Encoder Register for Automatic Water Meter Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water meter reading methods require manual inspection by meter readers, which are time-consuming, inefficient, and prone to inaccuracies, necessitating a means to automatically record and transmit water consumption data without direct access to the meters.
Innovation Solution
An encoder-type register with a magnet and magnetic sensors monitors the rotation of the sweep hand in a water meter, using a microprocessor to record and transmit consumption data to a remote collector via a meter interface unit, eliminating the need for manual readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection by meter readers is used, then water consumption data can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical inspection process with an automated electronic system. Magnetic sensors detect the position of the sweep hand through magnetic field interaction, and a microprocessor automatically records and transmits the water consumption data, eliminating the need for manual meter reading while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The water meter system performs self-reading through the automated encoder register. The magnetic sensors and microprocessor automatically detect sweep hand position, record consumption data, and transmit it remotely without requiring external human intervention, enabling the system to serve itself in the data collection function.
2Reliability
If manual meter reading is performed, then water consumption data can be collected, but errors may occur due to human fatigue or inattention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human visual inspection and manual recording with an automated electronic detection system. Magnetic sensors objectively detect sweep hand position and the microprocessor reliably records data, eliminating human errors from fatigue or inattention while improving overall productivity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the magnetic sensors continuously monitor sweep hand position and provide real-time data to the microprocessor. This automated feedback loop ensures accurate and reliable data collection without human intervention, improving both reliability and productivity.
3Extent of automation
If an encoder-type register with magnetic sensors and microprocessor is implemented, then automatic water consumption recording is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic field interaction as an intermediary between the mechanical sweep hand and the electronic sensing system. The magnet attached to the sweep hand creates a magnetic field that the magnetic sensors detect, providing a simple and elegant interface that translates mechanical motion into electrical signals without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The microprocessor serves multiple functions: it receives signals from magnetic sensors, determines sweep hand position, records water consumption data in memory, and transmits data remotely. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex subsystems into a single integrated component, reducing overall device complexity while achieving high automation.
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
Automatically and accurately records water consumption, reducing the need for manual meter readings, enhancing efficiency and reducing errors, allowing for timely and accurate billing and record-keeping.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of (e.g., three) magnetic sensors (preferably Hall Effect devices) are positioned in the path of the rotating sweep hand and the magnet carried thereby
Data Source
AI summary
An encoder-type register for an automatic meter reader to be interfaced with a visual read-only register of the kind found in a water meter that measures water consumption. The water meter register has a rotatable sweep hand that carries a magnet and rotates around a register plate in relation to the speed and volume of water moving through the water meter. A plurality of (e.g., three) magnetic (e.g., Hall effect) sensors are fixedly positioned one-after-another in the path of the magnet carried by the rotating sweep hand. The magnetic sensors measure the magnetic field produced by the rotating magnet and generate corresponding output signals. A microprocessor receives the output signals generated by the magnetic sensors whenever the magnet rotates therepast. The microprocessor stores information concerning the number of rotations of the magnet carried by the sweep hand depending upon the direction in which the magnet is being rotated as an indication of water consumption. The microprocessor provides the stored information to a meter interface unit connected to a set of output terminals of the encoder register so that such information can be transmitted from the meter interface unit to a remote data collector over a wireless communication path.