Gas Meter Test Interface Initialization for Easier Meter Proofs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for testing gas meters are complex and require extensive user interaction, making it difficult for individuals with limited knowledge or experience to set up and perform meter proofs, which are necessary to ensure compliance with legal metrology standards.
Innovation Solution
A simplified test apparatus with a user interface that guides users through a reduced number of stages, leveraging pre-stored information and data tables to configure the interface, and a controller that operates the test components to administer the meter proof, allowing for remote data exchange and autonomous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing test systems are used to ensure measurement accuracy and compliance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The test apparatus is divided into modular components including a controller, user interface, data tables storage, and test component interface. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the complex system to be managed through standardized, interchangeable parts that simplify both operation and maintenance while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
A controller acts as an intermediary between the user interface and the test components. The controller automatically manages the meter proof process by interfacing with stored data tables and controlling test components, eliminating the need for users to directly manage complex test procedures while ensuring accurate measurements.
2Reliability
If existing test systems are used to ensure compliance with legal metrology standards, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to extensive user interaction requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Data tables containing compliance parameters, test procedures, and acceptance criteria are pre-stored in the controller before operation. The system automatically retrieves and applies these pre-configured parameters during the meter proof process, ensuring compliance with legal metrology standards without requiring users to manually configure complex settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The test apparatus performs self-configuration and self-management through automated controller operations. The system automatically manages test sequences, data collection, and compliance verification based on pre-stored data tables, reducing the need for extensive user training and interaction while maintaining reliable compliance assurance.
3Ease of operation
If simplified user interface is implemented to reduce learning curve, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity may increase through automation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions including user interface management, data table storage, test component control, and compliance verification. This multi-functional design consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated unit, simplifying the user experience while managing automation infrastructure efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pre-stored data tables that contain standardized test procedures and compliance parameters. Instead of requiring users to create or manage complex test configurations, the system copies and applies these pre-validated parameters automatically, reducing the learning curve while the automation infrastructure handles the complexity of parameter management in the background.
Data Source
AI summary
A test apparatus that guides an end user through visualization of a user interface on a web browser that is easy to operate for individuals with limited knowledge of the devices or test protocols for gas meters. The test apparatus may include the executable instructions having instructions that configure the processor to, receive input data from the web browser; compare the input data to data in a data table; select an entry from the data table that reflects a match between the input data and data associated with the entry in the data table; and generate a first output that defines a configuration for a user interface that renders on the web browser, the configuration representing a stage of a test initialization process to configure operating parameters on the controller to work with a meter-under-test that couples with the fluid moving unit for purposes of conducting a meter proof.