Integrated Gas Meter Shutoff Control for Leak and Tamper Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas supply systems for residential users lack a compact, self-sufficient device capable of reading and controlling gas consumption without requiring additional equipment, and they do not effectively adapt to user habits, environmental conditions, or network variations.
Innovation Solution
A device with an input and output connector for gas pipes, equipped with sensors for measuring physical quantities, a gas supply blocking member, and a control logic unit that includes threshold value access, comparison, recording, processing, and interruption modules to manage gas supply dynamically and ensure safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate devices (counter and sensorized devices) are used to monitor gas consumption and detect tampering, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and system volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gas consumption counter, motion sensors for tamper detection, and gas supply blocking functions into a single integrated device. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining all necessary detection and control capabilities, directly resolving the contradiction between improved detection capability and reduced system volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it measures gas consumption, detects tampering attempts through motion sensors, and controls gas supply through an integrated blocking mechanism. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would otherwise require multiple specialized devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities.
2Reliability
If sensorized devices enveloping ducts are installed to detect tampering, then security is improved, but the volume of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of installing separate sensorized devices that envelop the gas duct, the patent integrates motion sensors and tamper detection capabilities directly into the counter housing. This consolidation achieves the same security function with a single compact device rather than multiple enveloping devices, reducing system volume while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If a fluid measuring device is connected to an interruption unit with sensors to detect leaks, then safety is improved, but the need for further equipment and electronic processing units increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates leak detection sensors, electronic processing capabilities, and gas supply interruption functions into a single unified device. This eliminates the need for separate electronic processing units and further equipment, achieving improved safety while reducing overall device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to be self-sufficient with all necessary components (sensors, processing unit, blocking mechanism) integrated within a single housing. It does not require external electronic processing units or additional equipment to function, making it a self-service system that reduces complexity while maintaining safety capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for reading and controlling from a distribution network towards a residential user, comprising a control logic unit, a plurality of sensors, and a gas supply blocking member The control logic unit includes: a threshold value access module configured to receive predetermined threshold values; a first comparison module configured to compare the values measured with the predetermined threshold values; a recording module configured to record one or more time series of the values measured; a processing module configured to process the one or more time series; a second comparison module configured to compare the one or more recorded time series with predetermined threshold values; an interruption module configured to send an alarm signal and activate the blocking member; and a reopening module configured to send an inhibition command to inhibit the blocking member and allow the gas supply. The present disclosure also concerns an operating method of the device.