Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present disclosure describes a smart multi gas meter for measuring the flow rate of gas in domestic and commercial applications. The smart multi gas meter that accurately measures the flow rate of gas for each individual gas-connection. The smart multi gas meter has a single inlet connection and multiple outlet connections, which enables it to measure the flow rate of gas consumption accurately and reliably for each individual gas-connection. This smart multi gas meter is also used for billing purposes, as it provides accurate measurements of gas consumption for each individual gas-connection. The smart multi gas meter is an efficient and cost-effective solution for gas metering in residential and commercial applications.

BACKGROUND
[002] Gas meters have been in use for many years to measure gas consumption in various applications, including households and businesses. However, traditional gas metering systems have limitations, particularly in installation options, space requirements, and cost. For example, traditional smart meters typically employ a single-point installation system, which can be time-consuming and costly. Furthermore, they may require more space than necessary, especially when multiple meters need to be installed. These limitations can present challenges for gas metering systems.

[003] Additionally, traditional gas meters have been limited by mechanical or diaphragm-based measurement systems, which may lack accuracy and durability. Electronic gas meters have been developed more recently to address these issues, using advanced sensors and measurement technologies to offer improved accuracy and reliability. However, electronic gas flow metering systems still face challenges such as high cost per unit and the need for smart metering devices to connect to servers through the cloud to transfer technical and commercial data, which involves a cost per connection or customer. These issues can contribute to increased costs and reduced flexibility in gas metering systems. The gas meters are crucial for billing purposes, as they provide accurate measurements of gas usage for each individual gas-connection. However, traditional gas meters are typically designed to measure the flow rate of a single gas connection and do not have provision to measure the flow rate of the gas of multiple gas-connections, which are flowing through the same pipeline. To address these challenges, there is a need to develop a smart multi gas meter that can accurately measure the flow rate of gas for each individual gas-connection. This device is particularly useful in commercial and domestic applications where there may be multiple gas consumption sources through a single pipeline, such as in apartment complexes or commercial buildings. The single smart multi gas meter features multiple outlet connections and a single inlet connection, enabling it to measure the flow rate of gas consumption accurately and reliably for each gas-connection. This device is an efficient and cost-effective solution for gas metering in residential and commercial applications, providing accurate billing information for individual gas usage.

[004] In light of the aforementioned discussion, there exists a need for a certain system with novel methodologies that would overcome the disadvantages as mentioned above.

SUMMARY
[005] The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of the reader. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure and it does not identify key/critical elements of the invention or delineate the scope of the invention. It’s sole purpose is to present some concepts disclosed herein in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[006] An objective of the present invention is directed towards a smart multi gas meter with a single inlet connection and multiple outlet connections that can accurately measure the flow rate of gas for multiple customers at a time while they are being connected to the same device.

[007] Another objective of the present invention is directed towards a smart multi gas meter that can be used for domestic and commercial gas metering applications to measure the accurate flow rate of gas flowing through the single inlet connection to the multiple outlet connections, thereby providing accurate billing information for each individual gas-connection.

[008] Another objective of the present invention is directed towards a smart multi gas meter accurately measures the flow rate of gas for multiple gas-connections, the gas may include, but not limited to, LPG, Butane, Propane, Natural gas, blended natural gas (Natural gas mixed with Hydrogen) , and Hydrogen gas supplied through pipelines or storage tanks, thereby increasing versatility of the device.

[009] Another objective of the present invention is directed towards a smart multi gas meter that provides accurate and reliable flow rate measurements for gas consumption monitoring and billing purposes, while also offering increased flexibility in installation options and cost savings through the use of a single device to manage multiple customers.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is directed towards a smart multi gas meter that includes a first casing and a second casing, the first casing includes a front face of the first casing and the second casing includes a rear face, a right side face, a left side face, and a top face.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is directed towards a smart multi gas meter that includes a flexible casing inlet connection and the multiple casing outlet connections that are able to position on any face of the second casing, thereby increasing installation options and ease of use.

[0012] Another objective of the present invention is directed towards a smart multi gas meter that includes multiple casing outlet connections, thereby enabling the flow rate measurement of gas for two or more customers at a time from the single device.

[0013] Another objective of the present invention is directed towards a smart multi gas meter that enhances the versatility and installation options and enables the independent placement of the casing inlet connection and the multiple casing outlet connections on any face or in any combination, without constraint on the number of configurations.

[0014] Another objective of the present invention is directed towards a smart multi gas meter that includes the second casing made of steel or aluminum pressure die casting part, which enhances durability, reliability and longevity of the device.

