Smart Meter Dual Wireless Modules Dynamic Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart meter devices for gas and water consumption are limited by the need to choose between licensed and unlicensed communication frequencies, lacking flexibility, reliability, and redundancy, especially in areas with scarce or no fixed telecommunications networks.
Innovation Solution
A smart meter device equipped with dual communication modules, one for licensed and one for unlicensed frequencies, with a control unit to manage their activation and deactivation based on availability and priority of data transmission, ensuring secure, redundant, and efficient data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single communication module using licensed frequencies is used, then data transmission reliability is improved through established networks, but device complexity and cost increase due to licensing requirements and network dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between licensed and unlicensed communication modules based on availability, priority, and operational conditions. The control unit activates or deactivates specific modules in real-time, transforming a static single-mode system into a dynamic multi-mode system that adapts to changing environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart meter device is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both licensed and unlicensed communication modules, allowing it to operate across multiple communication paradigms. This universal design enables the device to function reliably whether fixed networks are available or not, and whether priority or non-priority data transmission is required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single communication module using unlicensed frequencies is used, then device autonomy and cost are improved by avoiding licensing fees, but data transmission reliability deteriorates in areas with scarce fixed networks
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between unlicensed and licensed modules based on real-time conditions. When operating in areas with scarce fixed networks, the control unit activates the unlicensed module for basic communication, but can switch to licensed modules when priority transmission or better network coverage is detected, thus adapting to environmental constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into distinct functional modules: unlicensed module for basic/low-priority communication and licensed module for priority/high-reliability communication. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function while working together under unified control.
3Reliability
If dual communication modules are equipped for both licensed and unlicensed frequencies, then communication flexibility and redundancy are improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit periodically evaluates communication conditions, data priority levels, and module availability to determine which module to activate. This periodic assessment ensures that both modules are not continuously active, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining redundancy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Different communication modules are activated based on local conditions - unlicensed module for non-priority data in areas without fixed networks, licensed module for priority data or when fixed networks are available. This localized activation strategy minimizes overall power consumption while ensuring communication needs are met.
4Speed
If communication modules are continuously active for data transmission, then data transmission speed is improved, but battery life and device autonomy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous transmission, the system uses periodic activation of communication modules based on data priority and buffer status. High-priority data triggers immediate transmission, while lower-priority data waits for appropriate opportunities, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining effective transmission speeds when active.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system dynamically adjusts its activity level based on real-time conditions including data priority, network availability, and battery status. This dynamic control allows fast transmission when needed while extending battery life during periods of low activity or poor network conditions.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
Apparatus (1) for measuring a fluid (30), in particular of the type suitable for measuring the flow of fluid (30), such as for example a gas or a liquid, which passes through and/or circulates in said apparatus (1), comprising: - a containment casing (7) provided with an opening for the inlet (3) of the fluid inside it and an opening for the outlet (5) of the fluid, - a measuring device (2) which is housed inside said casing (7) and which comprises at least one sensor for detecting a corresponding quantity of the fluid flow (30) that passes through and/or circulates in said apparatus (1), - at least two wireless communication modules (8, 10) which are configured for transmitting and/or receiving data on frequencies or frequency bands that are different between said two modules, - a control unit which is electronically connected and/or integrated in said at least two wireless communication modules (8, 10) and which is configured to command the use of said at least two wireless communication modules (8, 10) for data transmission to the outside of said device (1) and/or to receive data from the outside of said device (1) and also to control the passage from the use of a module (8, 10) to the use of another module (10, 8) for transmitting data to the outside of said device (1) and/or for receiving data from the outside of said device (1), and characterized in that the control unit is configured in order to implement a control and/or management strategy (S1) of said two communication modules (8, 10) which includes: - a first condition in which only one of the two communication modules (8, 10) is activated and/or used for transmission and/or reception, thus the data being transmitted and/or received by only one of said two communication modules (8, 10), - a second condition in which, simultaneously or in sequence, both communication modules (8, 10), with which the device 1 is equipped, are activated and/or used for the transmission and/or reception of the same data, - and by the fact that said control unit is configured to operate in said second condition only to send and/or receive data, preferably predefined data and set as high priority data.