Mobile Backup Transmission for Meter Data Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Utility companies face challenges in reliably transmitting meter reading data due to cellular connection outages, leading to potential misidentification of functional meters as defective and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a backup mobile transmission system that modifies transmission frequency and power levels when cellular connections fail, allowing data to be sent to an in-field mobile data collection device within a range of less than 100 feet to over two miles, while conserving battery life and avoiding unnecessary maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cellular transmission is used for meter data, then data can be transmitted remotely, but transmission reliability deteriorates during cellular outages
Solution Approach 1:
A mobile data collection device acts as an intermediary between the meter interface unit and the utility system. When cellular transmission fails, the mobile device collects meter data directly via RF communication and transmits it to the utility system, serving as a backup intermediary channel that maintains data transmission reliability during cellular outages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes transmission parameters by switching between cellular mode and mobile device collection mode based on cellular signal availability. When cellular transmission reliability deteriorates, the system parameters are changed to use the mobile device with adjusted RF communication settings, ensuring continuous reliable data transmission.
2Reliability
If mobile transmission frequency is increased to ensure data collection, then transmission reliability improves, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile data collection device uses dynamic transmission frequency adjustment based on cellular signal conditions. When cellular outages are detected, the system increases mobile transmission frequency to ensure data collection reliability. When cellular service is restored, the transmission frequency is reduced, thereby managing battery consumption dynamically according to actual needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic monitoring of cellular signal strength and periodically switches between cellular and mobile transmission modes. This periodic action allows the system to maintain reliability during outages while conserving battery energy during normal cellular operation, as transmissions occur only when necessary.
3Length of moving object
If mobile transmission power level is increased to extend range, then transmission distance improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by adjusting transmission power levels based on specific operational conditions. When cellular service is unavailable and mobile transmission is required, higher power levels are used to extend the transmission range and ensure data collection. When cellular service is available, lower power levels are used, optimizing energy consumption for the local operational context.
4Device complexity
If cellular transmission is relied upon exclusively, then system complexity is minimized, but data transmission continuity deteriorates during outages
Solution Approach 1:
The meter interface unit is designed with multi-functionality, capable of both cellular transmission and direct RF communication with mobile devices. This universal design allows the system to switch between transmission methods based on cellular availability, maintaining data transmission continuity without requiring entirely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements beforehand cushioning by pre-configuring the mobile data collection capability as a backup transmission path. When cellular outages occur, this pre-prepared alternative path ensures data transmission continuity. The mobile device and RF communication interface are ready in advance to take over when cellular service fails.
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 transmission and prevents incorrect identification of functioning meters as defective, reducing maintenance and replacement costs by providing a reliable backup method without impacting battery life.
Implementation Method 1
a person or vehicle carrying or transporting the in-field mobile data collection device comes within radio frequency (RF) range of the meter and receives the current meter data via an RF transmission from the meter or meter interface unit
Data Source
AI summary
A device may include a communication interface and a processor configured to determine that a first transmission task is scheduled and attempt to execute the first transmission task. The processor may also evaluate a metric associated with an effectiveness of the first transmission task. The processor may further modify or set at least one of a transmission interval or power level associated with a second transmission task based on evaluating the metric.