[0015] Another objective of the present invention is directed towards a smart multi gas meter that provides flow rate including and between 0.016 m³/h to 7.2 m³/h from each of the casing outlet connections for the domestic applications, and up to 100 m³/h from each of the multiple casing outlet connections for the commercial applications, thereby meeting the flow rate requirements of various gas metering applications.

[0016] Another objective of the present invention is directed towards a smart multi gas meter that uses ultrasonic or thermal mass flow measurement principle, which enhances the accuracy and reliability of the device.

[0017] Another objective of the present invention is directed towards a smart multi gas meter that includes a valve inlet and/or valve outlet connections that are connected to the multiple casing outlet connections of the gas meter from inside of the second casing, and the other end of the valve is connected to the inlet or outlet connection of a flow sensor. Both parts remain inside the casing, which enhances the safety and security of the device.

[0018] Another objective of the present invention is directed towards a smart multi gas meter that enables its installation either in a vertical or horizontal position, which increases installation options and flexibility.

[0019] Another objective of the present invention is directed towards a smart multi gas meter that enables sensible network upgrades for an automatic smart gas meter.

[0020] Another objective of the present invention is directed towards a smart multi gas meter that enables gas distributors to integrate with the innovative metering solution on multiple levels.

[0021] Another objective of the present invention is directed towards a smart multi gas meter that requires less equipment, hardware (installation pipes, fitting, regulators, clamps, mounting bracket, ball valves, etc.) for installation, testing, and monitoring.

[0022] Another objective of the present invention is directed towards a smart multi gas meter that enhances safety in gas metering management as the number of joints are reduced significantly. As an example there is a significant improvement in logistics as one smart multi gas meter (with one inlet connection and two or more outlet connections) equals the size of two or more standard gas meters as the case may be.

[0023] Another objective of the present invention is directed towards a smart multi gas meter that enhances safety on account of valve management.

[0024] Another objective of the present invention is directed towards a smart multi gas meter that requires less hardware and thus saves a lot of natural resources and less manpower for installation, testing and service, and time required for providing such services is also very less.

[0025] Another objective of the present invention is directed towards a smart multi gas meter that operates on four batteries serving up to four customers or more customers. The requirement of hardware, and electronic components are reduced significantly and thus saves a lot of resources.

[0026] Another objective of the present invention is directed towards a smart multi gas meter that reduces the amount of space required for installation by more than 70% compared to standard gas meters.

[0027] Another objective of the present invention is directed towards a smart multi gas meter that provides a saving of more than 50% in installation hardware compared to standard gas meters.

[0028] Another objective of the present invention is directed towards a smart multi gas meter that reduces installation time by more than 50% compared to standard gas meters.

[0029] Another objective of the present invention is directed towards a smart multi gas meter that serves more than two customers at a time, providing a cost reduction of more than 40% per meter per customer.

[0030] Another objective of the present invention is directed towards a smart multi gas meter that provides a cost saving of over 70% towards remote reading and monitoring due to using only one unit of smart multi gas meter compared to two or more units of standard meters.

[0031] Another objective of the present invention is directed towards a smart multi gas meter as an efficient and cost-effective solution for gas metering in residential and commercial applications, it eliminates the need for separate gas meters for each gas connection, thus reducing installation and maintenance costs.

[0032] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a smart multi gas meter includes a first casing and a second casing, wherein the first casing is a front face, and the second casing comprises a rear face, a right side face, a left side face, and a top face.

[0033] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second casing includes two-part casing with a housing for sensors and a bottom cover at the bottom.

[0034] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a bottom cover attached to the second casing with screws to keep the second casing airtight and leak proof.

[0035] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, on the second casing at least one of the rear face, the right side face, the left side face, and the top face includes one of a casing inlet connection; and casing outlet connections.

[0036] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second casing comprises one or more valves integrally connected to at least one of the rear face, the right side face, the left side face, and the top face, wherein the one or more valves comprises one or more valve outlet connections, whereby the one or more valve outlet connections connected to the casing outlet connections.

[0037] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, two or more valves comprise two or more flow sensors positioned at two or more sensors inlet and outlet connections, the two or more flow sensors configured to measure accurate flow rate of gas flowing from the casing inlet connection to the casing outlet connections though the two or more valves, the casing inlet is connected to a single pipeline from a tank and the casing outlet connections are linked to two or more gas-connections that are used by two or more individuals(For example, customers).

[0038] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the two or more flow sensors configured to provide accurate and reliable measurement of gas consumption for each individual gas-connection thereby allowing precise billing and efficient gas metering in residential and commercial applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] In the following, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough description of various embodiments. Certain embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with some variations in detail. In some instances, certain features are described in less detail so as not to obscure other aspects. The level of detail associated with each of the elements or features should not be construed to qualify the novelty or importance of one feature over the others.

