Electronic Meter Holder Conversion via Segmented Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions do not provide a flexible and weather-resistant method to convert mechanical meter installations to electronic household meter installations in both indoor and outdoor meter and distribution cabinets without requiring a new mounting structure or cabinet.

Innovation Solution

A holder design that allows for the easy conversion of mechanical meters to electronic household meters by using a hood with sealing features and adapters, which can be securely attached to existing support profile rails, ensuring weatherproofing for outdoor installations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical meters are installed in outdoor cabinets, then the cabinet structure is designed for mechanical mounting, but converting to electronic meters requires replacing the entire mounting structure or cabinet

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeter type compatibilityVSAvoidmounting structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure is divided into separate functional components: the existing support profiles remain in place, while a new holder assembly with hood and sealing elements is added as a distinct module. This segmentation allows electronic meters to be mounted without removing or modifying the original mechanical mounting infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A holder assembly acts as an intermediary component between the existing support profiles and the electronic meter. The holder includes a hood with sealing elements that interface with both the mounting structure and the meter, enabling compatibility between different meter types while preserving the original cabinet structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If electronic meters are installed in outdoor cabinets, then weatherproofing is required, but adding sealing features increases mounting complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweather resistanceVSAvoidholder structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated holder assembly: mechanical mounting to support profiles, weatherproofing through integrated sealing elements, and physical protection via the hood. This consolidation achieves reliable weather resistance without proportionally increasing complexity, as the sealing features are built into the holder rather than added as separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If existing support profiles are reused for electronic meters, then installation cost is reduced, but the holder design must accommodate both mechanical and electronic meter mounting requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation costVSAvoidholder design flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The holder assembly is designed as a universal mounting solution that can accommodate different meter types (mechanical or electronic) while interfacing with standard support profiles. The holder's mounting interface is standardized to work with existing profiles, reducing installation costs, while its internal structure is adaptable to hold various meter configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2234227B1Holder for electronic household meters
Publication Date: 2016.10.12 HAGER ELECTRO GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2234227B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2234227B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2234227B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The holder has a set of rear open, lid-like longitudinal channels provided in a connecting region of a base plate with two opposite side walls for fitting a front lid (22) on two carrying profile rails (14, 16) of an outdoor supply meter cabinet and distributor cabinet that are provided in internal-domestic or outward manner. Fastening devices fastening a cover plate in a predetermined distance from the base plate are provided. A cover plate surrounds an electronic domestic supply meter (32) in a frame-like manner and rests on an adapter (30) for the supply meter on a front side.