Adjustable Water Meter Pole for Remote Reading Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water damage scenarios often require capturing water meter readings from high or inaccessible locations, making it difficult for users to accurately and safely obtain and record these readings without physical proximity to the meter.
Innovation Solution
A length-adjustable water-meter extension pole with holders and a handle allows for secure positioning of both the water meter and a smart device at a distance, enabling remote operation and image capture of the meter readings through a smart device camera, with features like swivel joints, clamps, and a rechargeable power source for remote control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ladder or step stool is used to reach the water meter, then the user can physically access the meter, but the user cannot safely capture readings from high or inaccessible locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an extension pole with a water meter holder as an intermediary tool. The holder attaches to the pole and positions the water meter at a distance from the user, allowing readings to be captured remotely via smartphone camera without requiring the user to physically reach the meter location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically reaching the water meter with a remote imaging system. Instead of direct visual contact with the meter, the system uses a smartphone camera to capture images of the meter display, which are then viewed on the smartphone screen.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the water meter is positioned far from the user to reach inaccessible locations, then the user can access high points, but the user cannot view the readings or capture images of the display screen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the water meter display by capturing an image with the smartphone camera. The captured image is then displayed on the smartphone screen, allowing the user to view the meter readings up close without needing to be physically close to the actual meter.
3Measurement precision
If multiple pictures are captured daily of the water meter, then accurate documentation is achieved, but the process requires repeated physical positioning and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows the user to pre-position the water meter holder on the extension pole before approaching the water damage area. This preliminary positioning setup eliminates the need for repeated adjustments during the documentation process, allowing the user to quickly capture multiple readings without repositioning equipment each time.
Data Source
AI summary
A water-meter extension pole is an apparatus that positions a smart device beside a water meter in order to safely and accurately capture a water meter reading. The apparatus includes a length-adjustable pole, a first holder, a second holder, and a handle. The length-adjustable pole upholds and positions the first holder and the second holder a desired distance from the handle. The first holder is preferably a spring-loaded clamp that secures a water-meter. The second holder secures a smart device, preferably with a camera, beside the first holder. The handle provides a grip for a user with the length-adjustable pole. The smart device is remotely operated as the apparatus further includes a controller housing, a microcontroller, a wireless communication device, a power source, a power button, and a controller button. The controller housing contains the microcontroller, the wireless communication device, and the power source, preferably beside the handle.