[0040] FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B are example diagrams depicting a front view, and an isometric view of a standard electronic gas flow meter, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0041] FIG. 2A is an example diagram depicting an isometric view of a smart multi gas meter, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0042] FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, and FIG. 2D are example diagrams depicting multiple views of a multi gas meter, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0043] FIG. 2E is an example diagram depicting a right side view of a smart multi gas meter, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0044] FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B are example diagrams depicting cross-sectional views of the smart multi gas meter, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0045] FIG. 4A is an example diagram depicting a horizontal installation of the smart multi gas meter, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0046] FIG. 4B, and FIG. 4C are example diagrams depicting a vertical installation of the smart multi gas meter, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0047] FIG. 5A is an example diagram depicting the smart multi gas meter with the casing inlet connection on the top face and the casing outlet connections on the right side face and the left side face, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0048] FIG. 5B is an example diagram depicting the smart multi gas meter with the casing inlet connection on the bottom cover and the casing outlet connections on the right side face and the left side face, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0049] FIG. 5C is an example diagram depicting the smart multi gas meter with the casing inlet connection on the back face and the casing outlet connections on the right side face and the left side face, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0050] FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B, and FIG. 6C are example diagrams depicting multiple views of multiple views of a bottom cover, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0051] FIG. 7 is another example diagram depicting an isometric multi gas meter, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS
[0052] FIG. 2A, FIG.2B, FIG.2C, FIG.2D, FIG, 2E, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e discloses an multiple views of a smart multi gas meter
202 Multi Gas Meter
204 First Casing
206 Second Casing
207a Housing for the Sensors
207b Bottom Cover
208 Casing Inlet Connection
210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d Casing Outlet Connections
212 Display
214a, 214b, 214c Buttons
216 Optical port
218 Battery Door
220 Screw Casing
222 Screws
224 Arrow Indicating Direction of Gas Flow
226 Front Face (F1) of 204 First Casing
228 Back Face (F2) of 206 Second Casing
230 Left Side Face (F3) of 206 Second Casing
232 Right side face (F4) of 206 Second Casing
234 Top face (F5) of 206 Second Casing

[0053] FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, 300a, 300b discloses cross-sectional views of the smart multi gas meter 202
206 Second Casing
208 Casing Inlet Connection on 232 right side face (F4) of 206 Second Casing
210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d Casing Outlet Connections
302a, 302b, 302c, and 302d Valves
304a, 304b, 304c and 304d Flow Sensors
306a, 306b, 306c and 306d Valve Outlet Connections
308a, 308b, 308c and 308d Sensors Inlet and Outlet Connections
226 Front Face (F1) of 204 First Casing
228 Back Face (F2) of 206 Second Casing
230 Left Side Face (F3) of 206 Second Casing
232 Right side face (F4) of 206 Second Casing
234 Top face (F5) of 206 Second Casing

[0054] FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, 400a, 400b discloses horizontal installation of the smart multi gas meter 202
208 Casing Inlet Connection
210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d Casing Outlet Connections

[0055] FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, 5C, 500a, 500b, 500c discloses smart multi gas meter 202 with the casing inlet connection and the casing outlet connections
208 Casing Inlet Connection
210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d Casing Outlet Connections
226 Front Face (F1) of 204 First Casing
228 Back Face (F2) of 206 Second Casing
230 Left Side Face (F3) of 206 Second Casing
232 Right side face (F4) of 206 Second Casing
234 Top face (F5) of 206 Second Casing

[0056] FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B, 6C, 600a, 600b, 600c discloses multiple views of bottom cover 207b
220 Screw Casing
222 Screws

[0057] FIG. 7, 700 discloses an isometric view of multi gas meter 202
204 First Casing
206 Second Casing
207b Bottom Cover

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0058] It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0059] The use of “including”, “comprising” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. Further, the use of terms “first”, “second”, and “third”, and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B are example prior art diagrams 100a, 100b depicting a front view, and an isometric view of a standard electronic gas flow meter, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The diagram 100a and 100b includes a standard electronic gas flow meter 102, an inlet valve 104, an outlet valve 106, a metal casing 108, a non-metallic case 110, a display 112, buttons 114a, 114b,114c, a battery door 116, screws 118a, 118b,118c, 118d, an optical port 120 and an arrow indicating the gas flow direction 122. The standard electronic gas flow meter may require two batteries per meter/ customer. The inlet valve 104 may be configured to supply gas from a gas supply source (Gas Company or the like) and the outlet valve 106 may be configured to flow out the gas to use for domestic or commercial applications. The inlet valve 104 and the outlet valve 106 may be assembled in the metal casing 108, and the non-metallic case 110. The display 112 may be provided on the front face of the standard electronic gas flow meter 102, and an integrated value of gas may be displayed. The buttons 114a, 114b, 114c may be configured to switch the display contents on the display 112. The standard electronic gas flow meter 102 is designed to measure gas flow for one gas connection, typically used for one customer. The standard electronic gas flow meter 102 is installed at the point where gas enters the property and calculate the amount of gas consumed by the one customer. The standard electronic gas flow meter 102 is designed with only one inlet and one outlet connection and only a single gas meter can be used for one customer, therefore multiple gas meters may be installed for properties with multiple gas connections. The arrow 122 may be configured to indicate gas flow direction.

