Sealable Electricity Meter with Front Optical Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electricity meters with optical communication interfaces are costly to retrofit with rearward optical communication heads, requiring complete uninstallation and lacking efficient access for temporary or permanent front-side interfaces, limiting their universal cost-effectiveness and accessibility for remote reading.
Innovation Solution
An electricity meter design featuring a sealable cover with a front-side optical communication interface and a receptacle for an optical communication head, allowing access without uninstallation, with the head securely retained when the cover is closed, enabling both temporary and permanent installations for remote data reading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rearward optical communication interface is used for permanent connection, then remote reading capability is achieved, but complete uninstallation is required for retrofitting which increases complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The optical communication interface is segmented into two independent parts: a rearward interface for permanent BKE assembly connection and a frontward interface for temporary head attachment. This segmentation allows the electricity meter to achieve remote reading capability through the rearward interface while the frontward interface provides accessible retrofitting without requiring complete uninstallation of the meter.
Solution Approach 2:
The frontward optical communication interface acts as an intermediary solution that provides accessible access to the optical communication capability without requiring modification of the permanent rearward interface. Service technicians can attach optical communication heads to the frontward interface during operation, avoiding the need to uninstall the meter for retrofitting.
2Ease of operation
If a front optical communication interface is provided for temporary connection, then accessibility during operation is improved, but the interface may be accessed by unauthorized persons when the cover is open
Solution Approach 1:
Different security levels are applied to different locations of the optical communication interface. The frontward interface is accessible during operation for authorized temporary connection, while the rearward interface is permanently sealed within the BKE assembly. The cover can be opened for legitimate maintenance and temporary head attachment, but the rearward interface remains protected from unauthorized access.
Solution Approach 2:
The rearward optical communication interface is pre-configured and permanently sealed during manufacturing, establishing a secure baseline before the meter is installed. The frontward interface is designed with the understanding that temporary access is required during operation, so it is positioned to be accessible when the cover is opened for authorized maintenance activities.
3Productivity
If the optical communication head is permanently installed in the receptacle, then continuous remote reading is enabled, but the head can be easily removed by unauthorized persons when the cover is open
Solution Approach 1:
The security mechanism moves from a two-dimensional plane (cover open/closed) to a three-dimensional configuration. The receptacle is designed with a specific geometry that requires the optical communication head to be inserted at a precise angle and depth. When properly installed, the head is retained by geometric constraints that prevent easy removal, even when the cover is opened during authorized maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle and optical communication head are designed with asymmetric complementary shapes. The receptacle has a specific geometric configuration that only accepts the head in one orientation, and once inserted, the asymmetric design provides mechanical retention that prevents accidental or unauthorized removal while allowing intentional installation by authorized personnel.
Data Source
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AI summary
Electricity meter with a sealable cover and an optical communication interface located on the front of the electricity meter and accessible when the cover is closed and sealed, and a receptacle for inserting an optical communication head, arranged on the optical communication interface in such a way that it is partially covered by the closed cover.