Universal Counter Module Adaptor for Rotary Gas Meters
Solution Overview
Problem
Electronically compensated gas meters often fail due to power loss, faulty components, or vandalism, leading to disputes between gas providers and consumers, as they may not accurately record gas volume due to density fluctuations, requiring a reliable backup measurement system.
Innovation Solution
A universal apparatus and backup counter module that can be used with various gas meter bodies, featuring a housing with adjustable engagement features and a mechanical counter module, allowing the same parts to be used across different models and sizes, and incorporating a magnetic sensor for indirect rotation sensing, providing a mechanical backup for electronic counter modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical counter module is provided for each different size and/or model of gas meter body, then the counter module can be specifically adapted to each meter body, but the number of different mechanical counter modules and housings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with multiple sets of engagement features that can accommodate different sizes and models of gas meter bodies. A single housing design can be used across multiple meter body types by selectively engaging different sets of engagement features, eliminating the need for multiple specialized housing designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement features are divided into multiple sets that can be independently engaged or disengaged. This segmentation allows the same housing to be adapted to different gas meter configurations by selecting which set of engagement features to activate, providing versatility without requiring multiple complete housing designs.
2Measurement precision
If electronically compensated gas meters are used to accurately measure gas volume, then measurement precision is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to power loss, faulty electronic components, and vandalism
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical counter module is installed as a backup system before electronic failures occur. This mechanical counter serves as a predetermined safeguard against power loss, electronic component failures, or vandalism of the electronic system, ensuring continuous measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical counter module acts as an intermediary backup system that can take over measurement functions when the electronic system fails. It provides a fallback measurement mechanism that is independent of electronic components, power supply, and software.
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 accurate gas volume measurement by reducing the need for multiple mechanical counter modules and housings, ensuring reliable backup recording and minimizing disputes between gas providers and consumers.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic sensor mounted outside the pressure body of the gas meter. The sensor then transfers a signal to the electronic recording device
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use with a backup counter module, the apparatus having: a housing having a first end for coupling the housing to a gas meter body, and a second end for coupling an electronic counter module to the housing; and the second end having an inner surface with at least two sets of backup counter module engagement features for securing an output end of a backup counter module in one of at least two backup counter module positions. The housing may be coupled to a first gas meter body with a backup counter module positioned within the housing in one of the at least two backup counter module positions. The housing may alternatively be coupled to a second gas meter body with the backup counter module positioned within the housing in another of the at least two backup counter module positions.