System and method for inspecting fasteners in amusement park spot

Abstract

A scenic spot system includes a first component, a second component, a fastener (16) configured to couple the first component to the second component, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (18) including a torque strip (26) extending between the fastener (16) and a reference point of the scenic spot system, where the RFID tag (18) is configured to transmit a radio frequency (RF) signal in response to the torque strip (26) being not disconnected, and an RFID reader (30) configured to detect the RF signal.

Description

Background Art

[0001] This section is intended to introduce to the reader various aspects of the technology that may be relevant to the various aspects of the technology described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful to the reader in providing background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in light of this, and not as an admission of prior art.

[0002] Amusement parks and other entertainment venues have various features to provide entertainment for visitors. For example, an amusement park may include an attraction system, such as ride facilities (e.g., roller coasters), theatrical performances, extended reality systems, and the like. The attraction system may include ride vehicles that transport amusement park visitors, such as along a track, throughout or inside the attraction system to perform various operations to provide entertainment to the visitors. During the lifespan of the attraction system, traditional monitoring and / or maintenance procedures may be employed to maintain the integrity of the various structural features of the attraction system. Unfortunately, traditional monitoring and / or maintenance procedures can be costly and time-consuming. Accordingly, it is now recognized that there is a desire to improve the monitoring and maintenance of attraction systems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An overview of certain embodiments disclosed herein is presented below. It should be understood that presenting these aspects is merely to provide a brief overview of these particular embodiments to the reader, and these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Indeed, the present disclosure may cover a variety of aspects that may not be presented below.

[0004] In an embodiment, an attraction system includes a first member, a second member, a fastener configured to couple the first member to the second member, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag including a torque strip extending between the fastener and a reference point of the attraction system, wherein the RFID tag is configured to emit a radio frequency (RF) signal in response to the torque strip not being broken, and an RFID reader configured to detect the RF signal.

[0005] In an embodiment, a system includes: a torque strip positioned on a fastener that connects a portion of a track of an attraction system, wherein the fastener is tightened to a torque corresponding to a target torque; an RFID tag including the torque strip and configured to emit a signal while the torque strip is continuous; and an RFID reader configured to determine that the torque corresponds to the target torque in response to detecting the signal emitted by the RFID tag.

[0006] In an embodiment, a method includes detecting, via an RFID reader, a radio frequency (RF) signal transmitted by a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that includes a torque strip extending between a fastener and a reference point of an attraction system such that the torque strip closes a circuit formed by the RFID tag. Additionally, the method may include determining, via the RFID reader and in response to the RFID tag failing to transmit an additional RF signal to the RFID reader, that the torque strip is broken, and generating, via the RFID reader and in response to determining that the torque strip is broken, an electronic notification indicative of a fault mode corresponding to the fastener. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the drawings, and in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram of an attraction system and an inspection system for inspecting aspects of the attraction system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure Figure 1 an attraction system track and an inspection system for inspecting aspects of the attraction system track Figure 1 is a schematic diagram; Figure 3 is in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure in Figure 1 an inspection system employed for monitoring Figure 1 an attraction system fastener assembly radio frequency identification (RFID) transmitter assembly (or “RFID tag”), wherein the RFID transmitter assembly includes an unbroken torque strip indicating that the fastener assembly includes a torque corresponding to a target torque; Figure 4 is in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure in Figure 1 an inspection system employed for monitoring Figure 1 an attraction system fastener assembly radio frequency identification (RFID) transmitter assembly (or “RFID tag”), wherein the RFID transmitter assembly includes a broken torque strip indicating that the fastener assembly includes a torque deviating from a target torque; and Figure 5 is a flowchart of a process for using Figure 1 an inspection system to detect loose fasteners in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] One or more specific embodiments will be described below. To provide a brief description of these embodiments, all features of the actual implementation are not described in the specification. It should be recognized that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the specific goals of the developer, such as complying with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. In addition, it should be recognized that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but for those of ordinary skill in the art who benefit from the present disclosure, it is still routine work in design, construction, and manufacturing.