[0061] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to address the challenges by providing a smart multi gas meter (202, as shown Fig. 2A) that is designed for both domestic and commercial gas metering applications. The smart multi gas meter (202, as shown Fig. 2A) include two or more independent outlet connections that allows to measure the accurate flow rate of gas for two or more customers simultaneously. The smart multi gas meter (202, as shown Fig. 2A) is designed to measure the amount of gas being used by each individual gas connection, even if they are all connected to the same inlet connection. This may be very useful for situations where multiple gas connections are located in close proximity to one another, such as in a large apartment building or industrial complex.

[0062] The gas flow through the smart multi gas meter may include, but not limited to, LPG, Butane, Propane, Natural gas, Blended Natural Gas (Natural gas mixed with Hydrogen), and Hydrogen gas supplied through pipelines or storage tanks. The smart multi gas meter (202, as shown Fig. 2A) may be configured to provide accurate and reliable flow rate measurements for gas consumption monitoring and billing purposes, while also offering increased flexibility in installation and cost savings through the use of a single device to manage multiple customers.

[0063] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, one smart multi gas meter is sufficient for two or more connections instead of using multiple standard gas meters. The smart multi gas meter reduces the space needed for the gas meters and the time required for installation. The smart multi gas meter has a significant commercial advantage over the standard gas meter 102. Apart from that, the smart multi gas meter saves a lot of resources as it needs less hardware. And takes significantly less time for installation and testing, thus saves a lot of manpower without affecting quality, safety, and service.

[0064] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the smart multi gas meter may be used for domestic application for flow rate measurement of gas distributed through the single inlet connection to the multiple outlet connections. The single inlet connection is connected to a single pipeline from the tank and the multiple outlet connections are linked to the multiple gas-connections that are used by the customers. Domestic applications that use gas may include, but are not limited to cooking, water heating, home heating, and the like. The smart multi gas meter (202, as shown Fig. 2A) may be designed for domestic gas flow metering applications for flow rate measurement of gas, the gas such as LPG, butane, propane, natural gas, Blended Natural Gas (Natural gas mixed with Hydrogen), and hydrogen gas supplied through the pipelines.

[0065] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the smart multi gas meter (202, as shown Fig. 2A) may also be used for commercial applications where pressure and flow rate requirements of the gas for desired applications. Similar technology may also be used for any other type of gas/water/electricity or any such source of energy which is presently being distributed using individual/ independent dispensing and measurement systems. The smart multi gas meter (202, as shown Fig. 2A) needs less hardware and thus saves a lot of natural resources. The smart multi gas meter (202, as shown Fig. 2A) requires less manpower for installation, testing and service and time required for providing such services is also very less. At the same time, the smart multi gas meter (202, as shown Fig. 2A) operates with four batteries serving up to four customers or more. The requirement of hardware, and electronic components including display are reduced significantly and save a lot of resources.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 2A is an example diagram 200a depicting an isometric view of a smart multi gas meter, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The diagram 200a depicts a smart multi gas meter 202. The diagram 200a includes the smart multi gas meter 202, a first casing 204, a second casing 206, a casing inlet connection 208, and casing outlet connections 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d. The first casing 204 includes a display 212, buttons 214a, 214b, 214c, an optical port 216, a Battery Door 218. The second casing 206 includes a screw casing 220, screws 222, and an arrow 224. The first casing 204 includes a front face (F1) 226 and the second casing 206 includes a back face (F2) 228, a left side face (F3) 230, a right side face (F4) 232, and a top face (F5) 234. The second casing 206 may include a housing for the sensors 207a and a bottom cover 207b. The housing for the sensors 207a may be attached with bottom cover 207b. The casing inlet connection 208 and the casing outlet connections 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d may be provided on any face (e.g., at least one of the front face (F1) 226, the back face (F2) 228, the left side face (F3) 230, the right side face (F4) 232, and the top face (F5) 234 of the second casing 206.

