Electricity Meter Assembly with Removable Frequency-Signal Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electricity meters lack the ability to accurately detect electrical anomalies such as open circuits and short circuits, and modifications or expansions often require substantial hardware alterations, making them inconvenient and costly.
Innovation Solution
An innovative electricity meter assembly with a removable expansion module that includes a sensor module, measurement module, and a signal generator module, capable of generating a distinct frequency detection current to identify open and short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electricity meters are used, then basic energy consumption measurement is achieved, but detection of electrical anomalies such as open circuits and short circuits is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The electricity meter assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: basic energy consumption measurement, open circuit detection, and short circuit detection. The sensor module and measurement module work together to provide both metering and anomaly detection capabilities, making the system versatile and adaptable to different monitoring needs
2Reliability
If modifications or expansions are made to conventional electricity meters, then anomaly detection capability is improved, but hardware complexity and cost increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The electricity meter assembly is divided into distinct functional modules: a sensor module for signal acquisition, a measurement module for processing, and expansion modules for additional functionality. This segmentation allows the system to achieve anomaly detection capability while maintaining manageable hardware complexity through modular design
3Adaptability or versatility
If removable expansion modules are added, then functionality is enhanced, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion module is designed to be removable and dynamically configurable. The module can be attached or detached from the main meter assembly as needed, allowing users to enhance functionality only when required. This dynamic design provides functional enhancement while maintaining ease of installation and configuration
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 energy consumption measurements and efficient detection of electrical anomalies, providing a flexible and adaptable solution with minimal hardware changes.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor module incorporates at least one current transformer and/or potential transformer to measure voltage and current signals from the connected electrical system
Implementation Method 2
A removable expansion module featuring a signal generator module capable of generating a detection current at a frequency distinct from that of the electrical system
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electricity meter assembly including a sensor module to connect to an electrical system, a meter, and a removable expansion module. The sensor module receives voltage and current signals, generating corresponding measurement signals. The meter's measurement module processes these signals, generating energy consumption data and determining short and open circuit conditions. The removable expansion module, guided by the meter, produces a detection current of a specific frequency, distinct from the electrical system's signals. Also disclosed is a specific configuration of the removable expansion module, designed to attach to a power meter, with components for control, generation, and transmission of specific AC signals.