Meter Bung for AMR Signal and Tool Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current water and gas meters lack space for plumbers to mount accessories and tools, and do not facilitate the installation of Automated Meter Reading (AMR) equipment close to the surface, leading to interference and accuracy issues due to their underground installation.
Innovation Solution
A meter design featuring a bung for mounting accessories, with a threaded interior surface to receive a rod, allowing AMR equipment to be positioned closer to the surface, and flat exterior portions for wrench mounting, enabling easier access and improved signal capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If meters are installed deeper in the ground, then they are protected from surface damage, but AMR signal capabilities deteriorate due to distance from surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the meter assembly vertically by adding a rod that protrudes from the meter body toward the surface. This dimensional extension allows the AMR equipment to be positioned at multiple heights, effectively bridging the gap between the underground meter location and the surface, thereby improving signal capability while maintaining the protective underground installation.
2Reliability
If meters are installed deeper in the ground, then they are protected from surface damage, but accessibility for maintenance and tool mounting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical extension rod creates an accessible interface that protrudes toward the surface, allowing plumbers to easily mount tools and access AMR equipment without needing to dig down to the meter's main body. This maintains underground protection while improving operational accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod acts as an intermediary element between the underground meter and the surface environment. It provides a mounting surface for tools and equipment while the meter itself remains protected underground, effectively mediating between the conflicting requirements of protection and accessibility.
3Device complexity
If no mounting provisions are included, then the meter design remains simple, but the ability to mount accessories and AMR equipment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rod serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural extension, a mounting surface for tools, a positioning element for AMR equipment, and a signal transmission medium. This multi-functionality adds versatility without requiring separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall design complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for a meter with a bung. In an embodiment of the invention, a meter includes a main case, an inlet at a distal end of the main case, an outlet at an opposite distal end of the main case, and a bung positioned on the meter.