Smart Meter Reset Circuit Automatic Reconnection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Smart meters in remote locations require manual intervention to reset or rearm after tripping, leading to increased operational costs and potential backup battery discharge issues due to the lack of human presence.

Innovation Solution

A resetting device with a switch module and detecting module that decouples and recouples connections based on voltage thresholds, providing a high impedance to avoid detection as a load and allowing automatic reconnection of power supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual intervention is used to reset smart meters in remote locations, then the smart meter can be reset after tripping, but operational costs increase and backup battery may discharge fully

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesmart meter reset capabilityVSAvoidbackup battery discharge
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The smart meter is equipped with an automatic reset mechanism that detects when the trip condition is resolved and automatically resets itself without requiring human intervention. The system monitors the fault condition, and when the fault is cleared, the reset circuit automatically rearms the meter, enabling self-service operation in remote locations without operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical reset process is replaced with an electronic automatic detection and reset system. The system uses electronic circuits to detect fault conditions and automatically control the reset process, substituting the mechanical action of an operator pressing a reset button with an electronic control system that operates autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If a resetting device is added to enable automatic reset, then operational costs are reduced and remote resetting is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic reset capabilityVSAvoidresetting device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The resetting device integrates multiple functions into a single compact unit: fault detection circuitry, automatic reset control logic, and impedance switching mechanisms are combined within the smart meter housing. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate external devices and minimizes overall system complexity while achieving automatic reset capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The resetting device is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects various fault conditions (overcurrent, undervoltage), controls the automatic reset process, and manages the impedance switching to remain undetectable. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single integrated circuit system, avoiding the need for multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by moving object

If the resetting device provides low impedance, then it can draw power for operation, but it becomes detectable as a load by the smart meter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumption for reset operationVSAvoidload detection by smart meter
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The resetting device switches between high and low impedance states in a periodic manner. During fault conditions, it operates in low impedance mode to draw power for detection and reset operations. When not actively resetting, it switches to high impedance mode to become undetectable, creating a periodic action pattern that balances power needs with stealth requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The resetting device dynamically changes its electrical impedance parameter based on operational state. It switches between high impedance (when dormant to avoid detection) and low impedance (when active to draw power and perform reset functions). This parameter change allows the device to adapt its electrical characteristics to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 remote and automatic resetting of smart meters, reducing the need for on-site visits and minimizing power outages by allowing the system to reestablish power supply without human intervention.

Implementation Method 1

a detecting module, configured to obtain information about a first event from at least one first end

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage detection: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentEP4167414A1Circuits for resetting smart meter and methods thereof
Publication Date: 2023.04.19 OPEN SPIRAL INVESTMENTS SGPS SA
  • EP4167414A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4167414A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4167414A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A resetting device (104) is disclosed. The resetting device comprises a switch module (118), comprising at least one first end (115) and at least one second end (116), wherein the at least one first end is configured to couple to a power grid (111), and a detecting module (110), configured to obtain information about a first event from at least one first end and to control the switch module to decouple at least one connection between each of the at least one first end and each of the at least one second end based on the obtained information, and couple the at least one connection based on a second event associated with the first event. Fig. 1