One-Wire Meter Device Two-Way Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing meter devices require additional wiring for communication, leading to increased complexity, manufacturing costs, and installation errors, as well as the need for manual operator intervention for data exchange between the flow meter and heat calculator.
Innovation Solution
A meter device capable of communicating additional data on existing communication lines without manual interaction, utilizing a signal generator that stops sending quantity signals upon detecting a request signal, allowing for two-way communication on a one-wire connection, enabling data exchange such as error status, temperature, and configuration data between the meter device and a calculator unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional wiring is used for communication between flow meter and heat calculator, then two-way communication capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing one-wire communication line is made multi-functional by implementing a request detector that can identify different signal types (quantity signals vs. request signals) and a processor that switches between normal operation mode and additional communication mode, allowing the same physical connection to serve both primary metering and secondary communication purposes
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional wiring is used for communication between flow meter and heat calculator, then two-way communication capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing one-wire communication line is made multi-functional by implementing a request detector that can identify different signal types (quantity signals vs. request signals) and a processor that switches between normal operation mode and additional communication mode, allowing the same physical connection to serve both primary metering and secondary communication purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the primary quantity signal transmission function and the secondary additional communication function into a single communication line, merging two separate communication channels into one physical connection to reduce wiring and manufacturing costs
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional wiring is used for communication between flow meter and heat calculator, then two-way communication capability is improved, but installation errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing one-wire communication line is made multi-functional by implementing a request detector that can identify different signal types (quantity signals vs. request signals) and a processor that switches between normal operation mode and additional communication mode, allowing the same physical connection to serve both primary metering and secondary communication purposes
4Extent of automation
If manual operator intervention is required for data exchange, then communication control is improved, but automation level decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow meter system performs self-configuration and data exchange by automatically detecting request signals from the heat calculator and responding with additional data without requiring manual operator intervention, making the system self-sufficient in communication tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The request detector continuously monitors the communication line for request signals, creating a feedback mechanism that automatically triggers additional communication when needed, enabling the system to respond autonomously to communication requests
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
A meter device, e.g. a flow meter, including a signal generator (Fo) for sending a quantity signal (QS), e.g. a pulse signal, according to the measured physical quantity on a communication line (CL), e.g. a one-wire connection. The meter device further has a request detector (Fi) for detecting a request signal (SIR) on the communication line (CL), such as a request signals (SIR) from an associated external unit. The signal generator (Fo) and the detector (Fi) are interconnected so that the signal generator (Fo) stops sending the quantity signal (QS) when the request signal (SIR) has been detected. Preferably, the meter device is arranged for additional communication, e.g. 2-way communication between the meter device and a calculator unit, after having stopped sending the quantity signal (QS). Such additional data may be e.g. temperature data from a flow meter to a heat calculator, or configuration data sent from the heat calculator to the flow meter. Restart of sending the quantity signal (QS) can be initiated by request via the communication line (CL), or initiated by the meter device itself after expiration of a predetermined time. In some embodiments, the signal generator (Fo) generates the quantity signal (QS) by operating an electronic two-state switch connected between electric ground and the communication line (CL), e.g. with the communication line (CL) connected to a voltage potential via an impedance. In other embodiments, the signal generator (Fo) includes a three-state switch for connecting the communication line (CL) to one of: 1) electrical ground, 2) a voltage potential, and 3) high impedance, such as open circuit. The three-state switch may be connected to the communication line (CL) via an impedance.