[0067] The smart multi gas meter 202 may be used for domestic and commercial gas metering applications that accurately measure the flow rate of gas flowing through the casing inlet connection 208 to individual outlet connections 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d, the outlet connections 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d may be linked to multiple gas-connections that are used by the customers, thereby providing accurate billing information for each individual gas-connection. The smart multi gas meter 202 may accurately measure the flow rate of gas for multiple gas-connections, the gas may include, but not limited to, LPG, Butane, Propane, Natural gas, Blended Natural Gas (Natural gas mixed with Hydrogen), and Hydrogen gas supplied through a single pipeline or storage tanks, thereby increasing versatility of the device. The smart multi gas meter 202 that provides accurate and reliable flow rate measurements for gas consumption monitoring and billing purposes, while also offering increased flexibility in installation options and cost savings through the use of a single device to manage multiple customers.

[0068] The smart multi gas meter 202 may be configured to provide flow rate including and between 0.016 m³/h to 7.2 m³/h from each of the casing outlet connections for the domestic applications, and up to 100 m³/h from each of the casing outlet connections for the commercial applications, thereby meeting the flow rate requirements of various gas metering applications. The smart multi gas meter 202 that uses ultrasonic or thermal mass flow measurement principle, which enhances the accuracy and reliability of the device. The smart multi gas meter 202 includes the valve outlet connections that are connected to the casing outlet connections of the device from inside of the second casing, and the other end of the valve is connected to the inlet or outlet connection of a flow sensor. Both parts remain inside the casing, which enhances the safety and security of the device.

[0069] The smart multi gas meter 202 may be installed in either a vertical or horizontal position, which increases installation options and flexibility. The smart multi gas meter 202 may enable sensible network upgrades for an automatic smart gas meter in a poor region. The smart multi gas meter 202 may enable gas distributors to integrate with the innovative metering solution on multiple levels. The smart multi gas meter 202 may require less equipment, hardware (installation pipes, fitting, regulators, clamps, mounting bracket, ball valves, etc.) for installation, testing, and monitoring. The smart multi gas meter 202 may enhance safety in gas metering management as the number of joints are reduced significantly. The outlet connections 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d may include a safety shut off valve for each outlet connection. As an example there is a significant improvement in logistics as one multi gas meter (with one inlet connection and four outlet connections) equals the size of four standard gas meters.

[0070] The smart multi gas meter 202 may enhance safety on account of valve management. The smart multi gas meter 202 may require less hardware and thus saves a lot of natural resources and less manpower for installation, testing and service, and time required for providing such services is also very less. The smart multi gas meter 202 may operate on four batteries serving up to four customers or more. The requirement of hardware, and electronic components including display are reduced significantly and save a lot of resources. The smart multi gas meter 202 may reduce the amount of space required for installation by more than 70% compared to standard gas meters. The smart multi gas meter 202 may provide a saving of more than 50% in installation hardware compared to standard gas meters. The smart multi gas meter 202 may reduce installation time by more than 50% compared to standard gas meters. The smart multi gas meter 202 may serve more than two customers at a time, providing a cost reduction of more than 40% per meter per customer. The smart multi gas meter 202 may provide a cost saving of over 70% towards remote reading and monitoring due to using only one unit compared to two or more units required for standard meter readings. The smart multi gas meter 202 may be efficient and cost-effective solution for gas metering in residential and commercial applications, it eliminates the need for separate meters for each gas source, reducing installation and maintenance costs.

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment, the diagram 200a depicts the smart multi gas meter 202 with the casing inlet connection 208 and the four casing outlet connections 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d. If the number of outlet connections are two or more than two, then such a gas meter falls into the smart multi gas meter (MGM) category. The casing inlet connection 208 and the casing outlet connections 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d may be provided on the same face of the second casing 206 or on the different faces of the second casing 206. The casing inlet connection 208 and casing outlet connections 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d may be provided independently on any face or in combination without any limit of the combination, based on the six faces of the device 202.

[0072] The smart multi gas meter 202 includes six faces, namely the front face (F1) 226, the back face (F2) 228, the left side face (F3) 230, the right side face (F4) 232, and the top face (F5) 234. For example, it is possible to have a casing inlet connection on the front face (F1) and the casing outlet connections on the top face (F5) and the left side face (F3), or to have the casing inlet connection on the bottom cover and the casing outlet connections on the front face (F1) and the right side face (F4). Furthermore, casing inlet connection and the casing outlet connections may also be combined on the same face or on different faces of the casing to accommodate different installation or usage requirements. This provides greater flexibility in terms of configuring the MGM casing to a variety of gas supply and gas appliance setups.

[0073] The first casing 204 may be a non-metallic casing. The second casing 206 may be a metallic casing and the material of the second casing 206 may be of steel or aluminium pressure die casting part, and the like. The casing inlet connection 208 and the casing outlet connections 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d may be integrated in the second casing 206 of the smart multi gas meter 202 or may be fixed externally. Irrespective of the orientation of the casing inlet connection and casing outlet connections, if the number of casing outlet connections are more than two then any such metering device may fall into the MGM category.

