Utility Meter Connector for Rotation-Proof Insert Fastening

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing utility meters require additional bore-holes and complex machining to fasten measurement inserts, necessitating additional sealing elements to prevent fluid leakage and movement of the inserts.

Innovation Solution

A connector that connects to the existing transducer opening of the flow tube, eliminating the need for additional openings and machining, and includes protrusions and notches to prevent movement and secure the measurement insert.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a fastening screw and/or nut arrangement is used to fasten the measurement insert to the flow tube, then the measurement insert can be securely fastened, but additional bore-holes are required and additional sealing elements are needed to prevent fluid leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening strengthVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides fastening through the connection element, sealing through the sealing element integrated into the connector body, and structural support through its engagement with the transducer opening. This eliminates the need for separate fastening screws/nuts and additional sealing elements that would be required with conventional approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a fastening mechanism, a seal, and a structural support element. The single component performs what would traditionally require multiple separate elements (fastening hardware plus sealing elements), thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining fastening strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If a snap or retainer ring is used to fasten the measurement insert to the flow tube, then fastening can be achieved, but complex machining of the inside of the flow tube is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening strengthVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connector extracts the fastening function from the flow tube structure itself. Instead of requiring complex internal machining of the flow tube to accommodate snap or retainer rings, the connector is a separate component that engages with the existing transducer opening, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining fastening strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of modifying the flow tube internally to accommodate fastening elements (as with snap or retainer rings requiring complex machining), the solution inverts the approach by adding an external connector component that utilizes the existing transducer opening. This reverses the conventional approach of modifying the flow tube and instead uses an additive external solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Strength

If additional bore-holes are formed in the flow tube to fasten the measurement insert, then secure fastening is achieved, but fluid leakage paths are created requiring additional sealing elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening strengthVSAvoidfluid leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing element acts as an intermediary between the connector and the flow tube, preventing fluid leakage without requiring additional bore-holes. The sealing element integrates the sealing function into the fastening mechanism, so that the same component that provides mechanical attachment also prevents fluid leakage, eliminating the harmful effect of potential leakage paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Stability of the object's composition

If the measurement insert is fastened using conventional methods, then movement prevention is achieved, but the alignment of the ultrasonic transducer relative to the reflector is difficult to control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connector includes an alignment element with an asymmetric profile that corresponds to a matching feature in the transducer opening. This asymmetric design ensures a unique, precise orientation when the connector is installed, automatically aligning the ultrasonic transducer at the correct angle relative to the reflector while maintaining position stability through the fastening function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS20250334436A1connector

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 LANDIS GYR GMBH

AI summary

A connector for connecting a measurement insert to a flow tube of a utility meter, the connector being configured to connect to a transducer opening of the flow tube of the utility meter. The connector comprises a first portion configured to receive a part of an ultrasonic transducer and a second portion comprising a first connection element. The first connection element is configured to connect to a second connection element of the measurement insert.