Utility Meter Temperature-Adaptive Operation for Longer Service Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metering apparatuses, such as utility meters, have a specified ambient temperature range for operation, but internal temperatures can vary significantly, affecting power consumption, storage device discharge, and overall service-life, with high temperatures increasing consumption and discharge, and low temperatures impacting performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine the internal temperature of the metering apparatus and adjust operations based on thresholds and profiles to optimize power consumption and extend service-life by ensuring operations are performed at optimal internal temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the metering apparatus operates at high internal temperatures, then the power consumption increases and storage device discharge increases, but the service-life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the operating mode adjustable based on real-time internal temperature monitoring. The system transitions from a static fixed-mode operation to a dynamic temperature-adaptive operation, switching between normal and power-saving modes according to the measured temperature conditions to resolve the contradiction between power consumption and service-life
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters (mode of operation) based on the internal temperature parameter. By monitoring the internal temperature and adjusting the operational state accordingly (normal mode vs. power-saving mode), the system optimizes the balance between power consumption and service-life under different temperature conditions
2Reliability
If the metering apparatus operates at low internal temperatures, then the storage device performance decreases, but the service-life may be extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time temperature monitoring. When low temperatures are detected, the system can activate compensatory measures or adjust operational parameters to maintain storage device performance while still benefiting from extended service-life potential, resolving the contradiction between reliability and duration
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the metering apparatus continuously monitors and adjusts operation based on internal temperature, then the service-life increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the metering apparatus to autonomously monitor its own internal temperature and automatically adjust its operating mode without external intervention. The system uses integrated temperature sensors and control logic to self-regulate and extend service-life, reducing the need for complex external control systems while maintaining simplicity
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B
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AI summary
A method of operating a metering apparatus, the method comprising determining an internal temperature of the metering apparatus and operating the metering apparatus based on the internal temperature.