Remote Valve State Control via Mobile Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility providers face challenges in efficiently controlling and monitoring utility distribution systems, particularly in enabling or disabling utility delivery to customers without relying on costly Automated Meter Reading (AMR) and Automated Meter Infrastructure (AMI) systems, which can expose employees to safety risks and reduce operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A mobile communication system is used to establish a connection with remote metering devices, allowing for the selective change of valve states (on, off, or trickle delivery) via commands sent through communication links, eliminating the need for physical presence and integrating with existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical presence at remote metering devices is required for valve control, then direct control capability is maintained, but employee safety is compromised and operational efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile communication system as an intermediary between the utility provider and the remote metering device. This mediator enables valve control without physical presence at the device location, thereby improving employee safety while maintaining operational capability through wireless communication links.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of physical presence at the metering device with an electronic communication-based control system. By substituting mechanical access with wireless communication, the system eliminates safety risks associated with physical exposure to hazardous conditions while maintaining valve control functionality.
2Extent of automation
If AMR/AMI systems are deployed for remote metering and control, then automated control capability is achieved, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential functionality of remote valve control from the complex AMR/AMI infrastructure. By removing the dependency on costly automated meter reading and automated meter infrastructure systems, the solution achieves remote control capability through simpler mobile communication technologies, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining automation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive mobile communication devices and standard wireless communication protocols instead of expensive dedicated AMR/AMI infrastructure. This approach uses readily available, cost-effective technology to achieve the same remote control objective, significantly reducing the overall system cost while maintaining full automation capability.
3Productivity
If physical access to remote locations is required for metering device control, then direct intervention is possible, but operational efficiency is reduced due to travel time and safety constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile communication system serves as an intermediary that eliminates the need for physical travel to remote locations. Utility providers can control valves and manage metering devices from any location with communication capability, thereby eliminating travel time losses and significantly improving operational efficiency through immediate remote access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions control operations from a spatially-constrained physical dimension to a wireless communication dimension. By moving the control interface to the communication domain, the system eliminates the time loss associated with physical travel while maintaining full operational capability, thereby improving productivity through instantaneous remote access.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of selective state change of a remote metering device are disclosed. In one example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, a connection between a mobile communication system and a remote metering device is established. A command to selectively change a delivery state of a valve of the remote metering device is then sent by the mobile communication system.