Modular Energy Meter with Sealed Optical Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current measuring devices lack a universal, easily expandable, and cost-effective solution that maintains security against unauthorized manipulation, particularly in multi-utility applications where different types of consumption data need to be recorded and processed efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A modular energy meter design with a two-part housing and optical interfaces for communication, allowing for the addition of internal and external modules to enhance functionality without compromising security, enabling easy expansion and conversion while maintaining protection against unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional sealed housing design is used to protect against unauthorized manipulation, then security is improved, but adaptability and ease of expansion are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a sealed first housing part containing critical components and a detachable second housing part for extensions. This segmentation allows the secure core to remain intact while enabling modular additions that can be attached without compromising the sealed protection of the original device.
Solution Approach 2:
The second housing part is designed to be inserted into or attached with the first housing part, creating a nested structure where the extension integrates within the existing sealed enclosure. This allows the optical interface and additional components to be nested within the protected space without requiring opening of the sealed housing.
2Reliability
If the housing is sealed to prevent access to internal components, then protection against manipulation is improved, but ease of operation for authorized access is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into a permanently sealed first part and a detachable second part. Authorized users can easily attach or detach the second housing part for access to optical interfaces and internal components, while the first housing part remains sealed to prevent unauthorized manipulation of critical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing transitions from a completely static sealed structure to a dynamic system where the second housing part can be easily attached or detached. This provides flexible access when needed while maintaining security when the second part is attached, as the sealed first part remains intact.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical interfaces are added for communication between modules, then adaptability is improved, but vulnerability to manipulation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The optical interface is nested within the sealed first housing part, with light paths that remain enclosed throughout the device. The second housing part contains additional optical components that interface with the first part through controlled openings, ensuring that the core optical communication paths remain protected from external manipulation while still enabling module expansion.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a modular design is implemented for easy expansion, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a standardized first housing part with a defined interface structure and a second housing part that attaches to it. This segmentation creates a simple, repeatable attachment mechanism that enables expansion without requiring complex integration, as each module uses the same standardized interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The first housing part is designed as a universal base unit that can accommodate different types of second housing parts for various extensions. The standardized interface allows the same first housing part to work with multiple different second parts, reducing overall system complexity through universality rather than requiring unique integration solutions for each extension type.
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
This modular design allows for simple implementation of new functions and cost-effective expansion, providing a flexible and secure solution for various utility applications without destroying optical transmission paths, thus ensuring reliable data processing and protection against manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical interface arranged in the internal module and/or external module, which is used for communication between the internal module and the external module
Implementation Method 2
which is used for communication between the internal module and the external module including detection of opening of the protected area
Data Source
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AI summary
1. The invention relates to a modular, expandable measuring device comprising an access-protected area. 2.1 Systems having a variety of designs are known which offer protection against unauthorized manipulation by end users/customers, in particular comprising a sealable housing cover or an electronic security seal. The user is always the measuring facility operator or measurement service provider, who procures the resource counters, installs them at the customer's site, services and reads them; the same applies to communication installations. Lacking in practice, however, is a measuring device/meter which can be used universally, independently of other technical conditions, and which can be expanded/adapted in a simple manner and has at least one access-protected area/space in the housing. 2. According to the invention, the measuring device, in particular modular energy meter (EZ), comprises: a two-part housing (SA, U) having a detachable connection for holding together the housing parts; at least one internal module (Z, K, IO, IR) arranged in a protected area; at least one external module (EO, ER, EK, EKR) arranged outside of the protected area; and at least one optical interface (OSE, OSI) which is arranged in the internal module (Z, K, IO, IR) and/or in the external module (EO, ER, EK, EKR) and is used for communication, including the detection of the opening of the protected area. 2.3 The invention pertains to the field of measuring devices and systems for the combined recording of consumption data.