Utility Meter Component Tracking via Printed Wiring Board Barcodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracking defective components in electricity meters are inaccurate, leading to unnecessary inspections and increased costs, as serial numbers do not reliably identify component lots, resulting in the need to inspect a large number of meters within extended time frames to ensure all potentially affected meters are identified.
Innovation Solution
A method where a barcode is associated with the printed wiring board, linking it to component lot identification codes, allowing for precise tracking of components within meters, enabling the identification of defective components and subsequent recall for repair by querying databases to determine affected meters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If serial numbers are used to track meters manufactured at the same time, then meters that may contain defective components can be identified, but the identification is inaccurate and includes many meters that do not actually contain defective components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tracking system by assigning unique barcodes to each printed wiring board (PWB) and linking them to specific component lot numbers. This divides the general serial number tracking into precise component-level tracking, allowing identification of only those meters containing defective components rather than all meters from a time period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces barcodes as an intermediary element between the meter serial number and component lot information. The barcode on each PWB serves as a mediator that directly links the specific components used in that PWB to the meter, enabling precise tracing of defective components to affected meters without unnecessary inspections.
2Reliability
If all meters manufactured within a time period are inspected to ensure defective components are identified, then no defective meters are missed, but inspection costs and time are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by assigning barcodes to each PWB and recording component lot information during the manufacturing process, before any defects occur. This pre-established tracking system allows for immediate and precise identification of affected meters when a defect is discovered, eliminating the need for time-consuming broad inspections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where barcode scanning and database queries provide real-time information about which meters contain components from specific lots. When a defective component lot is identified, the system immediately feedbacks the list of affected meters, enabling targeted inspection and recall without manual searching or extended time frames.
3Productivity
If component lot tracking is implemented precisely, then only meters containing defective components need to be inspected, but the system complexity and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses barcodes as a simplified copy or representation of complex component lot information. Instead of tracking detailed component manifests for each meter, the barcode serves as a compact data structure that encodes PWB identification and links to component lot numbers in a database, reducing system complexity while maintaining precise tracking capability.
4Ease of operation
If serial number tracking is used to identify meters from the same manufacturing date, then a group of meters can be recalled for inspection, but many unaffected meters are included in the recall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the recall process by using barcodes to identify only those specific meters containing components from defective lots. This divides the broad serial number-based recall into precise component-based recall, ensuring that only affected meters are subjected to the recall process while unaffected meters continue normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of assembling a utility meter having a plurality of components on a subassembly is disclosed herein. The method comprises associating an identification code, such as a barcode, with the subassembly and then entering the barcode associated with the subassembly into a first memory. Next, a lot identification code for each of a plurality of components of the subassembly is associated with the barcode of the subassembly in the first memory. The subassembly is then placed in the utility meter having an associated utility meter identification code. The utility meter identification code is then entered in a second memory and the utility meter identification code is associated with the barcode of the subassembly in the second memory. The first and second memory may be searched to determine lot identification codes for each of the plurality of components in the utility meter.