Optoelectronic Detector for Utility Meter Coding Wheel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility meters, such as gas meters, face challenges with high power consumption and mechanical instability in their metrological parts, particularly in detecting the movement of coding wheels, which affects reliability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A detector system using a light emitter and receiver with a collimated light guiding arrangement, where the emitter and receiver are positioned on one side of a gap and the light guiding arrangement includes a collimator and reflective surfaces to efficiently capture and redirect light, providing mechanical stability and low power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If slotted interrupters or discrete components are used to detect coding wheel movement, then the detector can be constructed with simple components, but the efficiency is low and sensitivity to mechanical perturbation is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical detection components (slotted interrupters, discrete components) with an opto-electronic system consisting of a light emitter, light receiver, and light guiding arrangement. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact and sensitivity to mechanical perturbation while maintaining detection functionality through optical means.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the light guiding arrangement captures substantially all light from the emitter, then energy efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light guiding arrangement with collimators and reflective surfaces as an intermediary optical system. This mediator captures and directs substantially all light from the emitter to the receiver, dramatically improving energy efficiency. The complexity is managed through clever optical design rather than increased component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs three-dimensional optical path design with collimators and reflective surfaces arranged in space to guide light efficiently. By utilizing spatial dimensions and optical geometry, the system achieves high light capture efficiency without proportionally increasing component complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the emitter and receiver are positioned on one side of the gap with the light guiding arrangement on the other side, then mechanical stability is improved, but the light path design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detector into distinct functional zones: the emitter and receiver are positioned on one side of the gap (providing mechanical stability), while the light guiding arrangement with collimators and reflective surfaces is positioned on the other side. This spatial segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system stability.
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 configuration results in an energy-efficient, stable, and easy-to-assemble detector system that enhances the reliability and reduces power consumption of utility meters, improving their operational lifespan and assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
The light guiding arrangement comprises a collimator arranged to collimate light from the light emitter
Implementation Method 2
a guide arranged to guide light from the collimator to the light receiver
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A detector is provided for detecting the interruption of a light path, the detector comprising a light emitter (2), a light receiver (4), and a light guiding arrangement disposed opposite the light emitter and receiver. A gap is defined between the light guiding arrangement and at least one of the light emitter and receiver to receive a movable part (24) capable of interrupting the light path there between. Also provided is a light guide for use with such a detector and a utility meter comprising such a detector. In one specific embodiment, an opto electronic detector for detecting rotation of a coding wheel in a utility meter is provided.