Modular Data Concentration Unit for Flexible Meter Reading Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing remote meter reading systems face inefficiencies in building and managing communication networks, particularly when transitioning between different communication methods, leading to delayed network construction, increased maintenance costs, and limited scalability and compatibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A data concentration unit with a modular design that includes universal slots for interchangeable wired and wireless communication modules, along with a processing module and switch module, allowing for flexible configuration and remote management, enabling efficient network construction and management on a per-block basis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a data concentration unit dedicated to each communication network is provided, then communication network functionality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The data concentration unit is designed with universal slots that can accommodate different types of communication modules (wired, wireless, PLC, Wi-SUN, etc.). A single data concentration unit can thus support multiple communication networks and methods, eliminating the need for separate dedicated units for each network type while maintaining full functionality across different communication protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The communication functionality is segmented into separate, interchangeable modules that can be independently selected and inserted into the data concentration unit. This modular approach allows the system to be configured with only the necessary communication modules for each specific deployment scenario, reducing overall complexity while maintaining adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate additional devices are provided to accommodate new communication methods, then adaptability to new technology is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data concentration unit incorporates universal slots designed to accommodate various communication modules including emerging technologies. When new communication methods are introduced, only the specific module needs to be added or replaced, rather than deploying entirely new devices, thereby reducing the quantity of equipment required and associated costs
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be dynamically adaptable to new communication technologies through hot-swappable modules. New communication methods can be integrated by simply inserting updated modules into existing slots, allowing the system to evolve with technology advances without requiring complete system replacement or additional infrastructure investment
3Ease of manufacture
If a stacked structure is used for data concentration unit, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but ease of repair and fault diagnosis deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The data concentration unit employs a modular architecture where communication modules, processing units, and other components are separated into distinct, independently replaceable modules. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity through standardized modules while dramatically improving repairability, as faulty modules can be quickly identified and replaced without affecting other system components
Solution Approach 2:
The universal slot interface acts as an intermediary between the fixed chassis and interchangeable modules. This standardized interface enables easy module removal and installation while maintaining electrical and mechanical connections, facilitating rapid fault diagnosis and repair by allowing technicians to swap modules without complex disassembly
4Reliability
If data concentration unit accommodates fewer households, then availability is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The data concentration unit is designed with dynamic scalability, allowing the system capacity to be adjusted by adding or removing communication modules based on actual household requirements. This enables the system to optimize between availability and productivity by configuring the appropriate number of modules for each deployment scenario, rather than being fixed at a predetermined capacity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a data concentration unit and an operating method thereof. To this end, the data concentration unit of the present invention includes: a substrate; and a data communication unit for collecting meter reading data of a plurality of customers through communications with power metering communication modems respectively connected to watt-hour meters provided for the plurality of customers, wherein the data communication unit includes at least one wired communication module for performing wired communication with power metering wired communication modems, and at least one wireless communication module for performing wireless communication with power metering wireless communication modems, and the wired communication module and the wireless communication module are inserted and provided into the substrate.