[0009] When introducing the elements of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a", "an", and "the" are intended to mean that there is one or more elements. The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may exist in addition to the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to "an embodiment" or "embodiments" of the present disclosure are not to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0010] The present disclosure is directed to an attraction system for an amusement park or a theme park. The attraction system may include roller coasters, ride vehicles, theatrical performances, interactive experiences, and the like. For example, the attraction system may include a ride vehicle on which a visitor may be located. During operation of the attraction system, the ride vehicle may move along a track (e.g., a guide rail) to give the visitor a sense of movement (e.g., gravity, inertial force, posture adjustment) to provide entertainment. The track of the attraction system may be formed by various parts (e.g., support columns, track support beams, track guide rails), which are held together using fasteners (such as nut and bolt assemblies, screws, or other types of fasteners). Other aspects of the attraction system may also employ fasteners.

[0011] During construction and / or maintenance of the attraction system, the above-mentioned fasteners may be tightened to a target torque level (e.g., above a threshold torque or within a target torque range). If any of the fasteners loosens from the target torque level (e.g., is not tightened or releases torque), the track may exhibit undesirable effects, such as relatively strong vibrations when the ride vehicle passes through the track. Therefore, it may be desirable to perform an inspection on the fasteners of the track and / or other fasteners associated with the attraction system to determine whether one or more of the fasteners are loose and / or in need of maintenance (e.g., tightening). However, existing approaches for performing inspections on the fasteners of the attraction system may be inefficient and cumbersome. Therefore, it is currently recognized that improving the inspection of the fasteners of the attraction system can improve the effective operation of the attraction system.

[0012] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and techniques for automatically (e.g., fully or partially automatically) inspecting fasteners (such as fasteners corresponding to a track of an attraction system) of an attraction system. In an embodiment, the system may include a torque strip formed on a fastener and a portion of the track or other reference point (or on two portions of the same fastener) such that the torque strip does not break when the fastener is properly tightened (e.g., tightened to a target torque level). For example, the torque strip may include a conductive ink strip formed on the head of the fastener (e.g., a screw) and a portion of the track adjacent to the head of the fastener (e.g., after the fastener is tightened to the target torque). In an embodiment, the conductive ink strip may be formed on one or more non-conductive material (e.g., plastic, rubber) layers formed on the head of the fastener and the track portion (e.g., to prevent current traveling through the strip from dissipating into the environment). In other words, one or more non-conductive material layers may be employed to electrically insulate the conductive ink from other conductive components.

[0013] In another embodiment, the torque strip may include a conductive ink strip formed on the nut of the fastener and the bolt of the fastener. The torque strip may close a circuit corresponding to a radio frequency identification (RFID) transmitter assembly (referred to as an "RFID tag" in some cases of the present disclosure), the circuit including the RFID integrated circuit (e.g., RFID chip, processor, and memory) of the RFID tag and the communication circuit (e.g., antenna) of the RFID tag. Thus, if the torque strip maintains its original configuration (e.g., the torque strip is not broken or continuous), a radio frequency (RF) signal may be transmitted from the RFID tag (e.g., via the antenna). Additionally, when the torque strip is intact, an RFID reader may be employed to detect the RF signal transmitted by the RFID tag (e.g., via the antenna). However, if the torque strip is not in its original configuration (e.g., the torque strip is broken due to the fastener becoming loose or damaged), the RF signal from the RFID tag may not be transmitted (e.g., via the antenna) and may thus not be received by the RFID reader. In this manner, the torque strip may act as a switch in the RFID tag.

[0014] In an embodiment, a technique for inspecting fasteners of a track may include applying a torque strip made of conductive ink on a fastener (e.g., after the fastener is tightened to a target torque level) and a portion of the track such that the torque strip closes a circuit formed by an RFID tag (e.g., an integrated circuit or chip, the torque strip, and an antenna), which connects the RFID integrated circuit to the antenna. In an alternative embodiment, the torque strip may be formed on two portions (e.g., a nut and a bolt) of the same fastener (e.g., after the fastener is tightened to a target torque level) such that the torque strip closes a circuit formed by an RFID tag that connects the RFID integrated circuit to the antenna. For example, if the torque level decreases over time due to vibration or the like, the torque strip will break when the members through which the torque strip extends loosen and move relative to each other. Accordingly, the RFID tag will no longer generate a signal. The technique may further include using an RFID reader to detect an RF signal from the RFID tag and triggering maintenance or a manual inspection of the track based on an indication that one or more RF signals are not received.

