position detector means 112 is fitted. The position detector means 112 as shown in Figure 8, comprises a position detector body 114 fitted with a light emitter 116 at a front of the position detector body 114 for emitting suitable light such as infrared light, a light receiving means (i.e., a sensor) 118 fitted at the front of the position detector body 114, a protruding member 120 separating the light emitter 116 and light receiving means 118, and power connecting pins 122 protruding from the rear of the position detector body 114, wherein the power connecting pins 122 are arranged to be in communication with the power means 28. The light emitter 116 may be connected to a resistor (not shown) such as a light dependent resistor (LDR), while the light receiving means 118 may be connected to another resistor (not shown) such as a light dependent resistor (LDR). These resistors (not shown) may interface the light emitter 116 and light receiving means 118 with a microcontroller unit 48.

[0072] The detector mechanism 104 further comprises a curved reflector member 124 which is attached to the bourdon gauge pointer member 76 and arranged upright on the pointer member 76 thus providing a reflective surface for the light receiving means 118. In use, as shown in Figure 9, the sensor housing body 106 along with the top cover 110 covers the entire bourdon gauge 68, with the light position detector means 112 positioned horizontally facing the convex side of a curved member 124, as shown in Figure 9. The position detector means 112 is positioned to detect the position of the reflector member 124 as it moves in tandem (i.e. , along with) the pointer member 76.

[0073] The reflector member 124 as shown in the Figures 1 and 9, has a convex outer face and concave inner face. The reflector member is painted in white or may have a shiny aluminium surface or may have a surface that allows for greater reflection of light, in particular infrared light. The black internal surface of the bourdon gauge 68 may provide a contrasting background for the curved member 124 that is attached to the bourdon gauge pointer member 76. This contrast is arranged to enhance the reflection of light from the curved reflector member 124, which may be useful for the operation of the position detector means 112 used to detect the position of the reflector member 124 that is mounted on the pointer member 76 and, consequently, facilitate the measuring of the amount of fluid in the container. The light emitter 116 of the position detector means 112 is configured to emit infrared light towards the convex side of the curved member 124. When the emitted infrared light engages with the curved member's convex surface, the light is reflected back to the light receiving means 118 of the position detector means 112. This reflection may be facilitated by the black paint on the bourdon gauge's internal surface, which may help ensure that light hitting the curved member 124 is concentrated back to the light receiving means 118.

[0074] As cooking gas is consumed, the position of the curved member 124 is displaced along the dial with the pointer member 76 about the axis (not shown) of the bourdon gauge 68. The change in position results in different levels of reflected light, which are detected by the light receiving means 118 and registered as different voltage levels, in particular electronic signals, by the microcontroller unit 48. These voltage levels, each corresponding to a pressure inside the container, are then converted to gas quantity measurements by an algorithm running in the microcontroller unit 48.

[0075] In some examples, the curved member 124 may be white in colour and may have a convex surface facing outward from the bourdon gauge 14. This convex surface is designed to reflect light emitted by a position detector means 112 (see arrow A in Figure 9 which shows emitted light, in contrast to arrow B which shows backscattered, received light) back towards the position detector means 112. As gas is consumed, the bourdon gauge pointer member 76 moves (either through bending / straightening of the bourdon tube (not shown)), thus causing the position of the curved member 124 to change relative to the position detector means 112. This movement results in changes to the reflected light detected by the position detector means 112, allowing for measurement of gas consumption.

[0076] The curved shape and white colour of the curved member 12 enhances its ability to reflect light effectively across different positions as the bourdon gauge pointer member 76 moves. By attaching the curved member 124 directly on top of the bourdon gauge pointer member 76 and arranging it in the upright position, the device 10 is able to track the movement of the bourdon gauge's pointer member 76 and thus monitor the gas level / weight inside the container.

[0077] The device 10 may comprise a QR code holder (not shown) which may be incorporated into the design of the consumption monitoring device, in particular the QR code holder may be mounted externally on one of the walls 14, 16, 18 of the housing 12. The QR code holder (not shown) may allow for the placement of a QR code, which may be used for device identification, accessing device information, or other purposes related to the operation and management of the consumption monitoring device.

[0078] Further in use, the microcontroller unit 48 may also monitor the battery level of the device 10 and control power distribution to other components. For example, the microcontroller unit 48 can control the electromechanical switch 126, mentioned above, to provide power to the communication module (not shown) of the device 10 only when data transmission is required, which may help conserve battery life.

[0079] In an embodiment of the invention, the microcontroller unit 48 may be connected to a tap detection mechanism (not shown) which comprises a vibration sensor (not shown) which is configured to detect when the device 10 is being tapped a predetermined amount of times in a predefined period by a user, and from sensing the tapping, the microcontroller unit 48 may activate the power means 28 and transmit the gas level data via the communication module. The microcontroller unit 48 may also transmit an alert / message to a terminal device in communication with the gas consumption device 10 via the communication module to indicate the pressurized gas level inside the container.

