Fluid Meter Wireless Valve Control Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid meter systems lack secure and energy-efficient remote control mechanisms for electromechanical valves, which are crucial for managing fluid supply, especially in scenarios like water leaks or unoccupied premises, and require frequent operator intervention.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating communication means with authentication and encryption protocols, such as AES-GCM, into fluid meters to securely transmit commands to electromechanical valves via wireless links, reducing energy consumption by powering the cut-off unit with the same communication interface, and enabling secure, remote operation without human presence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If remote control of electromechanical valve is implemented, then operator intervention is reduced, but security risk increases due to potential fraudulent actuation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidsecurity against fraudulent actuation

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication system between the remote control signal and the electromechanical valve. The fluid meter acts as a mediator that verifies authentication data before executing valve control commands, preventing direct fraudulent actuation. This intermediary layer ensures that only authorized remote commands can trigger valve operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If communication means are added for remote control, then remote operation is enabled, but electrical energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidelectrical energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The communication interface is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves both as a data transmission channel for control commands and as a wireless power transfer interface. By using the same communication hardware for both information and energy transfer, the system avoids the need for separate power reception components, thereby minimizing additional energy consumption while enabling remote operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If authentication and encryption protocols are implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of command transmissionVSAvoidauthentication and encryption mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication and encryption functions are merged into the existing fluid meter's processor and communication interface. Rather than adding separate dedicated hardware modules for security functions, the system integrates these capabilities into the central processing unit that already manages meter operations. This approach provides robust security while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If cut-off unit is powered by batteries, then operational independence is achieved, but battery replacement frequency increases due to energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational independenceVSAvoidbattery lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic wireless power transfer through the communication interface to recharge or supplement the battery power in the cut-off unit. Instead of relying solely on battery duration, the system establishes periodic energy top-ups via the communication channel, effectively extending the operational lifetime without compromising the operational independence provided by the battery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

This solution ensures secure and energy-efficient remote control of electromechanical valves, preventing fraudulent acts and extending battery life by using wireless energy transfer for powering the cut-off unit, thus enhancing operational reliability and reducing manual intervention.

Implementation Method 1

a first communication interface arranged to transmit both the control frame and electrical energy to a second communication interface of the cut-off unit via a wireless link

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless energy transfer: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11804972B2Fluid meter communicating with an electromechanical valve

Publication Date: 2023.10.31 SAGEMCOM ENERGY & TELECOM SAS

AI summary

A fluid meter includes communication means arranged to receive an external opening or closing command to open or close an electromechanical valve suitable for being included in a cut-off unit mounted in the proximity of the fluid meter, authentication means arranged to authenticate a control frame including the opening or closing command, and a first communication interface arranged to transmit both the control frame and electrical energy to a second communication interface of the cut-off unit via a wireless link. The electrical energy is suitable for electrically powering the second communication interface of the cut-off unit.