Static Fluid Meter Random Sampling Interval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Static fluid meters face challenges in balancing accuracy and battery life, particularly when measuring periodic fluid flows, as they often overstate or understatement fluid consumption due to uniform sampling rates that do not account for changing flow rates.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining a sampling time within a sampling interval using a random number, adjusting the sampling time to avoid high or low flow rate measurements, ensuring a more accurate representation of fluid flow by distributing sampling times according to a normal distribution within the interval, thereby improving data collection accuracy and power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If uniform sampling rate is used, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to overstatement or understatement of fluid consumption during periodic flows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static uniform sampling rate to a dynamic variable sampling rate. The sampling interval is adjusted based on detected flow rate changes, allowing the system to adapt to periodic flow patterns. When flow rate changes are detected, the sampling interval is reduced to capture transient conditions accurately, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring complex predictive algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring flow rate and using this information to adjust subsequent sampling intervals. The system detects changes in flow rate and feeds this information back to the sampling control mechanism, which then modifies the sampling timing. This closed-loop approach ensures accurate measurement of periodic flows while maintaining relatively simple control logic.
2Measurement precision
If faster sampling rate is used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but battery life deteriorates due to increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the sampling rate based on flow conditions rather than operating at a constant high rate. During stable flow conditions, the sampling interval remains longer, conserving battery power. When flow rate changes are detected (indicating potentially important measurement events), the system temporarily increases the sampling rate to capture the transient behavior, then returns to the longer interval. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between accuracy and battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sampling interval parameter based on detected flow conditions. Instead of using a fixed sampling rate, the system modifies the sampling interval parameter in response to flow rate changes. This parameter adaptation allows the system to achieve high measurement accuracy during critical transient events while maintaining energy efficiency during stable operating conditions, thereby extending battery life.
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques for operating a static fluid meter are described herein. In an example, a sampling interval is identified. The sampling interval is a period of time within which an electromagnetic or acoustic device measures or samples a rate of the fluid flow. The sampling interval may be approximately 1 second long; however, the interval may be longer or shorter depending on the design requirements of a particular system. A random number is generated and/or received. A sampling time within the sampling interval may be determined based at least in part on the random number. By sampling at a different and randomly determined location within each of a series of sampling intervals a more accurate fluid measurement may be obtained.