[0015] In view of the foregoing, Figure 1 is a block diagram of an inspection system 10 for a track 12 of an attraction system 14. The attraction system 14 (e.g., a roller coaster, an amusement ride, an interactive show, an immersive experience, etc.) may include a track 12 and may be operable to provide entertainment to one or more visitors. The track 12 (e.g., a ride track, a roller coaster track, a guide rail, a guide) may support a ride vehicle 11 that carries passengers (e.g., visitors to an amusement park) through the attraction system 14. The track 12 may include fasteners 16 (e.g., structural fasteners), such as nut and bolt assemblies, screws, or other fasteners that may hold various portions of the track 12 together. For example, the track 12 may include a track support beam composed of several segments. As Figure 2 shown, the segments of the track support beam may be joined together using nut and bolt assemblies. In another example, screws may be used to fasten the track support beam to a track support column that holds the track 12 off the ground. Additionally, although in some examples of the present disclosure, the fastener inspection technique is discussed in the context of fasteners 16 employed on the track 12, it should be understood that the same or similar fastener inspection techniques may be applied in the context of fasteners 16 employed in other areas of the attraction system 14, such as fasteners employed on a performance element 19 that the ride vehicle 11 may not pass through.

[0016] During construction and / or maintenance of the track 12, the fastener 16 can be tightened (e.g., using a torque wrench) to a target torque level (e.g., above a threshold torque, within a target torque range, etc.). To maintain the structural integrity of the track 12 and keep the track 12 in good operating condition, the fastener 16 may need to be kept tightened to the target torque level. However, due to various factors, such as vibrations of the track 12 caused by the passage of the ride vehicle 11, environmental temperature changes, and / or aging of the fastener 16 and / or the track 12, the fastener 16 may loosen over time. If the fastener 16 loosens, the fastener 16 can unscrew and the torque of the fastener 16 can decrease from the target torque level. This can result in undesirable effects, such as high-intensity vibrations when the ride vehicle 11 passes over the track 12, a shortened service life of the track 12, and / or other undesirable effects.

[0017] To facilitate automatic detection of loosening of the fasteners 16 on the track 12, the track 12 can include an RFID tag 18 (or “RFID transmitter assembly”) that is associated with the fastener 16 and arranged to emit a radio frequency (RF) signal when the associated fastener 16 is tightened to the target torque level. For example, one RFID tag 18 can be associated with one nut and bolt assembly and can emit a specific RF signal as long as the fastener 16 is tightened to a specific torque level. The RFID tag 18 can include a processor 20 and a memory 22 (referred to as “RFID chip” or integrated circuit 28 in some cases of the present disclosure), a communication circuit 24 (e.g., including an antenna), and a torque strip 26. The memory 22 of the RFID tag 18 can include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), optical disk drive, hard disk drive, solid state drive, or any other non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions for transmitting data associated with the RFID tag 18. For example, the memory 22 can store an identification number, an object identifier, a password, and / or an error detection code that can uniquely identify the specific fastener 16 associated with the specific RFID tag 18. The processor 20 can be operable to execute instructions. For example, the processor 20 can include one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more general purpose processors, or any combination thereof. The processor 20 can execute instructions to continuously or periodically generate and emit an RF signal via the communication circuit 24 (e.g., antenna).

[0018] The communication circuit 24 of the RFID tag 18 may include an antenna that can receive and / or transmit radio frequency (RF) signals. The communication circuit 24 may transmit an RF signal (also referred to herein as a "signal") that specifies a unique identifier of the associated fastener 16. For example, each fastener 16 or group of fasteners 16 may have a unique identifier that is encoded in the signal and transmitted by the RFID tag 18. The signal may be used to determine whether the associated fastener 16 is fastened to a target torque level. In an embodiment, the RFID tag 18 may be powered by the energy of radio waves emitted from the RFID reader 30 and received by the communication circuit 24 of the RFID tag 18. In this case, if the RFID tag 18 first receives an interrogation signal from the RFID reader 30, the RFID tag 18 may only transmit a signal indicating that the fastener 16 is fastened. In an embodiment, the RFID tag 18 may be powered by a power supply such as a battery (e.g., a lithium-ion battery) or a solar panel, or by connection to a power grid. In this case, the communication circuit 24 may transmit an RF signal without first receiving an interrogation signal from the RFID reader 30, and the RF signal may be stronger (e.g., compared to the signal transmitted in response to an interrogation signal), such that the signal can be more easily detected by the RFID reader 30.

