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Fluid flow sensing systems and methods of use

  • US 10,267,651 B2
  • Filed: 12/22/2016
  • Issued: 04/23/2019
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/28/2015
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A system, comprising:

  • a fluid sensor that mounts to a fluid meter enclosed in a sensor enclosure, the fluid sensor measuring analog or digital fluid flow measurements of the fluid meter, the fluid sensor being a three-axis ultra-sensitive magnetometer measuring a magnetic field vector in three axes providing magnitude and direction of the magnetic field vector, the three-axis ultra-sensitive magnetometer using an algorithm to process measurements from the measuring of the magnetic field vector in three axes and compensating for changes in magnitude, phase, and offset ensuring that magnetic cycles caused by mechanical rotation of a water meter magnet are identified in real-time irrespective of location of the three-axis ultra-sensitive magnetometer;

    a communications interface that transmits and receives data;

    a microprocessor that is communicatively coupled with the fluid sensor and the communications interface;

    a component enclosure that comprises a power source that powers both the fluid sensor and the communications interface, wherein the microprocessor infers a flow rate based on the analog or digital fluid flow measurements and generates fluid flow signals, the fluid flow signals being transmitted to a receiving system using the communications interface;

    wherein the microprocessor is further configured to execute instructions to;

    place the microprocessor into a sleep mode when the fluid sensor senses that the fluid flow signals are below a flow detection threshold;

    program a new flow detection threshold including an offset that is larger than a measured peak-to-peak noise level when a no flow condition is detected; and

    awaken the microprocessor when the fluid sensor senses that the fluid flow signals meet or exceed a flow detection threshold, the fluid sensor sensing a full or partial revolution of a rotator indicative of fluid flow to awaken the microprocessor.

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