Wireless Water Meter Remote Calibration Power Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional water meters lack real-time data access, two-way communication over significant distances, and remote calibration and control capabilities, leading to inefficiencies and potential losses due to undercharging or overcharging, as well as requiring manual intervention for repairs and upgrades.

Innovation Solution

A self-powered wireless water meter with a wireless communications system for two-way communication, a calibration system for remote calibration, and a power system enabling real-time data transmission and control, integrated with a network operations center for monitoring and management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional meters transmit data infrequently to conserve power, then power consumption is reduced, but real-time data access is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidreal-time data access

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The meter implements periodic data transmission at optimized intervals, balancing power consumption with the need for timely data availability. The system transmits data periodically rather than continuously, reducing energy use while maintaining acceptable real-time monitoring capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms where the meter and network operations center communicate transmission needs and power status, dynamically adjusting data transmission timing to optimize both power consumption and data freshness based on actual system conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Length of stationary object

If field technicians manually read meters or perform calibration, then communication distance limitations are avoided, but operational efficiency and response time are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication distanceVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

A wireless communication network acts as an intermediary between meters and the network operations center, enabling long-distance data transmission without requiring physical proximity or manual field technician intervention for routine operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical meter reading and calibration processes with automated electronic sensing and wireless communication systems, eliminating the need for field technician physical presence while improving operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of repair

If meters are completely disconnected for repairs or upgrades, then maintenance can be performed, but service interruption and operational downtime occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidservice interruption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The meter is designed with modular segments that can be independently replaced or maintained. Critical components such as the electronics module can be swapped without removing the entire meter from service, allowing maintenance with minimal service interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Maintenance components are pre-assembled and tested outside the meter housing, allowing for rapid replacement during field service. The modular design enables technicians to perform repairs without complete disconnection by preparing replacement modules in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Measurement precision

If conventional meters lack remote calibration capability, then calibration can be performed systematically, but effort and expense increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeter calibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The meter incorporates self-diagnosis and self-calibration capabilities, automatically detecting calibration needs and performing adjustments without requiring external calibration equipment or technician intervention, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Physical calibration procedures are replaced with electronic calibration methods transmitted wirelessly to the meter. The calibration system uses electronic signals and software-based adjustment mechanisms rather than mechanical calibration equipment, reducing the complexity of field calibration operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8866634B2System and method for remotely monitoring and controlling a water meter

Publication Date: 2014.10.21 CAPSTONE METERING LLC

AI summary

A meter that monitors usage of a water distribution system by a client is provided. The meter includes a wireless communications system operable to communicatively couple the meter to a wireless network to provide two-way communication between the meter and the wireless network; a calibration system operable to calibrate the meter, wherein the calibration system may calibrate the meter in response to an instruction received via the wireless network; and a power system operable to maintain a sufficient level of power for the meter to allow substantially real-time communication between the meter and the wireless network.