Calorimeter Remote Meter Reading With Failure-Aware Data Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional calorimeter systems require manual meter-reading, leading to inefficiencies in data transmission and increased potential for transmission errors, as well as difficulties in remote failure detection and management.

Innovation Solution

A remote meter-reading system that includes a calorimeter connected to a server via a network, allowing for the transmission of meter-reading data and enabling the correction of sensing data using reference values, thereby improving data transmission efficiency and facilitating remote failure detection and management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual meter-reading is performed by visiting each household, then complete meter-reading data can be obtained, but transmission efficiency is reduced and transmission errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidmeter-reading efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual meter-reading process with an automated electronic data transmission system. The calorimeter automatically transmits meter-reading data to the server via communication modules, eliminating the need for physical visits by meter-reading personnel. This substitution of mechanical processes with electronic automation directly improves both transmission efficiency and reduces human error in data collection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The calorimeter performs self-reading and self-transmission of meter-reading data without requiring external intervention. The device automatically collects data from its sensors, processes the information, and transmits it to the server system, enabling the system to serve itself in the data collection process and eliminating dependency on manual meter-reading operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If all meter-reading data is transmitted continuously, then complete information is available, but transmission efficiency decreases due to unnecessary data transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata completenessVSAvoidtransmission energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary processing of meter-reading data locally at the calorimeter before transmission. It pre-processes the data to identify only those readings that contain meaningful changes or anomalies, preparing a filtered dataset for transmission. This preliminary action at the source prevents unnecessary transmission of redundant data, reducing communication energy consumption while preserving all essential information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of data transmission from continuous full-data transmission to conditional selective transmission. The system monitors data parameters and only transmits when specific conditions are met (e.g., threshold exceedances, anomaly detection, or scheduled intervals with significant changes). This parameter-based filtering maintains data completeness for meaningful events while dramatically reducing overall transmission frequency and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If manual meter-reading is used, then failure detection requires physical inspection, but response time to failures is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefailure detection capabilityVSAvoidfailure response time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where the calorimeter automatically monitors its operational parameters and transmits status information to the server. The server can detect failures or anomalies in real-time through this feedback mechanism and immediately notify relevant personnel or initiate corrective actions, eliminating the delayed detection inherent in manual inspection schedules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical inspection mechanisms with electronic monitoring and automated failure detection systems. Sensors and communication modules continuously report device status, allowing remote detection of failures without requiring physical presence. This substitution enables immediate failure identification and response, dramatically reducing the time loss associated with manual inspection schedules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If remote meter-reading is implemented, then transmission efficiency improves, but data transmission errors may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeter-reading efficiencyVSAvoiddata transmission accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms for error detection and verification. The server can request re-transmission of suspicious data, and the calorimeter can verify data integrity before sending. This feedback loop ensures that even if transmission errors occur, they are detected and corrected, maintaining high data accuracy while preserving the efficiency benefits of automated remote reading.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements error prevention measures before transmission occurs. Data is validated and checked for integrity at the source before being sent over the communication channel. Checksum verification, data formatting validation, and conditional transmission protocols are applied in advance to cushion against potential transmission errors, ensuring that only verified accurate data is transmitted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP3096118B1Remote meter-reading calorimeter and operating method
Publication Date: 2019.01.09 KOREA INST OF ENERGY RES
  • EP3096118B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3096118B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3096118B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a remote meter-reading system which can improve transmission efficiency of meter-reading data meter-read by a calorimeter. The present invention provides a remote meter-reading system comprising: a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of fluid moving through piping; a calorimeter for measuring an amount of energy for cooling or heating on the basis of sensing data transferred from the temperature sensor to generate meter-reading data; and a server for receiving the meter-reading data from the calorimeter to calculate the amount of used energy for cooling or heating, wherein the calorimeter determines whether failure has occurred in itself, generates first meter-reading data when it is determined that the failure has not occurred, generates second meter-reading data different from the first meter-reading data when it is determined that the failure has occurred, and transmits the first and second meter-reading data to the server.