[0080] In another embodiment, the microcontroller unit 46 may be in communication with an ignition lever position sensor, such as a magnetic sensor, to detect whether the ignition lever is in a first position corresponding to an “on-state” or second position corresponding to an “off-state” of the device 10, and accordingly cause an indicator means (not shown), which serves as a visual indicator mounted to the device 10 and observable by a user, to activate by flickering or blinking a predetermined number of times and for a predefined period, and the microcontroller unit 48 may transmit an alert to a terminal device in communication with the gas consumption device 10 via the communication module to report whether the ignition lever 80 is in an on or off state.

[0081] In another embodiment, the microcontroller unit 48 may be in communication with a battery detection means (not shown) arranged to detect if the battery 34 is connected and in communication with the contact plates or pins 44, 46 and the microcontroller unit 48 may accordingly cause the indicator means (not shown) of the device 10 to activate by flickering or blinking a predetermined number of times and for a predefined period. The microcontroller unit 48 may also transmit an alert / message to a terminal device in communication with the gas consumption device 10 via the communication module to indicate whether the battery is connected to the contact plates or pins 44, 46.

[0082] In another embodiment, the fluid consumption device 10 may comprise an antitamper detection means (not shown) arranged to detect when the device 10 is tampered with. The anti-tamper detection means (not shown) may include a position sensor, such as a magnetic sensor, arranged to detect when the housing 12 is disassembled. The microcontroller unit 48 may accordingly cause indicator means (not shown) of the device 10 to activate by flickering or blinking a predetermined number of times and for a predefined period when the device 10 is tampered with. The microcontroller unit 48 may also transmit an alert to a terminal device in communication with the gas consumption device 10 via the communication module to report on the tampering of the device 10.

[0083] The fluid consumption device may comprise a connection detection means (not shown) arranged to detect whether the gas consumption device 10 is mounted or fitted adequately on the container. The connection detection means (not shown) may be in the form of a vibrator motor and accelerometer / vibration sensor fitted in the housing 12 to determine a change in vibration when the device 10 is mounted or dismounted from the container.

[0084] The communication module (not shown) may be responsible for transmitting the processed gas level data and provide alerts as mentioned above to a remote server (not shown). The communication module (not shown) may communicate with the microcontroller unit 48 via a communication protocol. When the microcontroller unit 48 determines that data should be transmitted, it may activate the communication module (not shown) through the electromechanical switch 126 and send the data.

[0085] The communication module (not shown) may then transmit the gas level data and / or alerts to a cloud server using a suitable communication protocol. This may allow the gas level information to be stored remotely and accessed by consumers through an accompanying web platform / mobile application.

[0086] The power module 40 of the gas consumption monitoring device 10 may include several components that work together to manage energy and power distribution. A charging module (not shown) may be provided for charging the rechargeable battery 34 when connected to a suitable power source. The battery 34 may be connected to a boost converter (not shown) fitted in the housing 12, which may boost the voltage to a level suitable for powering the microcontroller 48 and other electronic components.

[0087] The electromechanical switch 126 may be incorporated into or coupled to the power module 40 to control power distribution. The electromechanical switch 126 may be connected between the battery 34 and the communication module (not shown). This switch may be controlled by the microcontroller unit 48 to selectively provide power to the communication module (not shown) only when data transmission is required. By limiting power to the communication module (not shown) when not in use, the device 10 may conserve energy and extend battery life.

[0088] The microcontroller unit 48 may monitor the battery level to determine when recharging is necessary. This monitoring may help ensure continuous operation of the consumption monitoring device by alerting users when the battery needs to be recharged. The microcontroller 48 may accordingly transmit a suitable alert to the terminal device (not shown) to inform the user associated with the container about the battery life and when the battery 34 should be charged.

[0089] As illustrated in Figure 10, the gas consumption monitoring device 10 is configured to be installed and mounted on a container, i.e. , gas cylinder 128 through a series of steps. To begin the installation process, a user may press a locking button 82 on the gas consumption monitoring device 10. This action may prepare the device for mounting onto the gas cylinder 128.

[0090] After pressing the locking button 82, the user may position the consumption monitoring device 10 onto the valve head 130 of the gas cylinder 128 such that the valve or connecting port 88 of the device 10 is in fluid communication with the valve head 130 of the gas cylinder. Once the device 10 is properly positioned, the user may release the locking button 22. This release may allow the consumption monitoring device 10 to grasp the valve head 130 of the gas cylinder 128, ensuring a connection.

[0091] Following the mounting of the device 10, a hose / conduit (not shown) from the gas cooker unit may be connected to an outlet nozzle 78 of the gas consumption monitoring device 10. This connection may establish the pathway for gas flow from the cylinder 128 through the device 10 to the cooking unit. To initiate gas flow, an ignition lever 80 on the consumption monitoring device 10 may be turned. This action may allow gas to flow from the gas cylinder 128 along a flow path defined through an inlet end (provided by the valve / connecting port 88) and outlet nozzle 78 of the consumption monitoring device 10 and to the gas cooker (not shown) unit for cooking purposes.