[0019] The torque strip 26 may be part of a circuit 27 (e.g., an electrical circuit) formed by the RFID tag 18 and may connect the processor 20 and the memory 22 to the communication circuit 24 (or specifically, the antenna of the communication circuit 24). In an embodiment, the torque strip 26 may act as an electrical switch for the RFID tag 18, such that the RFID tag 18 can only function (e.g., transmit an RF signal) when the switch is closed or the torque strip 26 is not disconnected. The torque strip 26 may be formed of a conductive ink (or another conductive material) on the fastener 16 (or on the fastener 16 and the track 12) in such a way that a deviation of the fastener torque from the target torque level can disconnect the torque strip 26 and the RFID tag 18 circuit. For example, the torque strip 26 may be formed on the head of the fastener 16 and a portion of the track 12 in which the fastener 16 is embedded. In an embodiment, a strip of conductive ink may be formed on one or more layers 33 of a non-conductive material (e.g., plastic, rubber, resin) formed on the head of the fastener 16 and the track portion (e.g., to prevent current traveling through the strip from dissipating into the environment). Additionally or alternatively, the fastener 16 and / or the portion of the track 12 near the fastener 16 may be non-conductive. The non-conductive material may be deformable (e.g., stretchable), such that a change in the configuration of the fastener 16 (e.g., loosening from the target torque) may cause the non-conductive material to deform, potentially disconnecting the torque strip 26.

[0020] If a portion of the fastener 16 rotates (e.g., torque decreases), the torque strip 26 may separate into two unconnected parts. Thus, if the torque strip 26 breaks, the RFID tag 18 may not emit the above RF signal (e.g., due to the communication circuit 24 or its antenna being disconnected from the processor 20 and / or the memory 22).

[0021] In an embodiment, the torque strip 26 may be configured to allow a certain range of motion (e.g., a threshold extension distance, an applied threshold force) of the fastener 16 before the torque strip 26 breaks. In this embodiment, the torque strip 26 may be formed of a relatively elastic conductive material that can stretch to a certain extent before breaking while adhering to the surface on which the conductive material is formed. For example, if the range of motion (e.g., displacement, movement, rotation) exceeds a certain threshold, the torque strip 26 may break. Additionally or alternatively, the torque strip 26 may be a wire that is not necessarily adhered to the surface. Such a torque strip 26 made of wire may be attached to the fastener 16 at a first point and to the track 12 at a second point.

[0022] To receive signals from the RFID tag 18 (and in some embodiments, transmit signals to the RFID tag 18), the RFID reader 30 may include communication circuitry 32, such as an antenna. For example, the communication circuitry 32 may send an interrogation signal to the RFID tag 18 (e.g., a signal that may trigger the emission of a signal from the RFID tag 18) and receive a signal from the RFID tag 18 indicating that the fastener 16 is fastened to a target torque level. Additionally, the RFID reader 30 may include a power supply 34, such as a battery that enables the RFID reader 30 to operate (e.g., send the interrogation signal, receive a signal from the RFID tag 18, and / or process the received signal). The RFID reader 30 may further include a controller 36 that includes a processor 38 and a memory 40. The memory 40 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), an optical disk drive, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, or any other non-transitory computer-readable medium that includes instructions. The processor 38 may be operable to execute such instructions. For example, the processor 38 may include one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more general-purpose processors, or any combination thereof. In an embodiment, the instructions may enable the RFID reader 30 to process RF signals from the RFID tag 18 and determine whether any of the fasteners 16 on the track 12 are loose, and if so, which fastener 16 is loose. Once the data contained in the RF signal from the RFID tag 18 has been processed, the controller 36 may generate a notification indicating the condition of the track 12 (e.g., a fault mode corresponding to one of the fasteners 16, such as an undesired looseness). In some embodiments, the notification may be transmitted to an electronic device, such as a remote electronic device, an electronic device dedicated to the attraction system 14, etc.

[0023] The inspection system 10 may be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, a single RFID tag 18 may be associated with a single fastener 16 or with a group of fasteners 16. Additionally or alternatively, the RFID reader 30 may be mounted on an autonomous vehicle 29 that autonomously traverses the track 12. Additionally or alternatively, the RFID reader 30 may be handheld by a user (e.g., a maintenance person) or integrally combined with a drone 31. Additionally or alternatively, the torque strip 26 of the RFID tag 18 may be applied to different types of fasteners 16 in various ways. For example, the torque strip 26 may be drawn on the head of the fastener 16 (e.g., a bolt) and a portion of the track 12, or the torque strip 26 may connect a nut on the fastener 16 (e.g., a nut on a bolt) and the thread of the fastener 16 (e.g., the thread of a bolt).

