Integrated Gas Meter Pressure Regulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Regulating pressure in meters, such as gas or water meters, is currently a manual and resource-intensive process requiring on-site contractors to adjust pressure using separate pressure regulators, which is costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a pressure regulator within the meter housing that can be remotely controlled or automatically adjusted based on sensed pressure compared to a predetermined threshold, along with a shut-off valve and communication modules for real-time monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual pressure regulation by on-site contractors is used, then pressure can be adjusted, but operational costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator is equipped with automatic control capabilities that enable it to regulate pressure independently without requiring manual intervention from contractors. The system uses pressure sensors to detect current pressure levels and automatically adjusts the pressure regulation valve to maintain desired pressure levels, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for continuous human operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of pressure regulation with an automated control system that uses electronic sensors, microprocessors, and automated valves. This substitution of mechanical/manual systems with automated control mechanisms eliminates the need for on-site contractors while maintaining precise pressure regulation.
2Ease of operation
If manual pressure regulation is used, then pressure adjustment is possible, but resource consumption and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator autonomously monitors and adjusts pressure using integrated sensors and control mechanisms, eliminating the need for external contractors and reducing resource consumption. The system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment, minimizing the input of external resources while maintaining effective pressure regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pressure sensors that continuously monitor pressure levels and provide feedback to the control mechanism. This closed-loop feedback system enables automatic adjustments based on real-time pressure conditions, ensuring efficient resource utilization and eliminating wasteful manual interventions.
3Productivity
If remote control capability is added to pressure regulator, then on-site visits are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator is designed with multi-functionality, combining automatic pressure control, remote communication capabilities, and monitoring functions into a single integrated device. This universal design allows the regulator to perform multiple functions including local automatic regulation and remote communication, reducing the need for separate systems while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the pressure regulation mechanism with communication modules and control electronics into an integrated system. By combining these previously separate functions into a unified device, the system achieves remote control capability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as the components work together in an integrated architecture.
4Speed
If automatic pressure control is implemented, then response time is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic pressure control system integrates sensors, control electronics, and adjustment mechanisms into a unified assembly that can be manufactured as a modular unit. This merging of components into integrated modules simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing standardized production of complete control assemblies, reducing the complexity burden despite the advanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is pre-configured with predetermined pressure thresholds and control parameters during manufacturing. This preliminary setup of control logic and parameters allows the automatic pressure control to function immediately upon installation without requiring complex field configuration, thereby improving response time while managing manufacturing complexity through pre-programming.
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 reduces the need for on-site contractors, lowers operational costs, and enhances safety by enabling automatic and remote pressure regulation, allowing for immediate adjustments and monitoring of gas pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor configured to sense pressure of gas flowing through the gas meter
Data Source
AI summary
Gas meters are provided including a housing and a pressure regulator integrated with the housing. The pressure regulator is configured to adjust pressure of gas flowing through the gas meter responsive to a signal from a remote location or automatically based on a predetermined pressure threshold programmed into the gas meter.