Metering Transceiver Mobile Network Backup Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fixed network automatic meter reading systems often experience communication failures during initial installation, startup, or after installation, leading to periods where scheduled data transmission is not successful, necessitating a backup solution for utility meter data collection.
Innovation Solution
A metering site transceiver capable of switching between fixed and mobile network operations, transmitting data to a mobile receiver when a backup condition is detected, such as prolonged communication unavailability, allowing data collection via a vehicle-based system when fixed network communication is not possible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed network meter reading system is used, then data collection efficiency is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates during initial installation, startup, or after installation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between fixed and mobile network modes based on communication availability. The metering site transceiver monitors fixed network status and automatically transitions to mobile network mode when fixed network communication fails, ensuring continuous data collection regardless of network conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching network modes. When fixed network communication is unavailable, the transceiver changes from fixed network transmission mode to mobile network transmission mode, adapting to different communication environments to maintain reliability while preserving data collection efficiency
2Reliability
If a mobile network backup is implemented, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metering site transceiver is designed with multi-functionality to operate in both fixed and mobile network modes. This universal design allows a single device to handle multiple communication scenarios without requiring separate dedicated systems, thereby improving reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring fixed network communication status and autonomously switching to mobile network mode when needed. This self-monitoring and self-switching capability eliminates the need for complex external control systems, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable communication
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
Ensures continuous data collection by leveraging a mobile network as a backup, optimizing battery life and RF channel usage, and allowing efficient data acquisition without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The metering site transceiver checks for a back-up condition and, upon detection of the back-up condition, transmits a second plurality of radio frequency metering data signals in a condition for reception by a mobile receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus is disclosed for providing a metering site transceiver (12 or 15) with the ability to operate in a mobile back-up network (26) to signal utility consumption data that would otherwise be transmitted to a fixed receiver (30) in a fixed network AMR system. A mobile collection back-up capability allows a vehicle collection system (26, 27) to be used to read the remote meters (11, 14) in the fixed network, when a gateway (30) is detected as not communicating with the site transceiver (12 or 15).