Self-Contained Gas Meter Test Apparatus with Integrated Web Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas meter proving systems are dependent on synergies between software components, making them prone to operational issues due to updates, and require a separate computer for administration and data processing, limiting mobility and remote access.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained test apparatus that integrates all necessary components, including a control member to operate the fluid source, communicate with sensors, and process data, eliminating the need for a separate computer and enabling remote access through a web-based interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a separate computer is used to administer the test and process data, then the system can perform data analysis and control operations, but the device complexity increases and mobility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the computer processing capabilities directly into the test apparatus by incorporating a processor that executes test protocols, processes sensor data, and generates results locally. This merging of the separate computer function into the main apparatus reduces system complexity and improves mobility while maintaining full data analysis and control capabilities.
2Reliability
If conventional test systems are used with separate computer software, then data processing can be performed, but the system becomes prone to operational issues due to software updates and synergies between components
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated processor is designed to perform multiple functions including executing test protocols, collecting sensor data, processing measurements, and generating results within a single unified system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate software components and their complex synergies, reducing operational instability caused by software updates while maintaining comprehensive data processing capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a separate computer is required for test administration, then data analysis can be performed, but remote access and web-based interface capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a communication interface that acts as an intermediary, enabling the integrated processor to connect to remote devices and provide web-based access to test data and results. This intermediary capability allows users to remotely monitor and access test information through standard web interfaces without requiring direct connection to the test apparatus, enhancing adaptability while maintaining a streamlined system configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus 100 that is configured to test operation of a gas meter 114. The apparatus can include a process control member 120 with operative circuitry that provides all functionality necessary to execute the test and to analyze the resulting data. This functionality includes data processing functions and a web server to allow communication between the apparatus and a remote device via a network. In one embodiment, the operative circuitry includes a first circuitry to regulate operation of a fluid moving unit 112 that provides fluid to a meter-under-test 114. The operative circuitry can also include a second circuitry to collect data from one or more sensors 122, 124 disposed on the meter-under-test. The operative circuitry can also have a third circuitry to perform various operations necessary to calculate, in one example, a value for an operative characteristic that relates to the accuracy of the meter-under-test 114.