Meter Disconnection Detection via Impedance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current commodity delivery networks face challenges in distinguishing between power interruptions caused by physical disconnections and those not caused by physical disconnections, which affects maintenance and performance analysis.
Innovation Solution
An end-device connected to the network uses a backup power source to determine impedance after a power interruption and transmits this data to a back office, which sets the device's status to physically disconnected if the impedance exceeds a threshold, enabling differentiation between types of interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional power interruption detection methods are used, then power outages can be detected, but the system cannot distinguish between physical disconnections and other types of power interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures impedance as an additional parameter during power interruption events. By monitoring impedance changes at the power input, the system can distinguish between physical disconnections (high impedance) and other power interruptions (normal impedance), thereby improving detection accuracy without losing interruption type information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces impedance measurement as an intermediary diagnostic tool. This intermediate measurement provides additional information about the physical state of the connection, enabling the system to differentiate between various types of power interruptions and identify physical disconnections specifically
2Measurement precision
If impedance measurement is implemented to detect physical disconnections, then disconnection identification accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the end-device multi-functional by enabling it to perform both traditional power monitoring and impedance measurement functions. The same processing unit and communication interfaces are utilized for both functions, reducing the need for additional dedicated hardware and minimizing the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The end-device performs self-diagnosis by measuring its own impedance and automatically determining whether a physical disconnection has occurred. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external diagnostic equipment or manual inspection, improving detection accuracy without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
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
This solution allows for accurate identification of physical disconnections, facilitating targeted maintenance and improving network management by distinguishing between connected and disconnected states.
Implementation Method 1
determining, at the end-device, an impedance of a power input of the end-device
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for detecting when an end-device is physically disconnected from a commodity delivery network. One method includes determining an impedance of a power input of the end-device after the end-device experiences a power interruption, generating a message including data regarding the impedance, transmitting the message to a computer-implemented back office over at least one communication network, and automatically setting a status of the end-device to a physically-disconnected status when the data regarding the impedance indicates the impedance is greater than a threshold.