[0024] Figure 2 is shown Figure 1An example of a possible implementation of inspection system 10 in Figure 2 is Figure 1 track 12 of attraction system 14, and for inspecting Figure 1 schematic views of various aspects of inspection system 10 for aspects of track 12 of attraction system 14. In the illustrated embodiment, multiple instances of torque strips 26 are employed. Each torque strip 26 is formed on the head (e.g., flat top portion) of a corresponding fastener 16 (e.g., bolt) and a corresponding portion of track 12. The support beam 52 of track 12 supports track guide 54 and includes two segments joined together by fasteners 16 (e.g., nut and bolt assemblies). An antenna 56 may be positioned above each bolt head 50 of each fastener 16. The integrated circuit 28 of RFID tag 18 may be positioned on track 12 near each bolt head 50. A torque strip 26 connecting the integrated circuit 28 (or "RFID chip") of RFID tag 16 and the antenna 56 of RFID tag 18 (e.g., corresponding to Figure 1 communication circuit 24 in

[0025] Figure 3 is shown in Figure 2 a close-up view of one of RFID tags 18 in Figure 4 and an associated fastener 16 (e.g., in a tightened state), and Figure 2 is shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 a close-up view of one of RFID tags 18 and an associated fastener 16 (e.g., in a loosened state).

[0026] Figure 3 is positioned at Figure 1Schematic illustration of a portion of track 12 and RFID tag 18 on bolt head 50 of fastener 16 (which is tightened to a target torque level). In the illustrated embodiment, torque strip 26 connects (e.g., electrically connects) antenna 56 located on bolt head 50 and integrated circuit 28 located on track 12. As shown, torque strip 26 may adhere to the surfaces on which it is formed (e.g., bolt head 50 and track 12). Thus, as shown, torque strip 26 may be on top of bolt head 50, down the side of bolt head 50, on washer 58 (e.g., washer 58 may be placed between bolt head 50 and track 12 to distribute pressure from bolt head 50 over a larger surface area of track 12), on the side of washer 58, and extend on track 12. Other arrangements are possible, such as an arrangement without washer 58. Additionally, as discussed, torque strip 26 may extend over one or more layers 33 of non-conductive materials such as plastic, rubber, etc. As discussed, alternative placements of antenna 56, integrated circuit 28, and / or torque strip 26 are possible. For example, antenna 56 may be placed on track 12 and integrated circuit 28 may be placed on bolt head 50. In another example, RFID tag 18 may be placed on the underside of a nut and bolt assembly such that torque strip 26 extends on the nut and on the threads of the bolt. In this case, antenna 56 and integrated circuit 28 may be placed on the threaded portions of the bolt and nut, respectively. It will be appreciated that torque strip 26 may not necessarily be straight. For example, both antenna 56 and integrated circuit 28 may be located on bolt head 50 such that torque strip 26 forms a U-shape, connecting integrated circuit 28 to antenna 56 and following a path from bolt head 50 to track 12 and back to bolt head 50.

[0027] Figure 4 is located on Figure 1 Schematic illustration of a portion of track 12 and RFID tag 18 on bolt head 50 of a bolt (which has been loosened from a target torque level). As shown, loosening of the bolt (involving rotation of the bolt about its axis) may cause displacement of edge 60 of bolt head 50. As shown, displacement of edge 60 of bolt head 50 may pull apart torque strip 26, creating a discontinuity in torque strip 26. It will be appreciated that torque strip 26 may be formed of a relatively inelastic electrically conductive material (e.g., conductive ink) that adheres to the surface such that it breaks or is severed due to rotation of bolt head 50. As discussed, severing of torque strip 26 breaks circuit 27 formed by RFID tag 18, thereby preventing RFID tag 18 from transmitting an RF signal.

[0028] Figure 5 is for using Figure 1 inspection system 10 to detect loosened fastener 16. It should be noted that the reference numerals of the features provided below areFigures 1 to 4 are shown in various embodiments. Process 70 begins by tightening (block 72) the fastener 16 to a target torque level (e.g., above a threshold torque or within a target torque range). As discussed, during the construction and / or maintenance of the track 12, the fastener 16 (such as a nut and bolt assembly) is tightened to a target torque level. The target torque level may be specified by an engineer designing the track 12 and may be maintained to ensure the stability and lifespan of the track 12. Tightening the fastener 16 to the target torque level may involve gradually rotating the fastener 16 with a torque wrench and measuring the torque of the fastener 16 until the fastener 16 reaches the target torque level.

