Inductive Wheel Revolution Counter with Eccentric Metal Mass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for counting revolutions of rotating elements in mechanical counters, such as gas, water, or electricity meters, face issues with high electrical consumption and sensitivity to fraud, as they rely on magnetic or inductive means that can be disrupted or tampered with, leading to unreliable operation.
Innovation Solution
A device using a non-metallic wheel with an eccentric metal mass and two spaced coils, where each coil is part of an inductive circuit connected to a counting unit that emits voltage pulses and detects oscillations, allowing for reliable counting and fraud detection by comparing oscillation numbers within specific ranges, reducing power consumption and increasing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic or inductive means are used for counting revolutions, then the counting function is achieved, but electrical consumption is high and sensitivity to fraud increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic voltage pulses applied to the coils rather than continuous excitation. The counting unit applies voltage pulses at specific intervals and counts the resulting oscillations, which significantly reduces electrical consumption while maintaining reliable revolution detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional magnetic relay systems with an inductive oscillation counting system. By using coils that generate oscillations when voltage is applied and counting these oscillations, the system achieves more efficient energy usage compared to continuous magnetic field-based detection methods
2Device complexity
If a single coil detector is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but fraud detection capability and counting reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into multiple segments by using two or more coils spaced apart around the wheel's path. Each coil independently detects oscillations, and the counting unit compares results from multiple coils to detect fraud attempts, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The counting unit implements feedback by comparing oscillation counts from multiple coils. When the detected oscillations from different coils do not match expected patterns, the system can identify potential fraud attempts, providing a self-verifying mechanism that enhances reliability
3Reliability
If the counting device is continuously powered, then detection reliability is improved, but battery operation duration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic voltage pulses instead of continuous power supply. The counting unit activates the coils only when needed for detection cycles, allowing the battery to operate for extended periods while maintaining reliable detection capability during active measurement phases
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
The solution provides a reliable and economical method for counting revolutions with reduced sensitivity to fraud attempts, enabling long-term battery operation and improved accuracy through the use of two inductive circuits and adjustable pulse voltage, ensuring that at least one coil is always sensitive to the metal mass.
Implementation Method 1
at least two coils which are spaced apart and mounted fixed relative to the frame opposite a portion of the path of the mass metallic... each belong to an inductive circuit... emitting periodically... a voltage pulse... detecting an oscillating voltage signal at the output of each inductive circuit
Implementation Method 2
the metallic mass being arranged to limit a coupling between the coils... detecting an oscillating voltage signal at the output of each inductive circuit and comparing it with a reference voltage to count in the signal a number of oscillations
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
Figure 6
AI summary
A device for counting turns of a rotating member (8) rotating about an axis with respect to a housing (100), comprising a wheel (6) made from non-metal material rotatably connected to the rotating member and provided locally with at least one eccentric metal mass (7) leaving a part of the wheel uncovered, at least two coils (1, 2) that are separated from each other and fixedly mounted with respect to the housing facing a portion of the trajectory of the metal mass in such a way that at least all of the coils except one are always responsive to said metal mass and that each belong to an inductive circuit (10.1, 10.2) electrically connected to a counting unit (5). A counter incorporating such a device.