How to check the condition of one or more connections in a fluid line assembly

Abstract

A method for verifying the connection status of one or more fluid line quick connectors in a fluid line assembly is presented. The method includes assembling a fluid line quick connector at a respective connection location in the fluid line assembly and providing a unique identifier, location information, or both, for the fluid line quick connector. The unique identifier and / or location information is used to determine whether an intended connection has actually been properly made between the fluid line quick connector and the connection end of the fluid line assembly. Data matrix scanning, radio frequency (RF) signals, or a combination of these techniques can provide the unique identifier and / or location information at various times to make the determination.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 409,080, filed September 22, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [Technical Field]

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to quick connectors and fluid line assemblies, and to methods for determining whether an intended connection has been made between a quick connector and a fluid line assembly, or other connection information. [Background technology]

[0003] Quick connectors are commonly used to connect fluid and / or component lines in a fluid-tight manner. Quick connectors typically feature easy connection and disconnection. One example where quick connectors are useful is in vehicle fluid lines. More specific examples include cooling fluid lines for batteries in electric and hybrid vehicles, and hydrogen fluid lines in hydrogen-fueled vehicles. However, there are also several examples in non-automotive applications, such as industrial manufacturing, aerospace, marine, and agriculture. During initial assembly, inspection, and subsequent servicing, quick connectors often employ visual means to verify that proper connections have been made. These means typically involve physical collaboration and visual inspection by assemblers, inspectors, and service personnel to confirm that the intended connections have been made. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment, a method for assembling multiple fluid line quick connectors in a fluid line assembly may include several steps. One step may include assembling multiple fluid line quick connectors at respective connection locations of the fluid line assembly. Another step may include obtaining, from each fluid line quick connector, a set of first unique identifiers for the multiple fluid line quick connectors. The first unique identifiers identify individual fluid line quick connectors from among the multiple fluid line quick connectors. Yet another step may include displaying connection information for the multiple fluid line quick connectors in the fluid line assembly (e.g., the presence of a fluid line quick connector at a connection location) based, in part or more, on a correspondence between the set of first unique identifiers and the set of second unique identifiers and location information for the multiple fluid line quick connectors.

[0005] In another embodiment, a method for determining one or more connection states of a fluid line assembly may include several steps. One step may include assembling a number of fluid line quick connectors at respective connection locations of the fluid line assembly. Another step may include obtaining, from each fluid line quick connector, a set of first unique identifiers and a connected or disconnected status of the number of fluid line quick connectors. The first unique identifiers identify individual fluid line quick connectors from among the number of fluid line quick connectors. Yet another step may include determining the connection state of the fluid line assembly based, in part or more, on the correspondence between the set of first unique identifiers and the set of second unique identifiers and the position information of the number of fluid line quick connectors, and, in part or more, on the connected or disconnected status of each of the number of fluid line quick connectors.

[0006] In yet another embodiment, a method for determining the connection status of one or more fluid line assemblies may include several steps. One step may include assembling multiple fluid line quick connectors at respective connection locations of the fluid line assembly. Another step may include obtaining, from each fluid line quick connector, a set of first unique identifiers and a connected or disconnected status of the multiple fluid line quick connectors. The first unique identifiers identify individual fluid line quick connectors from the multiple fluid line quick connectors. Each of the multiple fluid line quick connectors has a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that communicates the first set of unique identifiers and the connected or disconnected status. Yet another step may include scanning a data matrix to obtain a set of second unique identifiers and location information for the multiple fluid line quick connectors. And another step may include determining the connection status of the fluid line assembly based, in part or more, on the correspondence between the set of first unique identifiers and the set of second unique identifiers and the location information of the multiple fluid line quick connectors, and in part or more, on the connected or disconnected status of each connector of the multiple fluid line quick connectors. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] 1A-1C illustrate an embodiment of a method for checking the status of one or more connections of a fluid line assembly. [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart of a method for verifying the status of one or more connections of a fluid line assembly. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a line map. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An embodiment of a method for verifying the status of one or more connections of a fluid line quick connector (hereinafter, "quick connector") in a fluid line assembly is described in detail and illustrated herein. In one embodiment, the method uses radio frequency identification (RFID) technology that can determine the presence or absence of multiple connections via an RFID reader that can be located away from the fluid line assembly, away from the immediate site of the connection, if appropriate. In this manner, initial installation, inspection, and subsequent service inspections can be performed in an automated, robotic, and / or autonomous or semi-autonomous manner, as is often required in advanced manufacturing facilities for, for example, automotive production. Troubleshooting connection issues can also be made easier and more efficient. While the method is described herein using vehicle fluid lines, such as battery cooling fluid lines in electric and hybrid vehicles and hydrogen fluid lines in hydrogen-fueled vehicles, the method has broader applicability and may be useful in industrial manufacturing, aerospace, marine, and agricultural applications. Additionally, other applications include those in which quick connectors are located in inconvenient or difficult to access locations and where making the intended connection is even more critical when installed in enclosed structures and enclosed battery packs, etc.

