Modular Fluid Meter With Optical Interface for Safe Module Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart meters lack the ability to easily replace the communication module without affecting the metrological section, require complex certification procedures, and are costly due to separate power batteries, especially in explosive environments.
Innovation Solution
A modular design with separate processing and communication sections, each with its own containment structure, allowing easy replacement of the communication module without affecting the processing section, and using optical communication interfaces to maintain electrical isolation and simplify certification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the communication module and processing module are housed inside the same external container fixed to the casing, then the meter prevents tampering and ensures metrological accuracy, but the communication module cannot be easily replaced without affecting the metrological section or dismantling the entire meter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the meter into three main segments: the casing with fluid flow path, the processing module housed in a secure container fixed to the casing, and the communication module housed in a separate removable container. This segmentation allows the communication module to be replaced independently without affecting the metrological section, while the secure container maintains tamper prevention and metrological accuracy.
2Use of energy by moving object
If separate power batteries are used for the communication module and processing module, then each module has independent power supply, but the production cost increases especially in explosive environments requiring specific construction measures and complex certification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply system by providing separate batteries for the processing module and communication module, housed in respective containers. This allows independent power management while reducing overall system complexity compared to integrated designs, and lowers certification requirements by isolating the communication module from the explosive-prone metrological section.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical communication interface as an intermediary between the processing module and communication module. This optical link provides electrical isolation, allowing the communication module to operate from its own battery without requiring complex explosive-area certification, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining independent power supply capability.
3Reliability
If the external container is fixed to the casing to prevent removal except through tampering, then the meter safeguards metrological functions, but the entire meter must be dismantled to replace the communication module
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a hierarchical segmentation where the secure container holding the processing module remains fixed to the casing to prevent tampering, while the communication module is housed in a separate removable container. This allows the communication module to be accessed and replaced by simply removing its container, without dismantling the entire meter or affecting the fixed secure container.
4Ease of manufacture
If optical communication interfaces are used between sections, then electrical isolation is achieved and certification is simplified, but the device complexity increases due to additional interface components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical communication between the processing module and communication module with optical communication. This substitution eliminates the need for electrical connections across module boundaries, achieving electrical isolation that simplifies certification in explosive environments. The optical interface uses light-based transmission through isolated channels, avoiding complex electrical interfacing while maintaining functional connectivity.
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
Enables easy and cost-effective replacement of communication modules, reduces production costs, and ensures high precision and safety in hazardous environments while maintaining metrological accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
using optical communication interfaces to maintain electrical isolation and simplify certification
Data Source
AI summary
Meter for a fluid includes: a casing crossed by the fluid to be measured; inlet and outlet mouths for the flow of the fluid; a detection module housed in the casing that detects one or more quantities relating fluid passing through the casing; a processing section that includes:a first containment structure external with respect to the casing;a first electronic control and/or processing unit housed inside the first containment structure;first optical communication means mounted on and/or housed in the first containment structure; anda communication section which includes:a second containment structure external with respect to the casing,a communication module,second optical communication means, anda second electronic control and/or processing unit.The first and second containment structures are removably mechanically associable with each other so that, when associated with each other, the first optical communication means are capable of communicating with the second optical communication means.