RF-Transparent Utility Cover Assembly for Automated Metering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional utility covers made of conductive materials interfere with electromagnetic signal transmission and reception, while non-conductive materials like plastic are prone to failure under environmental conditions, making them unsuitable for applications with automated metering equipment.

Innovation Solution

Design of utility covers with a body capable of supporting traffic and a plug made from RF-transparent materials, incorporating a window for electromagnetic energy passage and an electronic module for signal transmission/reception, allowing for communication with meters or valves without cover removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional utility covers made of conductive materials (cast-iron or steel) are used, then structural strength and durability under traffic are improved, but electromagnetic signal transmission is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidelectromagnetic signal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The utility cover is divided into multiple material zones: a conductive body structure for strength and a non-conductive window region for RF transparency. This segmentation allows different parts of the same cover to have different material properties, simultaneously achieving structural integrity and electromagnetic signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The utility cover uses composite construction combining conductive materials (for the body/frame providing strength) with non-conductive materials (for the window providing RF transparency). This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties into a single functional unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-generated harmful factors

If non-conductive materials (plastic or polymer concrete) are used for utility covers, then electromagnetic signal transmission is improved, but reliability under environmental conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic signal attenuationVSAvoiddurability under environmental conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is segmented into a durable conductive body that provides environmental resistance and a non-conductive window insert that provides RF transparency. The body handles mechanical and environmental stresses while the window handles electromagnetic transmission, dividing functional requirements across different material zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The composite structure combines the environmental durability of conductive materials with the RF transparency of non-conductive materials. The conductive body protects against environmental degradation while the non-conductive window allows electromagnetic signals to pass through unattenuated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If traditional utility covers are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but access to automated metering equipment requires cover removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidaccess to underlying equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The non-conductive window acts as an intermediary that allows electromagnetic signals to pass through the cover without physical access. This mediator enables communication with the automated metering equipment while the cover remains installed, eliminating the need for removal while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Physical mechanical access (removing the cover) is replaced by electromagnetic signal transmission through the non-conductive window. Instead of mechanically accessing the equipment by removing the cover, operators can now electronically access data and control functions through the RF-transparent window.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 unattenuated electromagnetic signal transmission and reception through the utility cover, maintaining structural integrity and durability under traffic and environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the plug is made from a material that is substantially transparent to electromagnetic energy so that electromagnetic energy can pass through the window without being substantially attenuated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic transparency:

Implementation Method 2

The electronic module is positioned on the lower side of the body proximate the window and capable of transmitting electromagnetic energy or receiving electromagnetic energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation transmission:

Data Source

PatentUS11221233B2Utility cover for use with automated metering equipment

Publication Date: 2022.01.11 HUBBELL INC

AI summary

Utility covers and utility cover assemblies for use with automated metering infrastructure equipment are provided. The utility cover includes a body having one or more windows that permit electromagnetic energy to pass through the body with limited or no attenuation. One or more plugs made of a material substantially transparent to electromagnetic energy seals the one or more windows to limit or prevent moisture to pass through the one or more windows.