Compact Electric Meter Assembly with Removable Socket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy metering systems are bulky and difficult to integrate with existing infrastructure, making them inconvenient and costly for energy delivery and real-time consumption monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A compact electric meter assembly with a support platform, transformer, and a removable meter that includes a socket housing with a CT shunt and switch assembly, allowing for easy integration and secure mounting, along with a tamper-resistant seal and strap system for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional self-contained meters with mounting pedestals are used, then energy metering function is provided, but the system becomes bulky and difficult to integrate with existing infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional self-contained meter is divided into separate components: a mounting pedestal that interfaces with existing infrastructure and a meter unit that attaches to it. This segmentation allows the meter to be integrated into existing infrastructure without requiring a single bulky integrated unit, thereby reducing overall space requirements while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The metering function is extracted from the mounting structure, allowing the meter to be a separate attachable component rather than an integrated part of the pedestal. This extraction enables the system to adapt to existing infrastructure more easily and reduces the volume of any single component while maintaining the complete functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mounting pedestals are used, then meter support is provided, but the system becomes costly and difficult to integrate with adjoining systems
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting pedestal is designed with universal interface features that can accommodate different meter types and existing infrastructure configurations. This universality reduces integration difficulty with adjoining systems and lowers costs by eliminating the need for custom-built integration solutions for each installation scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system incorporates adjustable and configurable features that allow it to adapt dynamically to different installation environments and infrastructure types. This dynamic capability simplifies integration with various adjoining systems and reduces manufacturing costs by using a standardized platform that can be configured rather than custom-built for each application.
3Volume of stationary object
If a compact meter assembly is used, then space requirements are reduced, but secure mounting and tamper resistance must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The meter unit is designed to nest within or attach to the mounting pedestal structure, creating a compact integrated assembly that minimizes space requirements. The nested configuration allows secure mounting through interlocking features while maintaining a compact footprint that reduces space requirements compared to traditional side-by-side configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates rounded or curved mounting surfaces and attachment features that distribute mechanical stresses more evenly, enhancing the security of the mounting arrangement. The curved interfaces provide better contact surfaces for secure attachment while maintaining a compact overall form factor that reduces space requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables convenient and cost-effective integration with existing infrastructure for energy delivery and real-time monitoring, reducing space requirements and operational costs while ensuring safety and security.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one actuator shaft is supported within a spring in a plunger housing, and the spring is positioned in a cavity of the plunger housing and extends coupled to a contact of the at least one actuator shaft
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments include an electric meter assembly including a socket housing with a socket interface extending from a top side of the socket housing, and a removable or portable meter coupled to the socket interface. Further, the electric meter assembly includes at a strap coupled at one end to at least one side of the socket housing. The strap is configured and arranged to extend over at least a portion of the meter from one side of the socket to an opposite side of the socket. Some further embodiments include an electric meter assembly with a support platform including a coupled transformer and socket housing. The socket housing includes a socket interface extending from a top side of the socket housing, and a secondary housing enclosed within the socket housing. The secondary housing includes a CT shunt and a switch assembly including an actuator extending through the top side.