Dual Sensor Metering Apparatus for Interference-Resistant Resource Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current smart grid metering systems rely on LED and reflective sensors for resource consumption monitoring, which are prone to interference from external sources, leading to inaccurate readings and a lack of reliability in detecting consumed resources like electricity, gas, and water.
Innovation Solution
A meter apparatus and network that incorporates a pulse generator, optical sensor, and magnetic sensor, where the pulse generator produces pulses proportional to resource consumption, and the optical and magnetic sensors detect these pulses and rotations independently to generate signals for a meter reader, ensuring accurate readings by verifying data through dual sensing mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If LED and reflective sensors are used for resource consumption monitoring, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to external interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two different sensing mechanisms (optical sensor and magnetic sensor) into a single meter apparatus. The optical sensor detects pulses from the pulse generator while the magnetic sensor detects rotations of the spinning disc. By merging these two independent detection systems, the patent achieves mutual validation of measurements, thereby improving measurement precision and reliability without excessive increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the meter reader receives signals from both optical and magnetic sensors, compares their readings, and validates the consumption data. When the optical sensor detects pulses and the magnetic sensor detects corresponding rotations, the system confirms accurate measurement. This feedback loop ensures measurement precision by cross-verifying data from two independent sensing paths.
2Reliability
If dual sensing mechanisms (optical and magnetic sensors) are implemented, then the reliability and measurement precision improve through data validation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the meter apparatus with multi-functionality by incorporating both optical and magnetic sensing capabilities within a single integrated system. The pulse generator and spinning disc serve dual purposes: they generate signals for the optical sensor while simultaneously producing rotational motion detectable by the magnetic sensor. This universal design approach improves reliability through cross-validation while minimizing the increase in device complexity by sharing common components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sensing function into two independent pathways: optical detection of pulses and magnetic detection of rotations. Each sensing mechanism operates independently but measures the same underlying physical quantity (resource consumption). This segmentation allows the system to improve reliability through redundancy while keeping each individual sensor relatively simple, thereby managing overall device complexity.
3Device complexity
If optical sensors are used alone for pulse detection, then the device complexity is minimized, but the reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to external light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the magnetic sensor as an intermediary verification mechanism. The magnetic sensor detects rotations of the spinning disc independently of the optical detection path. This intermediary sensing mechanism provides an alternative measurement channel that is not susceptible to light interference, thereby improving reliability. The magnetic sensor acts as a mediator that validates the optical sensor's readings through a completely different physical principle.
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 solution provides reliable and accurate detection of resource consumption by reducing the risk of false readings due to external interference, as the optical and magnetic sensors can validate each other's data, ensuring consistent and trustworthy monitoring within the smart grid system.
Implementation Method 1
The optical sensor is configured to detect the number of pulses to generate a first signal
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic sensor is configured to detect the amount of the rotation to generate a second signal
Data Source
AI summary
A meter apparatus, a metering network, and a metering method thereof are provided. The meter apparatus includes a pulse generator, an optical sensor, a spinning disc, and a magnetic sensor. The pulse generator is configured to generate a number of pulses proportional to an amount of a consumed resource. The optical sensor is configured to detect the number of pulses to generate a first signal, and transmit the first signal to a meter reader. The spinning disc is configured to produce an amount of rotation proportional to the amount of the consumed resource. The magnetic sensor is configured to detect the amount of the rotation to generate a second signal, and transmit the second signal to the meter reader.