Consumption Data Device Mode Switching via Secondary Radio

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing consumption data recording devices face challenges in achieving energy efficiency and operational flexibility while minimizing maintenance intensity, particularly due to interference in SRD and ISM frequency ranges and the need for frequent battery-powered data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows switching between two operating modes using a second radio system with lower transmission frequency, enabling energy-efficient operation and flexible control of switch-on and switch-off times without on-site services, using a low-energy radio system for central control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If consumption data is transmitted frequently via SRD or ISM frequency bands to ensure operational reliability, then data transmission reliability is improved, but power consumption increases and maintenance intervals decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between two operating modes: a first mode with higher transmission frequency for reliable data collection, and a second mode with lower transmission frequency for energy conservation. The system dynamically transitions between these modes based on operational requirements, allowing it to optimize the trade-off between reliability and power consumption in real-time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic transmission cycles with varying frequencies. In the first operating mode, data is transmitted at higher frequency intervals to ensure reliable data collection. In the second operating mode, transmission frequency is reduced to conserve energy. This periodic variation in transmission frequency allows the system to maintain operational reliability when needed while reducing power consumption during normal operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If transmission frequency is increased to improve data collection efficiency, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts transmission frequency by switching between two operating modes. The first mode provides higher transmission frequency for improved data collection efficiency when productivity is prioritized, while the second mode reduces transmission frequency to conserve energy when efficiency requirements are lower

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission frequency parameter by implementing two distinct operating modes. The first mode uses a higher transmission frequency parameter to maximize data collection efficiency, while the second mode uses a lower transmission frequency parameter to reduce power consumption. This parameter variation allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If switch-on and switch-off times are programmed during production to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidoperational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the previously static switch-on and switch-off times dynamic by allowing remote modification of these parameters. The system can now adapt its operational schedule in real-time based on external signals, transitioning between fixed production-programmed schedules and flexible remotely-adjusted schedules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system receives external signals that provide feedback about optimal transmission times and schedules. Based on this feedback, the system remotely adjusts its switch-on and switch-off times to optimize both energy efficiency and adaptability to changing operational requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If more central transmitting units are deployed to ensure comprehensive communication coverage, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication coverageVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-functional communication approach where the consumption data recording device can operate with different transmission frequencies and modes. This universality allows a single device to communicate effectively with various central units regardless of their specific location or configuration, reducing the need for multiple specialized central transmitting units

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3639379B1Method and system for operating an electronic data-capturing device
Publication Date: 2024.04.17 DIEHL METERING SYSTEMS GMBH
  • EP3639379B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3639379B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3639379B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating an electronic consumption-data-capturing device (6), the consumption data being transferred wirelessly to a receiver by means of a first radio system (1), and, for the operation of the consumption-data-capturing device (6), a first operating mode (11) being provided, in which the consumption data are transferred by means of the first radio system (1), and a second operating mode (12) being provided, in which transmission occurs less often and/or which has lower receiving readiness in comparison with the first operating mode (11), and it being possible to switch between the first and second operating modes (11, 12), the switchover of the first and second operating modes (11, 12) occurring by means of a second radio system (2). The invention further relates to a consumption-data-capturing device, the communication module (14) of which has a radio apparatus (19) for a second radio system (2), by means of which second radio system the switchover of the first and second operating modes (11, 12) can be carried out.