Dual Wireless Interface Consumption Meter for Data Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Consumers are unable to receive, read, and check consumption data from their consumption meters themselves, limiting their ability to monitor and manage their energy usage effectively.

Innovation Solution

A consumption value recording unit, such as a consumption meter, equipped with at least one measuring device and two wireless communication interfaces. The first interface connects to a central server for utility billing, while the second interface connects to a user's mobile device for data access and analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If consumption data is transmitted only to a central server for utility billing, then data security and centralized control are improved, but consumer accessibility and transparency are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoidconsumer accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data transmission system into two distinct communication paths: one from the consumption meter to the central server for secure billing, and another from the consumption meter directly to the consumer's mobile device for transparency. This segmentation allows both centralized control and consumer accessibility to coexist without compromising either data security or consumer rights.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a single communication interface is used for data transmission, then device complexity is reduced, but functional versatility is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface simplicityVSAvoidcommunication flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The consumption meter is equipped with multiple communication interfaces that serve different functions: one interface handles secure communication with the central server for billing purposes, while another interface enables direct communication with consumer devices for data transparency. This multi-functionality approach allows the same device to fulfill multiple communication roles without requiring separate systems.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3690406B1Consumption value detection unit and device for transmitting data of such a consumption value detection unit
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 QUNDIS GMBH
  • EP3690406B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3690406B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3690406B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The invention relates to a consumption data acquisition unit (1), in particular a stationary electronic consumption meter, with at least one measuring device (2) for acquiring data (D), wherein the measuring device (2) comprises two wireless communication interfaces (MS1, MS2) for transmitting the acquired data (D), - a first wireless communication interface (MS1) is configured to connect the measuring device (2) to at least one central server (4), - a second wireless communication interface (MS2) is configured to connect the measuring device (2) to at least one mobile device (3) of a user. The invention further relates to a device (VO) for transmitting the data (D) from the consumption data acquisition unit (1).