Flow Meter Security Assembly with Latching Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow meter designs are vulnerable to interference by third parties and lack efficient mechanisms for pre-locking the counter mechanism in the production position, leading to complications in the automation process and potential exposure to external manipulation.
Innovation Solution
An assembly comprising a mounting ring with security latches, a counting mechanism cover with locking splines, and a shielding ring with ribs and notches, which securely mounts on the flow meter body, prevents rotation, and includes temporary locks and indicating elements to streamline the assembly and verification process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective element completely covers the water meter cover and cannot rotate, then theft protection is improved, but the cover cannot be clamped directly with the key and cannot be unscrewed without damaging the protective element
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is divided into multiple functional components: a protective element for theft protection, a clamping mechanism with key operation, and a hinge connection enabling controlled movement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with others, resolving the contradiction between security and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge acts as an intermediary element between the protective element and the water meter cover, enabling controlled movement and positioning. This intermediary mechanism allows the protective element to be moved into position for security while still permitting access to the water meter through the clamping mechanism.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a hinge clamp is permanently attached to the top of the body, then the protective cover is connected to the body, but the clamp connects the protective cover to the body in a fixed manner limiting flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connection introduces dynamic capability to the otherwise fixed connection between the protective cover and body. This allows the protective cover to be positioned in different orientations and to move between locked and unlocked states, providing flexibility while maintaining secure connection when locked.
3Reliability
If the bottom of the anti-disassembly cover has an opening permanently covering the top of the water meter, then the top of the water meter is protected, but access to the top of the water meter is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is segmented with specific opening configurations: the bottom opening covers the water meter top for protection, while the top opening provides access to the water meter top. This segmentation of the cover structure with differentiated openings resolves the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
4Strength
If a mounting ring is clamped on the water meter body with plastic deformation of the fastening ring, then the ring tightens on the press, but the latches may be sheared after tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the plastic deformation fastening mechanism with a mechanical latch system that uses elastic deformation of the latch itself to engage with the mounting ring. This substitution eliminates the risk of sheared latches while maintaining the tightening function, as the elastic latch deformation is reversible and does not compromise latch integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening mechanism changes from plastic deformation (permanent) to elastic deformation (reversible). The latch is designed to elastically deform during engagement and return to its original position, providing a reliable connection without the risk of permanent deformation or shearing that occurs with plastic deformation methods.
5Ease of operation
If the exposed counter mechanism is exposed to external interference, then the water meter can be manipulated, but the flow meter is vulnerable to third-party interference
Solution Approach 1:
The counter mechanism is nested within the protective cover structure, which itself is nested within the mounting ring assembly. This nested configuration provides multiple levels of protection, allowing the counter mechanism to remain accessible for legitimate operation while being shielded from external interference by the surrounding protective structures.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
Assembly for securing the flow meter (10) against opening comprising a mounting ring (11), a counter mechanism cover (12) and a shielding ring (13). The mounting ring (11) is adapted for mounting on the body of the flow meter (20) and comprises at least two retaining latches (111) adapted to support the shielding ring (13), a pair of ribs (112) adapted to protect against its spreading and at least two security latches (113) adapted for mounting the ring on the side of the flow meter body (20). The counter mechanism cover (12) is adapted to lock the mounting ring (11) and the shielding ring (13) and comprises locking splines (121) preventing bending back of the retaining latches (111) of the mounting ring (11), as well as at least two locking elements (122) locking its rotation relative to the shielding ring (13) and to the mounting ring (11). The shielding ring (13) is adapted to cover the mounting ring (11) and the counter mechanism cover (12) and comprises a pair of ribs (131) reinforced with additional walls (132) to prevent bending outwards and tilting of the mounting ring (11), at least two notches (133) adapted to latch the retaining latches (111) of the mounting ring (11), and at least two latches (134) adapted to face its walls with the walls of the mounting ring (11) and lock the rotation of the counter mechanism cover (12) in cooperation with locking elements (122) of the counter mechanism cover (12).