[0074] The smart multi gas meter 202 may be designed for domestic and/or commercial gas metering applications for flow rate measurement of gas. The smart multi gas meter 202 with the single inlet connection 208 and two or more outlet connections 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d may allow to accurately measure the flow rate of gas for two or more customers. This smart multi gas meter 202 is particularly useful in commercial and domestic applications where there may be multiple gas connections through the single inlet pipeline from the tank, such as in apartment complexes or commercial buildings. The single smart multi gas meter 202 features multiple outlet connections and a single inlet connection, enabling it to measure the flow rate of gas consumption accurately and reliably for each gas-connection. The smart multi gas meter 202 may provide accurate billing information for gas usage of the each individual gas-connection

[0075] The gas such as LPG, Butane, Propane, Natural gas, Blended Natural Gas (Natural gas mixed with Hydrogen), and Hydrogen gas supplied through pipeline or from tank for domestic/ commercial applications. For the domestic application the smart multi gas meter 202 is designed to give a flow rate including and between 0.016 m³/ h to 7.2 m³/h from each valve outlet connection. The MGM delivers more high volume (for example, up to 100 m³/h) from each valve outlet connection for the commercial model. These flow rates are irrespective of the gas type. The domestic and commercial models of MGM are different. The flow measurement principle used in the smart multi gas meter 202 is ultrasonic or thermal mass flow.

[0076] The valve outlet connections (as shown in FIG. 3A/3B, 306a, 306b, 306c and 306d) may be connected to the casing outlet connections 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d of the smart multi gas meter 202 from inside of the second casing 206 and the other end of the valves (as shown in FIG. 3A/3B, 302a, 302b, 302c, and 302d) are connected to the inlet or outlet connections of the flow sensors. Both the valves and the flow sensors may remain inside the second casing 206. The smart multi gas meter 202 may be installed in a vertical or a horizontal position. The arrow 224 may be configured to indicate the direction of the gas flow. The display 212 may be configured to display the current usage and consumption data of the gas flow through the valve outlet connections; the sensors inlet and outlet connections (as shown in FIG. 3A); and the casing inlet connection and the casing outlet connections that are linked to multiple gas-connections.

[0077] The buttons 214a, 214b, and 214c on the smart multi gas meter 202 may be used for programming and configuration purposes. They allow gas utility personnel or an authorized personnel to access the meter's internal settings and configure parameters such as billing rate, units of measurement, flow rate, and other settings. The buttons 214a, 214b, 214c may also be used for troubleshooting purposes. For example, if a gas meter is not displaying data or is displaying an error message, the utility personnel may need to access the meter's internal settings to diagnose the problem. The buttons 214a, 214b, 214c on gas meters may be configured to access and configure the internal settings of the smart multi gas meter 202.

[0078] The optical port 216 in the smart multi gas meter 202 may be usually used for remote meter reading or optical port or galvanic port. Gas utility companies may use this port to retrieve gas consumption data from the meter without having to send a technician to the customer's premises to read the meter physically. The optical port 216 is a small window on the smart multi gas meter 202 that allows access to the meter's internal electronic components. A handheld device called an optical port or galvanic port is used to read the meter's data through the optical port 216. The probe sends a beam of light into the smart multi gas meter 202, which is reflected back by a small mirror inside the smart multi gas meter 202. The reflected light contains information about the gas consumption, which is then transmitted to the gas utility company's system. The use of optical port 216 may help reduce the cost and time associated with manual meter reading and improve the readings' accuracy. It also provides the utility company with real-time data on gas consumption, allowing them to identify trends and potential issues more quickly. The battery door 218 may be configured to secure four batteries in the first casing 204.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, and FIG. 2D are example diagrams 200b, 200c, and 200d depicting multiple views of a smart multi gas meter, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The diagram 200b depicts a front view of the smart multi gas meter 202 with the casing inlet connection 208 and the casing outlet connections 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d. The diagram 200c depicts a rear view of the smart multi gas meter 202 with the casing inlet connection 208 and the multiple casing outlet connections 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d. The diagram 200d depicts a top view of the smart multi gas meter 202 with the casing inlet connection 208 and the multiple casing outlet connections 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d.

