Wireless Gas Meter Device Magnetic Installation Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment mechanisms for detecting terminal attachment to equipment using pressure switches face challenges in achieving waterproof and dustproof properties with a simple configuration, leading to increased component and fabrication costs.
Innovation Solution
A wireless device configuration that includes a casing with a flow volume detection switch and an installation detection switch reactive to a magnetic field, which detects attachment without a pressure switch, allowing for accurate installation detection and reduced measurement failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure switch is used to detect terminal attachment, then attachment detection is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and waterproofing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure switch with a magnetic field-based detection system. A magnet is attached to the terminal, and a magnetic sensor detects its presence, eliminating the need for mechanical pressing structures and enabling simplified sealed designs while maintaining reliable attachment detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the terminal and the detection system. The magnet on the terminal generates a magnetic field that is detected by the magnetic sensor, serving as a non-contact intermediary that simplifies the overall structure while ensuring accurate detection.
2Reliability
If a pressure switch is used for attachment detection, then attachment can be detected, but component cost and fabrication cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical pressure switches with simpler magnetic components (magnet and magnetic sensor), reducing component costs while maintaining detection capability. The magnetic-based solution requires fewer precision-machined parts and simpler assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive magnetic components that are easier and cheaper to manufacture than precision mechanical pressure switches. The magnet and magnetic sensor are standard, low-cost components that simplify fabrication while achieving the same detection function.
3Measurement precision
If pressure switch dimensions are adjusted for each equipment, then detection accuracy improves, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal attachment detection system where the magnet and magnetic sensor configuration can be applied to various terminal and equipment types without requiring custom pressure switch designs. The magnetic field detection works across different scales and geometries, providing both accuracy and adaptability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables a sealed structure with a simple configuration, reducing component and fabrication costs while ensuring accurate installation detection, enhancing performance by eliminating the need for sensor-based mechanism variations.
Implementation Method 1
an installation detection switch configured to detect an installation location of the flow volume detection switch or the casing; wherein the installation detection switch is a switch reactive to a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a flow volume detection switch located in the casing and configured to detect a flow volume of fluid
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
To detect that a wireless device (110) is attached to a gas meter (100), conventional techniques have disadvantages of the necessity for, for example, positional adjustment of a pressure switch and difficulty in providing a waterproof structure. In view of this, an installation detection switch (203) in the wireless device (110) is configured to react to a measurement magnet (104) that rotates with rotation of a measurement mechanism (103) in a measurement unit (102) when the wireless device (110) is installed in the gas meter (100). In this manner, it is detected that the wireless device (110) is correctly installed in the gas meter (100).