[0029] Once the fastener 16 is tightened to the target torque level, process 70 may include forming (block 74) a torque strip 26 on the fastener 16 and a portion of the track 12 to close the circuit 27 formed by the RFID tag 18. Other ways of forming the torque strip 26 are possible, such as forming the torque strip 26 on a movable (e.g., rotatable) part of the fastener 16 and a non-movable (e.g., non-rotatable) part of the fastener 16 (or some other reference point). Forming the torque strip 26 may involve depositing a strip of conductive ink that closes the circuit 27 formed by the RFID tag 18. In an embodiment, the RFID tag 18 (including the antenna 56, the integrated circuit 28 (or “RFID chip”), and the torque strip 26) may be pre-fabricated and deposited on the fastener 16 and the track 12 by an autonomous vehicle 29 passing through the track 12. In an embodiment, the torque strip 26 may not be pre-fabricated and may be “drawn” by the autonomous vehicle 29 using an application tool such as a brush or a roller. In an embodiment, the torque strip 26 and possibly other parts of the circuit 27 formed by the RFID tag 18 may be hand-drawn by a user (e.g., a maintenance person). It should be recognized that different components of the RFID tag 18 (e.g., the antenna 56, the integrated circuit 28, and the torque strip 26) may be formed by different processes and deposited on the track 12 by different methods and at different times. Additionally, forming (block 74) the torque strip 26 on the fastener 16 may include forming one or more non-conductive material layers 33 on the fastener 16 and / or the track 12. The non-conductive layer 33 may be applied as a coating or as a patch or sticker. For example, a non-conductive coating may be applied to the fastener 16 and the track 12 before forming the torque strip 26 and the RFID tag 18. In another example, the RFID tag 18 may be formed on a non-conductive sticker, and the non-conductive sticker with the RFID tag 18 may be placed on the track 12 and the fastener 16 such that the torque strip 26 extends over both the track 12 and the fastener 16.

[0030] Process 70 may include detecting (block 76) a signal from RFID tag 18 via RFID reader 30. As discussed, the RF signal from RFID tag 18 may be transmitted in response to RFID tag 18 receiving an interrogation signal from RFID reader 30. Alternatively, RFID tag 18 may include a power supply that enables RFID tag 18 to transmit a signal on its own (e.g., continuously, periodically, etc.). Regardless of the power source for signal transmission, the RF signal may be transmitted only if torque strip 26 is intact (e.g., if fastener 16 has not rotated or otherwise loosened from the target torque level). In fact, if fastener 16 has rotated (e.g., loosened), the displacement of its edge 60 may cause the breakage of torque strip 26 and the interruption of circuit 27 formed by RFID tag 18. Additionally, there may also be an intermediate situation where fastener 16 rotates slightly such that torque strip 26 may become thinner but not completely truncated. In this case, the signal strength from the RFID circuit may also decrease, and the loosening of fastener 16 may be detected.

[0031] Process 70 may include determining (block 78) whether the RF signal from RFID tag 18 is greater than or equal to a threshold intensity level. This may involve receiving the signal via communication circuit 32 (e.g., antenna) of RFID reader 30, determining the intensity of the RF signal via controller 36 (e.g., processor 38 and memory 40) of RFID reader 30, and comparing the intensity of the RF signal with the threshold intensity level via controller 36 of RFID reader 30. The threshold intensity level may correspond to the minimum intensity of the RF signal that can be detected at a certain distance from RFID tag 18 when torque strip 26 is intact (e.g., fastener 16 has not lost any torque). If the signal intensity of the RF signal is greater than or equal to the threshold intensity level, additional inspection (e.g., manual inspection) and / or maintenance (block 82) of fastener 16 is not triggered. On the other hand, if the intensity of the RF signal is less than the threshold intensity level, additional inspection (e.g., manual inspection) and / or maintenance (block 80) of fastener 16 may be triggered. A signal intensity below the threshold intensity level may indicate that torque strip 26 has been truncated or is about to be truncated due to the displacement of a portion of fastener 16 relative to track 12.