[0080] The smart multi gas meter 202 henceforth may also be called as MGM, is a domestic smart multi gas meter 202 with an innovative design dedicated and suitable for high density installations. The smart multi gas meter 202 includes two or more smart meters with one inlet connection and two or more outlet connections. The smart multi gas meter 202 may be installed easily and provides additional safety for mass installations.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 2E is an example diagram 200e depicting a right side view of a smart multi gas meter, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The diagram 200b includes the smart multi gas meter 202. The diagram 200e includes the smart multi gas meter 202, the right side face 232, the casing inlet connection 208, the arrow 224, the screw casing 220, the first casing 204 and the second casing 206. The casing inlet connection 208 and the arrow 224 are positioned on the right side face (F4) 232 of the smart multi gas meter 202. The smart multi gas meter 202 includes the single casing inlet connection 208 and is able to position on any of the faces as required. The screw casing 220 may be configured to enable the smart multi gas meter 202 to fix on a desired surface. The screws 222 may be configured to fix the first casing 204 and the second casing 206.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B are example diagrams 300a, 300b depicting cross-sectional views of the smart multi gas meter 202, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The diagram 300a depicts the cross-section view of the smart multi gas meter 202 with the casing inlet connection 208 on the right side face (F4) 232. The diagram 300b depicts the cross-section view of the smart multi gas meter 202 with the casing inlet connection 208 on the right side face (F4) 232. The diagram 300a and 300b includes the smart multi gas meter 202, valves 302a, 302b, 302c, and 302d, Ultrasonic / Thermal mass flow sensors 304a, 304b, 304c and 304d, valve outlet connections 306a, 306b, 306c and 306d, sensors inlet and outlet connections 308a, 308b, 308c and 308d, the casing inlet connection 208, the casing outlet connections 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d, and the second casing 206. The second casing 206 includes the valves 302a, 302b, 302c, and 302d may be integrally connected to any of the front face (F1) 226, the back face (F2) 228, the left side face (F3) 230, the right side face (F4) 232, and the top face (F5) 234.The valve outlet connections 306a, 306b, 306c, and 306d may be connected to the casing outlet connections 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d from inside of the second casing 206.

[0083] The one or more valves 302a, 302b, 302c, and 302d includes the flow sensors 304a, 304b, 304c and 304d positioned at the sensors inlet and outlet connections 308a, 308b, 308c and 308d. The flow sensors 304a, 304b, 304c and 304d may be configured to measure the flow rate of the gas passing through the valve outlet connections 306a, 306b, 306c, and 306d, and the sensors inlet and outlet connections 308a, 308b, 308c and 308d using a flow measurement principle. The flow sensors 304a, 304b, 304c and 304d may be configured to measure the flow rate of the gas passing from the casing inlet connection 208 to the casing outlet connections 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d through the valves 302a, 302b, 302c, and 302d. The casing outlet connections 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d may be linked to the multiple gas-connections that are used by the multiple customers or individuals.

[0084] The valve connections 306a, 306b, 306c and 306d may be configured to provide the flow rate including and between 0.016 m³/ h to 7.2 m³/h for one or more domestic applications. The valve outlet connections 306a, 306b, 306c, and 306d may be configured to deliver high volume of up to 100 m³/h for one or more commercial applications.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 4A is an example diagram 400a depicting a horizontal installation of the smart multi gas meter 202, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The diagram 400a depicts the smart multi gas meter 202 installed in the horizontal direction.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 4B, and FIG. 4C are example diagrams 400b, 400c depicting a vertical installation of the smart multi gas meter 202, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The diagram 400b and 400c includes the smart multi gas meter 202. The 400b and 400c depicts the smart multi gas meter 202 installed in the vertical direction.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 5A is an example diagram 500a depicting the smart multi gas meter 202 with the casing inlet connection on the top face and the casing outlet connections on the right side face and the left side face, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The diagram 500a depicts the smart multi gas meter 202, the left side face (F3) 230, the right side face (F4) 232, and the top face (F5) 234, the casing inlet connection 208, and the casing outlet connections 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d. The casing inlet connection 208 may be positioned on the top face (F5) 234, and the casing outlet connections 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d may be positioned on the left side face (F3) 230, and the right side face (F4) 232 of the smart multi gas meter 202.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 5B is an example diagram 500b depicting the multi gas meter with the casing inlet connection on the bottom cover 207b and the casing outlet connections on the right side face and the left side face, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The diagram 500b depicts the smart multi gas meter 202, the left side face (F3) 230, the right side face (F4) 232, and the top face (F5) 234, the casing inlet connection 208, and the casing outlet connections 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d. The casing inlet connection 208 may be positioned on the bottom cover 207b and the casing outlet connections 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d may be positioned on the left side face (F3) 230, and the right side face (F4) 232 of the smart multi gas meter 202.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 5C is an example diagram 500c depicting the smart multi gas meter with the casing inlet connection on the back face and the casing outlet connections on the right side face and the left side face, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The diagram 500c depicts the smart multi gas meter 202, the back face (F2) 228, the left side face (F3) 230, the right side face (F4) 232, and the top face (F5) 234 , the casing inlet connection 208, and the casing outlet connections 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d. The casing inlet connection 208 may be positioned on the back face (F2) 228, and the casing outlet connections 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d may be positioned on the left side face (F3) 230, and the right side face (F4) 232 of the smart multi gas meter 202.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B, FIG. 6C are example diagrams 600a, 600b, 600c depicting a bottom view, a top view and an isometric view of a bottom cover, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The diagram 600a, 600b, 600c includes a bottom cover 207b, a screw casing 220, screws 222. The second casing 206 may be two part casing with a housing for the sensors and cover at the bottom of the second casing. Here cover may be bottom cover 207b. The bottom cover 207b may include but not limited to a plate. The bottom cover 207b may be fixed to the second casing with multiple screws 222. The bottom cover 207b may be configured to keep the casing airtight and leak proof. The bottom cover 207b may be made of aluminium or other suitable metal. The screw casing 220 may be configured to enable the smart multi gas meter 202 to fix on a desired surface. The screws 222 may be configured to fix the first casing 204 and the second casing 206.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 7 is another example diagram 700 depicting an isometric view of multi gas meter 202, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The diagram 700 depicts a smart-gas meter 202, a first casing 204, a second casing 206, and a bottom cover 207b. The screw casing 220 may be configured to enable the smart multi gas meter 202 to fix on a desired surface. The bottom cover 207b may be fixed/attached to the housing for the sensors 207a with multiple screws 222(as shown in FIG. 2A, FIG.6B).The bottom cover 207b may be configured to keep the casing airtight and leak proof. The screws 222 may be configured to fix the first casing 204 and the second casing 206.