[0092] When installed and mounted, the gas consumption monitoring device 10 is arranged to track the gas level in the gas cylinder 128 and transmit this data to the server which may be in the form of a cloud-based system (not shown). This data may then be accessed by the consumer through an accompanying web platform / mobile application, providing information about gas consumption and remaining levels.

[0093] While the invention has been described in detail with respect to a specific embodiment and / or example thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily conceive of alterations to, variations of and equivalents to these embodiments.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A fluid consumption monitoring device for fitting to an outlet of a container containing pressurized fluid, the fluid consumption monitoring device being arranged to monitor the amount of pressurized fluid in the container, wherein the fluid consumption monitoring device comprising: an inlet for coupling to an outlet of the container which is configured in the open position in use; an outlet for discharging the fluid from the container; a mechanical pressure measuring means located in a flow path defined between the inlet and outlet of the device, the mechanical pressure measuring means being physically displaceable between a first position corresponding to a first pressure value of the fluid in the container and a second position corresponding to a second pressure value of the fluid in the container; a detector mechanism in communication with the mechanical pressure measuring means for detecting the positional displacement of the mechanical pressure measuring means; at least one processor and at least one memory storage device in communication with the at least one processor, wherein the at least one memory storage device comprising instructions which, when executed by the processor, causes the at least one processor to determine the amount of fluid contained in the container based on the detected position of the mechanical pressure means.

2. The fluid consumption monitoring device according to claim 1 , wherein the mechanical pressure measuring means comprises a deformable member that isphysically displaceable between a first configuration when exposed to a first pressure value corresponding to an internal pressure of the fluid inside the container, and a second configuration when exposed to a second pressure value, wherein the mechanical pressure measuring means further comprises a pointer member connected to the deformable member, wherein the pointer member being displaceable in response to the displacement of the deformable member, wherein the displacement of the pointer member corresponds to a pressure value corresponding to the pressure of the fluid inside the container.

3. The fluid consumption monitoring device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the detector mechanism comprises a reflector member connected to the pointer member and arranged to be displaced in tandem with the pointer member.

4. The fluid consumption monitoring device according to claim 3, wherein the detector mechanism further comprises a position detector means for detecting the position of the reflector member, wherein the position of the reflector member corresponds to the pressure of the fluid inside the container.

5. The fluid consumption monitoring device according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the detector mechanism comprises a light emitting means that is arranged to emit suitable light, in particular infrared light, wherein the light emitting means is arranged such that incident radiation from the light emitting means engages with the surface of the reflector member, in use.

6. The fluid consumption monitoring device according to claim 5, wherein a surface of the reflector member facing the light emitting means is curved.

7. The fluid consumption monitoring device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the detector mechanism comprises a light receiving sensor for detecting lightbackscattered from the reflector member, wherein the light receiving sensor is arranged to receive backscattered light from the reflector member and generate an electronic signal corresponding to the light intensity of the backscattered light which corresponds to the position of the reflector member.

8. The fluid consumption monitoring device according to claim 7, wherein the memory storage device includes a database that contains a plurality of prestored electronic signals corresponding to pressure values of the pressurized fluid associated with the position of the reflector member in response to the displacement of the pointer member, wherein each prestored electronic signal is further associated with an amount of the pressurized fluid contained in the container, wherein the amount of pressurized fluid contained in the container is determined based on one or more of the pressure exerted by the fluid on the mechanical pressure measuring means, volume of the container and the properties of the fluid.

9. The fluid consumption monitoring device according to claim 7, wherein the fluid consumption monitoring device is in communication with a remote database by a communication network, wherein the database contains a plurality of prestored electronic signals corresponding to pressure values of the pressurized fluid associated with the position of the reflector member, wherein each prestored electronical signal is further associated with an amount of the pressurized fluid contained in the container, wherein the amount of the pressurized fluid contained in the container is determined based on one or more of the pressure exerted by the fluid on the mechanical pressure measuring means, volume of the container and the properties of the fluid.

10. The fluid consumption monitoring device according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the at least one processor is arranged to:receive the electronic signal corresponding to the intensity of the backscattered light; match the received electronic signal with a corresponding pre-stored electronic signal stored in the database; and output the amount of the pressurized fluid contained in the container.

11. The fluid consumption monitoring device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a display for displaying the amount of pressurized fluid contained in the container in real time or substantially in real time.

12. The fluid consumption monitoring device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a pressure regulator.

13. The fluid consumption monitoring device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a wireless communication module arranged to communicate via a communication network, and display the amount of pressurized fluid contained in the container, to a terminal device of a person associated with the container and / or terminal device associated with a supplier dedicated for replenishing the fluid or exchanging the container with a refilled container containing pressurized fluid.

14. The fluid consumption monitoring device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressurized fluid is pressurized gas, in particular liquefied petroleum gas.

15. The fluid consumption monitoring device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanical pressure measuring means is a Bourdon gauge.

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