Meter Adapter Phase Tapping for Metered and Unmetered Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for connecting electrical lines to electronic household meters lack universality, limiting their ability to supply electrical voltage to a wide range of energy-consuming devices and failing to differentiate between unmetered and metered electricity for accurate billing and device connectivity.
Innovation Solution
The proposed device includes phase tapping capabilities on both access and outgoing lines, allowing for the connection of both unmetered and metered electricity, with screw terminals and modular design enabling flexible integration with adapters and communication devices, and supporting two-phase or three-phase power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a communication unit is integrated into the electronic household meter or connected via an adapter, then two-way communication and data transmission are enabled, but the device lacks universality to supply power to a wide range of additional electrical devices
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is segmented into separate functional modules: the existing adapter/communication unit and a new power supply module with phase tapping devices. This segmentation allows the power supply functionality to be added independently without redesigning the entire communication unit, thereby improving universality while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it maintains its original communication and data transmission capabilities while adding the ability to supply power to various electrical devices through phase tapping. This multi-functionality is achieved by integrating power supply components into the existing adapter structure, allowing a single device to serve both communication and power distribution purposes
2Adaptability or versatility
If phase tapping is implemented on incoming and outgoing lines, then both unmetered and metered electricity can be supplied to different devices, but the device complexity increases due to additional connection terminals and modular components
Solution Approach 1:
The phase tapping devices are nested within the existing adapter structure, with incoming and outgoing line terminals integrated into the same housing. This nesting approach allows multiple connection points to be accommodated within a compact form factor, reducing the space and complexity required for additional power supply functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The phase tapping devices are merged with the existing adapter components, combining the power distribution function with the communication unit. By integrating these functions into a single modular assembly rather than separate devices, the overall system complexity is reduced while maintaining the ability to provide both metered and unmetered power
3Productivity
If multiple phase tapping devices are installed on incoming and outgoing lines, then multiple electrical devices can be supplied with power, but the manufacturing and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple phase tapping devices are pre-assembled and pre-wired within the adapter housing during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that all necessary connections are established before installation, simplifying the field installation process and reducing the skill level required for proper setup while maintaining the ability to power multiple devices
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The device (15) has entry lines that are guided to an electronic household counter (12), and outgoing lines that extend from the household counter. Eight phase tapping devices i.e. screwing clamping devices (46.2-46.16), are provided both at the entry lines and the outgoing lines. The device is integrally connected to an adapter (10) at which the electronic household counter is connected. The device is directly and integrally attached at the household counter. The adapter is formed as a fastening-device and a contacting-device for the counter.