Fluid Meter Cover with Rupture Lines for Fraud Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid meters face fraud attempts, such as pressure exertion on the totalizer to slow down or stop its operation, which is facilitated by the integration of remote reading modules that require precise positioning close to the indicator disc, making existing fraud detection methods inadequate.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a breakable rupture line or tenons on the meter's cover surface, aligned with the remote reading module's cavity, which breaks upon fraudulent pressure attempts, allowing for easy installation of the module and detection of fraud by visible rupture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the indicator disc is installed as close as possible to the cover for accurate reading by the remote reading module, then measurement precision is improved, but the meter becomes more vulnerable to fraud by pressure
Solution Approach 1:
A protective cover element is introduced as an intermediary between the indicator disc and the external environment. This cover element can be voluntarily broken by authorized personnel to install the remote reading module, but cannot be broken by fraudsters without leaving visible traces, thus protecting the indicator disc while enabling module installation
Solution Approach 2:
The cover element is pre-configured with break lines that allow authorized breaking in specific locations during module installation, but prevent unauthorized breaking in other areas. The break lines are prepared in advance to guide authorized destruction while preventing fraud attempts
2Object-affected harmful factors
If break lines are formed on the upper surface of the cover to detect fraud, then fraud detection is improved, but the cover structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element is segmented into multiple parts connected by break lines. This segmentation allows the cover to be voluntarily broken in controlled ways during module installation while maintaining structural integrity during normal operation. The break lines create visible separation patterns that indicate fraud attempts
3Strength
If the cover is made of elastic material like polycarbonate to prevent damage, then the meter body is protected, but fraud attempts leave no traces
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element has different properties in different locations: the main body is made of elastic material for protection, while specific areas have break lines with controlled fragility. This local differentiation allows the cover to absorb crash forces while leaving visible traces of fraud attempts in specific locations
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid meter comprising a totalizer (1) comprising a metering member and a cap (2), this cap incorporating a covering element (2D, 5) connected to the cap by at least one separable element (2C, 5A) intended for the detection of fraud. According to the invention, said covering element (2D, 5) covers a part for receiving a remote reading module (4, 4'), said totalizer comprising a wall (3A, 2B) that delimits said receiving part.