Transparent Meter Cover Light Pipe Bypasses Index Obstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In retrofitted utility meters with radio frequency modules, the transparent index housing cover obstructs line-of-sight wireless communication, particularly when multiple gas meters are installed side-by-side in apartment buildings, making it impossible for handheld devices to receive signals from one side.
Innovation Solution
An integrally formed light pipe positioned alongside the meter index and a reflective surface that redirects optical signals ninety degrees around the obstruction to reach an optical receiving device connected to the electronic circuit board, eliminating the need for lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transparent index housing cover is used to allow data transmission, then wireless communication is enabled, but the meter index obstructs the signal path when meters are installed side-by-side
Solution Approach 1:
The light pipe extends the optical signal path from the front face to the side face of the index housing, changing the dimension of signal transmission. This allows the optical signal to bypass the obstruction caused by adjacent meters, enabling handheld devices to receive signals from the side rather than requiring front-face line-of-sight access.
Solution Approach 2:
The light pipe acts as an intermediary element that couples the optical signal from the front face to the side face of the index housing. This mediator allows the signal to be transmitted around the obstruction without requiring direct line-of-sight, solving the problem of adjacent meter interference.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple gas meters are installed side-by-side, then space efficiency is improved, but line-of-sight wireless communication becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
By extending the light pipe to the side face of the index housing, the invention changes the transmission dimension from front-face line-of-sight to side-face signal emergence. This allows multiple meters to be installed closely together while maintaining reliable data transmission through the side-emerging optical signal.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a light pipe is integrated into the index housing cover, then optical signal transmission around obstructions is enabled, but the cover structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The light pipe is integrally formed with the index housing cover as a single molded piece, merging two components into one. This integration reduces assembly complexity and manufacturing steps while providing the adaptive signal transmission capability through the light pipe's optical guiding function.
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 effective wireless communication by directing optical signals past the meter index, allowing for reliable data transmission even when meters are installed closely together, enhancing communication efficiency in dense installations.
Implementation Method 1
an integrally formed light pipe positioned to one side of the index or register face for conveying the signal past the index or register face
Implementation Method 2
a reflective surface to bend an optical signal ninety degrees around a corner to reach an optical receiving device
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method and a transparent housing cover for a meter index for communicating optical signals through an optical port formed on a front face of the transparent housing cover, for further communicating optical signals in a straight line past one side of the meter index; and for re-directing the optical signals at an angle of approximately ninety degrees to or from an optical transceiver. The cover includes an integrally formed light pipe, the light pipe further forming the optical port near the front of the body and the light pipe extending along one side of the body and behind the meter index; and the light pipe includes a surface at a back end for reflecting light at approximately ninety degrees to and from a light transceiver positioned behind the meter index.