[0092] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0093] Although the present disclosure has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments and illustrations thereof, other embodiments and modifications to preferred embodiments may be possible that are within the principles and spirit of the invention. The above descriptions and figures are therefore to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0094] Thus the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and sub-combinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.

, Claims:We Claim:
1. A smart multi gas meter to measure flow rate of gas flowing through a single inlet connection to multiple outlet connections, comprising:

a first casing and a second casing, wherein the first casing comprises a front face, and the second casing comprises a rear face, a right side face, a left side face, and a top face, whereby at least one of: the rear face, the right side face, the left side face, and the top face comprises at least one of: a casing inlet connection; and casing outlet connections;

the second casing comprises one or more valves integrally connected to at least one of the rear face, the right side face, the left side face, and the top face, wherein the one or more valves comprises one or more valve outlet connections, whereby the one or more valve outlet connections are connected to the casing outlet connections; and

the one or more valves comprises one or more flow sensors positioned at one or more sensors inlet and outlet connections, wherein the one or more sensors inlet and outlet connections are using a flow measurement principle, whereby the one or more flow sensors configured to measure accurate flow rate of gas flowing from the casing inlet connection to the casing outlet connections through the one or more valves, the casing inlet connection is connected to a single inlet pipeline from a tank and the casing outlet connections are linked to two or more gas-connections that are used by two or more individuals; and

the one or more flow sensors configured to provide accurate and reliable measurement of gas consumption for each individual gas-connection thereby allowing precise billing and efficient gas metering in residential and commercial applications.

2. The smart multi gas meter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more valve outlet connections are connected to the casing outlet connections from inside of the second casing.

3. The smart multi gas meter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flow measurement principle is an ultrasonic or thermal mass flow measurement that provides high accuracy performance for each individual gas-connection.

4. The smart multi gas meter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more flow sensors are configured to measure the accurate flow rate of gas flowing through the at least one of the one or more valve outlet connections, whereby the gas comprises LPG, Butane, Propane, Natural gas, Blended Natural Gas (Natural gas mixed with Hydrogen), and Hydrogen gas supplied through the single pipeline from the tank for one or more domestic and/or one or more commercial applications.

5. The smart multi gas meter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more valve outlet connections are configured to provide the flow rate including and between 0.016 m³/ h to 7.2 m³/h for the one or more domestic applications.

6. The smart multi gas meter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more valve outlet connections are configured to deliver a high volume up to 100 m³/h for the one or more commercial applications.

7. The smart multi gas meter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front face comprises an optical port is configured to retrieve gas consumption data from the smart multi gas meter.

8. The smart multi gas meter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front face comprises a display is configured to display the current usage and consumption data of the gas flowing through the casing inlet connection to the casing outlet connections.

9. The smart multi gas meter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front face comprises one or more buttons are configured to enable gas utility personnel or authorized personnel to access the smart multi gas meter internal settings and configure parameters such as billing rate, flow rate, and units of measurement.

10. The smart multi gas meter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the casing inlet connection and the casing outlet connections are integrated into the second casing or fixed externally.