Integrated Water Meter Valve Assembly for Wireless Remote Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for remote water meter reading and control are cumbersome, often requiring excavation and suffer from interference issues due to ferrous materials in water meter housings, leading to high operational costs and short equipment lifespans.

Innovation Solution

A valve meter device integrating a water supply valve and meter within a standard water meter lay-length, using non-ferrous materials to minimize signal interference and reduce head loss, with wireless communication capabilities for remote operation and reading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If ferrous materials are used in water meter housings, then structural strength is improved, but wireless signal interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidwireless signal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining non-ferrous materials (such as brass, bronze, or plastic) with ferrous materials in a hybrid construction. The housing includes a non-ferrous outer shell that provides wireless signal compatibility while containing ferrous internal components that provide structural strength. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by allowing both material types to coexist, each performing its optimal function without interfering with the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If remote control systems are implemented, then operational costs are reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the water meter and water supply valve into a single integrated assembly, combining measurement and control functions in one unit. This integration reduces system complexity by eliminating separate components and their associated wiring, while maintaining remote control capabilities through a unified wireless interface. The combined device simplifies installation and reduces the number of separate systems that need to be managed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of energy

If integrated valve and meter assembly is used, then head loss is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehead lossVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the integrated assembly into modular components including a meter housing, valve body, diaphragm assembly, and electronic components that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific manufacturing process while maintaining the overall integrated design that minimizes head loss. The modular approach reduces manufacturing complexity by enabling specialized production of individual parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Extent of automation

If wireless communication unit is added, then remote reading capability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote reading capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by designing the wireless communication unit to transmit data at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. The system includes a microcontroller that manages power consumption by putting the wireless module into sleep mode between transmissions and activating it only when data needs to be communicated. This periodic operation maintains remote reading capability while significantly reducing overall energy consumption of the battery-powered device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS11015967B2Valve meter assembly and method
Publication Date: 2021.05.25 MUELLER INT LLC
  • US11015967B2 patent drawing
  • US11015967B2 patent drawing
  • US11015967B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An assembly for use with a water meter includes: a housing including a meter portion integrally formed with a valve portion; and a valve positioned in the valve portion and in sealable communication with an inner surface of the housing, the valve defining a valve inlet portion and a valve outlet portion, the valve inlet portion defining a vertical portion and separated from the valve outlet portion by a top edge portion defined in the vertical portion, the valve inlet portion sealable from the valve outlet portion by a diaphragm assembly of the valve, the diaphragm assembly defining a water leak passthrough configured to allow passage of water from a first side of the diaphragm assembly to a second side of the diaphragm assembly opposite from the first side.