Dual Magnetic Sensor Apparatus for Accurate Utility Meter Readings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatus for measuring water, gas, or electricity consumption using existing meters often deliver erroneous or inaccurate data due to incorrect placement or compatibility issues with various types of meters.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs two magnetic sensors with converging sensing axes forming an angle between 30° and 60°, particularly 42°, to cross-reference their outputs, improve accuracy, and reduce the influence of parasitic magnetic fields, allowing for continued measurement even if one sensor fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single magnetic sensor is used to measure consumption, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inaccurate data and susceptibility to parasitic magnetic fields
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is segmented into two independent magnetic sensors with different sensing axes, allowing each sensor to contribute independently to the overall measurement. This segmentation enables cross-validation of measurements and reduces the impact of parasitic fields on the final result.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution introduces a second dimension of measurement by adding another magnetic sensor with a different sensing axis orientation. This multi-dimensional approach to measurement allows for better discrimination between actual consumption signals and parasitic magnetic field interference.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the magnetic sensor is placed in fixed position, then the ease of operation is high, but the adaptability deteriorates due to incompatibility with various types of existing meters
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-sensor configuration creates a universal measurement system that can adapt to different meter types and placements. By having sensors oriented at different angles, the system can effectively measure consumption across various meter orientations and designs, making it compatible with a broader range of existing infrastructure.
3Reliability
If a single magnetic sensor is used, then the loss of time for installation is minimal, but the reliability deteriorates because the system fails completely if the sensor malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates redundant sensing capacity by deploying two magnetic sensors, which serves as a cushion against sensor failure. If one sensor malfunctions, the other continues to provide measurement capability, ensuring continuous operational reliability without complete system failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can discard data from a malfunctioning sensor while recovering and continuing operation using data from the functional sensor. This allows the system to maintain reliability by utilizing the remaining operational sensor rather than requiring complete system replacement upon sensor failure.
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
This configuration enhances the accuracy of consumption measurements, improves compatibility with a variety of existing meters, and ensures reliable operation even in degraded modes.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic sensor which is placed at close proximity of the water meter or against the water meter. The magnetic sensor is adapted to sense movements which occur inside the water meter and which are indicative of water consumption
Implementation Method 2
In the case of a Hall effect sensor for example, and as is well known in the art, the axis of the sensor is a line perpendicular to the surface of the (usually plane) semiconductor element of the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (10) to measure the consumption of water, gas or electricity as registered respectively by an existing water, gas or electricity meter (1). The apparatus (10) comprises a first magnetic sensor (21) having a first sensing axis (X1) and a second magnetic sensor (22) having a second sensing axis (X2), wherein the first sensing axis (X1) forms an angle comprised between 30° and 60° with the second sensing axis (X2). The apparatus (10) comprises a data acquisition unit (30) operationally connected to the first and second magnetic sensors and configured to acquire data from the first and second magnetic sensors.