Flow detection using piezoelectric flexural element
AssigneeNeptune Technology Group Inc.
InventorsMahesh Matam, Jeffrey M. Fowler
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A device and a method are described in which a flow detection service is provided. The service may include use of a piezoelectric flexural element. The piezoelectric flexural element may be disposed in an inlet, an outlet, or a passageway via which a resource may flow. The piezoelectric flexural element may output a signal responsive to a transition from a zero-flow rate to a greater than zero flow rate of the resource traversing the inlet, the passageway, and the outlet. The flow detection service may be implemented in a meter. The flow detection service may enable significant reduction of battery usage and at a low cost.
Claims21
A meter comprising:
- an inlet;
- an outlet;
- a passageway between the inlet and the outlet;
- a piezoelectric flexural element, wherein a first end of the piezoelectric flexural element is affixed to an inner wall of one of the inlet, the outlet, or the passageway, and wherein the piezoelectric flexural element is configured to output an electrical signal responsive to a change in flow rate of a resource traversing the inlet, the passageway, and the outlet;
- a flow detection sensor;
- and
- a processor, wherein the processor is configured to:
- transition the meter from a sleep state to an active state based on the electrical signal;
- and
- cause measurement of a flow of the resource by the flow detection sensor.
A method comprising:
- receiving, by a meter including an inlet, an outlet, and a passageway between the inlet and the outlet, a resource;
- and
- detecting, by the meter including a piezoelectric flexural element, which is affixed to an inner wall of one of the inlet, the outlet, or the passageway, change in flow rate of the resource traversing the inlet, the passageway, and the outlet, based on an electrical signal output by the piezoelectric flexural element;
- transitioning the meter from a sleep state to an active state based on the electrical signal;
- and
- causing measurement of a flow of the resource.
A meter comprising:
- an inlet;
- an outlet;
- a passageway between the inlet and the outlet;
- and
- a piezoelectric flexural element, wherein:
- a first end of the piezoelectric flexural element is affixed to an inner wall of one of the inlet, the outlet, or the passageway,
- the piezoelectric flexural element is configured to output an electrical signal responsive to a change in flow rate of a resource traversing the inlet, the passageway, and the outlet, and
- the piezoelectric flexural element is enclosed in a check valve.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.