Utility Meter Remote Reconnection via Communication Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional utility reconnection systems require physical customer interaction, posing safety risks and liabilities, especially when meters are inaccessible or located in hazardous areas, and do not ensure that conditions are safe for reconnection.

Innovation Solution

A remote system and method that allows utilities to be connected or disconnected without customer physical interaction, using a utility meter connected to a remote server, which sends commands to a disconnect/ reconnect switch via a communications module, requiring customer acknowledgement for safe reconnection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical interaction with utility meter is required for reconnection, then customer safety is improved, but customer convenience and service efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomer safetyVSAvoidcustomer convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical button pressing with an electronic/communication system. The utility meter includes a communication module that receives remote reconnection commands via wireless or wired communication, eliminating the need for customers to physically interact with the meter while maintaining safety through authorized command transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a communication module as an intermediary between the customer and the utility meter's reconnection function. This intermediary enables remote authorization and command transmission, allowing reconnection to be initiated without direct physical contact with the meter while still maintaining safety controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If remote reconnection without physical interaction is implemented, then customer convenience is improved, but safety risks and liability exposure increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomer convenienceVSAvoidsafety assurance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical verification process (physical button pressing that required customer presence) with an electronic authorization system. The communication module transmits and verifies reconnection commands remotely, maintaining safety assurance while eliminating the need for physical interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the utility meter receives reconnection commands, processes them, and provides status information back through the communication module. This allows verification that reconnection conditions are met and the operation completed successfully, maintaining safety through controlled feedback loops.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If conventional physical reconnection system is used, then safety verification is improved, but service efficiency and flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety verificationVSAvoidservice efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical reconnection process with an automated electronic system. The communication module enables remote command transmission and processing, allowing reconnections to be performed efficiently without manual intervention while maintaining safety verification through authorized command protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the utility meter to perform reconnection operations autonomously based on received commands. The meter's controller processes reconnection requests and executes the reconnection without requiring external physical assistance, improving service efficiency while maintaining safety through controlled authorization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9900667B2Systems and methods for authorized connection of utility service

Publication Date: 2018.02.20 ENERGYCOMNETWORK INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for authorizing the connection of a utility service are disclosed. The system can comprise a utility meter, or other utility connection, a utility server, and a means of communication. The utility meter can comprise a disconnect switch capable of connecting and disconnecting a location from the utility. The disconnect switch can connect the utility to the location upon a command from the server and confirmation from a customer. The system can enable utilities to offer pay-as-you-go and pre-paid utility services, which can minimize the financial exposure of the utility. The system can also enable customers to connect utility services without having to be present and/or come into physical contact with utility equipment.