Gas Meter Temperature Anomaly Shutoff via Integrated Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing gas distribution networks face safety risks due to the potential for fires, explosions, and gas leaks, as they lack effective real-time monitoring and quick response mechanisms to anomalies in flammable fluid temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A flammable fluid meter equipped with a temperature sensor, processing module, and communication interface that autonomously detects temperature anomalies and controls an electromechanical valve to shut off the gas supply, and can be reopened upon verification of safe conditions, using NFC technology for communication and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If real-time temperature monitoring and autonomous shutdown capability are added to the gas meter, then safety against fire and explosion is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the gas meter device: temperature monitoring, anomaly detection, autonomous decision-making, and valve control are all integrated into a single system. This merging of functions improves safety while minimizing the increase in device complexity by consolidating components rather than adding separate standalone systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas meter is equipped with autonomous capabilities to detect temperature anomalies and automatically trigger valve shutdown without external intervention. The processing module independently analyzes temperature data and executes safety protocols, enabling the system to serve itself in safety-critical operations, thereby improving reliability without requiring additional complex control infrastructure.
2Speed
If autonomous anomaly detection and valve control are implemented in the gas meter, then response speed to temperature anomalies is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas meter continuously monitors temperature and pre-loads shutdown commands in the event of detected anomalies. By maintaining readiness to execute safety protocols instantly upon anomaly detection, the system achieves rapid response without requiring complex real-time decision algorithms during critical moments, thus balancing speed with manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual or external mechanical control systems with electronic and computational components for anomaly detection and valve actuation. The processing module uses digital signal processing and communication interfaces to control the valve, substituting simpler electronic control for more complex mechanical linkage systems, thereby improving response speed while keeping overall system complexity controlled.
3Productivity
If the meter autonomously closes the valve without external verification, then productivity and response time are improved, but reliability may be compromised due to false shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The gas meter incorporates a feedback mechanism where the processing module continuously monitors temperature data, compares it against predefined thresholds, and adjusts its shutdown decisions based on confirmed anomaly patterns. This feedback loop ensures that autonomous shutdowns are triggered only when genuine threats are detected, maintaining operational continuity while preventing false positives, thus balancing productivity with reliable decision-making.
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 significantly reduces the risk of fires and explosions by enabling rapid shutdown of the gas supply in case of temperature anomalies and ensures safe reopening, thereby enhancing the safety of the gas distribution network.
Implementation Method 1
a first communication interface arranged to communicate via a radio link with a second communication interface of a cut-off unit and to transmit via the radio link electrical energy suitable for electrically supplying the second communication interface of the unit cut
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor arranged to measure a temperature of the flammable fluid
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Flammable fluid meter (1) comprising: - a first communication interface (15) arranged to communicate with a second communication interface (20) of a shut-off box (3) comprising an electromechanical valve (4); - a temperature sensor (27) arranged to measure a temperature of the flammable fluid; - a processing module (16) arranged to acquire temperature measurements produced by the temperature sensor (27), to attempt to detect the occurrence of an anomaly and, if the occurrence of an anomaly is detected, to produce an internal control frame incorporating a command to close the electromechanical valve (4) and transmit said internal control frame to the second communication interface of the shut-off box via the first communication interface to close the electromechanical valve.