Electricity Meter Power-Supply Switching for Tamper Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electricity meters are vulnerable to manipulation, requiring complex methods to detect tampering, such as additional modulatable loads, which increase power consumption and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An electricity meter with an electronic control system that temporarily switches between metered and unmetered power supply states, using a circuit arrangement controlled by the electronic controller to record and compare consumption differences, eliminating the need for additional consumers and minimizing power draw.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an additional consumer with modulated power consumption is connected to detect tampering, then manipulation detection capability is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electricity meter uses its own power supply unit as the test load, eliminating the need for additional external consumers. The power supply unit's inherent power consumption is utilized for tamper detection by switching between metered and unmetered states, making the system self-sufficient and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply unit serves dual purposes: it provides power to the electronic control system and simultaneously functions as the test load for tamper detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated test loads, reducing device complexity while maintaining manipulation detection capability
2Reliability
If an additional consumer with modulated power consumption is connected to detect tampering, then manipulation detection capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own power supply unit's inherent power consumption for tamper detection instead of adding external loads. By utilizing the existing power consumption of the electronic control system, no additional power is required while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the power consumption characteristic from an external additional consumer and relocates it to the internal power supply unit. This extraction eliminates the need for external power-consuming test loads while preserving the modulated power consumption pattern needed for detection
3Adaptability or versatility
If a special fuse holder is inserted in different positions to select metered or unmetered operation, then operational flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between metered and unmetered operational modes through electronic control of the circuit arrangement, replacing static mechanical fuse holder positioning. This dynamic switching capability provides the same operational flexibility while eliminating complex mechanical selection mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical fuse holder positioning system with an electronically controlled circuit arrangement. The electronic switch controlled by the electronic control system provides mode selection without mechanical components, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability
4Duration of action of stationary object
If the circuit arrangement is controlled to switch between metered and unmetered states quickly, then continuous power supply is ensured, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control system continuously manages the switching between metered and unmetered states, ensuring uninterrupted power supply to the power supply unit. The control maintains continuous operation by rapidly alternating states, preserving the useful action of power delivery without interruption
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic switching between metered and unmetered operational states to maintain continuous power supply. This periodic alternation allows the power supply unit to receive continuous energy input while enabling tamper detection through the modulated power consumption pattern
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
Facilitates simple and efficient detection of tampering by comparing consumption values in different power states, reducing power consumption and eliminating the need for additional loads, while maintaining accurate billing records.
Implementation Method 1
The power supply converts the alternating current from a mains supply into direct current and provides a low voltage
Data Source
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AI summary
Electricity meter with an electronic control unit and a power supply unit, characterized by a circuit arrangement which is controlled by the electronic control unit in such a way that the power supply unit is supplied with metered current at times and with unmetered current at other times.