[0032] Additionally or alternatively, process 70 may include additional criteria for triggering additional inspection and / or maintenance of fastener 16. For example, if torque strip 26 is damaged, RFID tag 18 may not transmit RF signals frequently and / or reliably. Thus, RFID reader 30 may receive a series of a number of RF signals from RFID tag 18, and if the number of RF signals in the series is less than a threshold signal number, trigger additional inspection and / or maintenance of fastener 16. Maintenance of fastener 16 may include tightening fastener 16 to a target torque level and / or replacing fastener 16 if fastener 16 is damaged. Maintenance of fastener 16 may be performed manually by a user (e.g., a maintenance person) or automatically via autonomous vehicle 29 that may travel through track 12. Additionally, maintenance of fastener 16 may include replacing torque strip 26 and / or other components of RFID tag 18 having torque strip 26.

[0033] Although only certain features of the invention have been shown and described herein, many modifications and variations will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

[0034] The technology presented and claimed herein is referenced and applied to specific instances of physical objects and physical properties, which demonstrably improve the present technical field and are thus not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Additionally, if any of the claims appended to the end of this specification contain one or more elements designated as "means for (performing) (function)... " or "step for (performing) (function)... ", it is intended that such elements be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claim that contains elements designated in any other manner, such elements are not intended to be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims

1. A scenic spot system, comprising: A first member; A second member; A fastener configured to couple the first member to the second member; A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag including a torque strip extending between the fastener and a reference point of the scenic spot system, wherein the RFID tag is configured to transmit a radio frequency (RF) signal in response to the torque strip not being broken; and An RFID reader configured to detect the RF signal.

2. The scenic spot system according to claim 1, wherein the torque strip is configured to break in response to the torque of the fastener deviating from a target torque.

3. The scenic spot system according to claim 1, wherein the torque strip comprises conductive ink.

4. The scenic spot system according to claim 1, wherein the RFID tag comprises: An RFID chip including processing circuitry, memory circuitry, or both; And An antenna, wherein the torque strip extends between the RFID chip and the antenna.

5. The scenic spot system according to claim 4, wherein the antenna is disposed on the fastener.

6. The scenic spot system according to claim 4, wherein the antenna is disposed at the reference point.

7. The scenic spot system according to claim 1, wherein the first member or the second member comprises the reference point.

8. The scenic spot system according to claim 1, comprising an autonomous vehicle, the RFID reader is disposed on the autonomous vehicle, wherein the autonomous vehicle is configured to travel through a track of the scenic spot system.

9. The scenic spot system according to claim 1, comprising a drone on which the RFID reader is disposed.

10. The scenic spot system according to claim 1, comprising a track having the first member, the second member, or both.

11. A fastener inspection system, comprising: A torque strip positioned on a fastener connecting a portion of a track of a scenic spot system, wherein the fastener is tightened to a torque corresponding to a target torque; An RFID tag including the torque strip and configured to emit a signal while the torque strip is continuous; and An RFID reader configured to determine that the torque corresponds to the target torque in response to detecting a signal emitted by the RFID tag.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the RFID reader is configured to determine that the torque deviates from the target torque in response to the RFID tag failing to transmit the signal to the RFID reader.

13. The system according to claim 11, wherein the torque strip comprises conductive ink.

14. The system according to claim 11, wherein the torque strip is configured to break in response to the torque deviating from the target torque.

15. The system according to claim 11, wherein the RFID tag includes an antenna and an RFID chip, and the torque strip electrically couples the antenna and the RFID chip while the torque strip is continuous.

16. A fastener inspection method, comprising: Detecting, via an RFID reader, a radio frequency (RF) signal emitted by a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag including a torque strip extending between a fastener and a reference point of a scenic spot system such that the torque strip closes a circuit formed by the RFID tag; Determining, via the RFID reader and in response to the RFID tag failing to transmit an additional RF signal to the RFID reader, that the torque strip is broken; And Generating, via the RFID reader and in response to determining that the torque strip is broken, an electronic notification indicating a fault mode corresponding to the fastener.

17. The method according to claim 16, comprising forming a torque strip extending between the fastener and a reference point of the scenic system such that the torque strip closes a circuit between the RFID chip and the antenna of the RFID tag.

18. The method according to claim 16, comprising: Generating, via the RFID reader and in response to determining that the torque strip is broken, an electronic notification indicating that the torque of the fastener deviates from a target torque.

19. The method according to claim 16, comprising tightening the fastener to couple a track member corresponding to a first member of the scenic system to a second member of the scenic system such that the torque associated with the fastener corresponds to a target torque.

20. The method according to claim 16, comprising transmitting, via the RFID reader, an interrogation signal configured to energize the RFID tag.

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