Utility Meter Adapter Assembly for Remote Data Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing utility meters require manual inspection for consumption data, which is inefficient and lacks remote data collection capabilities, necessitating adapters for retrofitting analog meters to enable automated and remote data transmission.

Innovation Solution

The adapter assembly, comprising an upper portion and a clip, interacts with the pointer of the utility meter to generate magnet pulses as it rotates, allowing for remote data collection and tamper detection, while minimizing stress on the meter's index through a spring-fit mechanism and magnetic pulse generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If an adapter is added to enable remote data collection, then automation and remote monitoring capabilities are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote data collectionVSAvoidadapter assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter assembly is divided into separate functional modules: a pointer engagement mechanism for mechanical coupling, a magnet pulse generation system for data encoding, and a wireless transmission module for remote communication. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve remote data collection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter serves as an intermediary device that bridges the analog meter mechanism and modern wireless communication systems. It translates the mechanical pointer rotation into magnetic pulse signals that can be detected and transmitted wirelessly, enabling automation without replacing the existing meter infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the adapter engages closely with the pointer for accurate data reading, then measurement precision is improved, but stress and friction on the index increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepointer alignmentVSAvoidstress on index

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter replaces direct mechanical contact between the pointer and reading mechanism with a magnetic field-based interaction. Magnets mounted on the adapter interact with the pointer through magnetic fields rather than physical contact, eliminating friction and mechanical stress while maintaining precise measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Magnetic fields serve as an intermediary between the pointer and the adapter's detection system. This allows the adapter to engage with the pointer for accurate data reading without direct mechanical contact, thereby reducing stress and friction on the index mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the adapter structure is simplified to reduce stress on the index, then the meter's operational life is extended, but alignment precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeter life spanVSAvoidalignment with pointer

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By substituting mechanical contact with magnetic field interaction, the adapter reduces stress on the index mechanism, extending the meter's operational life. The magnetic field provides sufficient precision for alignment without requiring tight mechanical tolerances or complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter utilizes magnetic field strength and polarity as adjustable parameters to achieve precise alignment with the pointer. By varying magnetic field characteristics rather than relying on mechanical precision, the system maintains alignment accuracy while reducing stress on the index mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables efficient remote data collection and tamper detection without obstructing the meter's operation, extending the life span of the meter by reducing stress and friction, and allowing for the tracking of consumption data without replacing existing meters.

Implementation Method 1

The adapter assembly cooperates with a pointer of an index of a utility meter to generate magnet pulses as the pointer rotates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic pulse generation: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS8656789B2Adapter assembly for a utility meter for wirelessly transmitting data

Publication Date: 2014.02.25 LANDIS GYR TECH INC

AI summary

An adapter assembly that works with a standard utility meter to wirelessly transmit data about consumption. The adapter assembly generates information about consumption by cooperating with a pointer of an index of a utility meter. In some embodiments, the adapter assembly includes an upper portion and a clip that interface together. The upper portion and the clip are configured to maintain alignment with the pointer and not create stress on the index.