[0009] The method may include various steps and various equipment and components within steps, depending on the particular application and other potential factors, such as the configuration of the quick connector. Indeed, the method may have more, fewer, and / or different steps than those presented herein. In an illustrative embodiment, referring to FIG. 1 , the method uses multiple quick connectors 10 as part of its configuration, each of which includes an RFID tag 12. The RFID tags 12 are carried by the quick connectors 10. Depending on the embodiment of the quick connectors 10, the RFID tags 12, when queried, provide an indication of proper connection and fastening by the quick connectors 10 (i.e., connected state) and / or provide an indication of lack of proper connection and fastening (i.e., disconnected state) and absence. The quick connectors 10 themselves may have various designs, configurations, and components in different embodiments, depending on the application to which the quick connectors 10 are attached, the associated spigots, hoses, and / or tubing, the desired attributes of the ultimately established connection and fitting, and other potential factors. Examples of quick connectors suitable for this method include those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 10,975,993, 11,048,994, 11,199,282, and 11,306,857 (all assigned to Norma US Holding LLC, Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA), although other examples of quick connectors are possible, including those manufactured by other companies. The disclosures of U.S. Patent Nos. 10,975,993, 11,048,994, 11,199,282, and 11,306,857 are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0010] The RFID tag 12 aids in detecting proper connection and securement between the quick connector 10 and the fluid line assembly 14, or disconnection therebetween. The RFID tag 12 exchanges radio frequency (RF) signals with an RFID reader 16 (also called an RFID interrogator). Generally, the RFID tag 12 is either a passive tag or an active tag. Depending on its type, the RFID tag 12 may be comprised of a substrate, an integrated circuit, an antenna, a battery, or a combination of these and other components. When interrogated, the RFID tag 12 can communicate various data and information to the RFID reader 16. In one embodiment, each RFID tag 12 communicates a unique identifier or ID. The term “unique identifier” is intended to have a broad meaning to refer to identifiers, codes, and / or values, as well as other identifying indicia. The unique identifier can be used to identify a particular quick connector, e.g., quick connector 1 (QC1), quick connector 2 (QC2), quick connector 3 (QC3), etc., among multiple quick connectors 10. Additionally, in one embodiment, the unique identifier can be used to identify and provide location information of the quick connectors 10 relative to the fluid line assembly 14 and / or relative to each other, e.g., connection location 1 (L1), connection location 2 (L2), connection location 3 (L3), etc. The connection locations may correspond to connection sites and connectors on the fluid line assembly 14. The location information may be the enumerated location of each quick connector relative to the fluid line assembly 14 and / or relative to other quick connectors. Additionally, in one embodiment, the RFID tag 12 may also communicate the connected or disconnected status of the associated individual quick connector 10. That is, the communicated data and information may indicate whether a proper connection has been made or, conversely, whether a proper connection has not been made and the associated individual quick connector 10 remains unconnected. In one embodiment, the RFID tag 12 may communicate a first set of unique identifiers and location information.

[0011] The RFID reader 16 provides RF signals to and receives transmissions from the fluid line assembly 14 and quick connector 10 and the RFID tag 12 to detect the presence of the RFID tag 12. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that an RFID reader generally includes one or more antennas for exchanging RF signals. The RFID reader 16 can deploy targeted signals and communications to the RFID tag 12. For example, the RFID reader 16 can issue an inquiry command to initiate a detection procedure and receive a signal from the RFID tag 12 in response. The received signal can be processed by a data consumer of the RFID reader 16. The data consumer may be software embedded in the RFID reader 16 or another component in upstream or downstream communication with the RFID reader 16. In general, the RFID reader 16 may be a fixed, portable, or handheld device. For example, in a manufacturing facility, RFID readers 16 can be placed between assembly, inspection, and / or installation production lines, depending on the particular application, and interrogation zones can be established in which RFID readers 16 interact with RFID tags 12 as fluid line assemblies 14 and quick connectors 10 are transported through or temporarily stopped in the interrogation zone.

[0012] The fluid line assembly 14 can exhibit a variety of designs, structures, and components depending on different embodiments and specific applications. In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , multiple mating connection ends 18 interconnect with the quick connectors 10. There may be a single connection end 18 for each quick connector 10 in the fluid line assembly 14. Each connection end 18 can constitute a connection location for the fluid line assembly 14. The connection end 18 is part of a spigot 20 of the fluid line assembly 14. The spigot 20 extends to and is in fluid communication with a common manifold 22 for the fluid line assembly 14. The fluid line assembly 14 and its components can be constructed of a plastic material. In the example of FIG. 1 , the fluid line assembly 14 is one component of a larger assembly, such as a cooling fluid line assembly in an electric vehicle battery pack installation.

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates, in flowchart form, one embodiment of a method for verifying the connection status of a quick connector 10 in a fluid line assembly 14. The method includes multiple steps and procedures, some of which may not necessarily be performed in a particular embodiment. Additionally, the steps and procedures may not necessarily be performed in the order or sequence presented. In another embodiment, a method for assembling a quick connector 10 in a fluid line assembly 14 provides connection information, such as the presence or absence of the quick connector 10 in its intended location in the fluid line assembly 14. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, step 100 includes scanning a data matrix 24 ( FIG. 1 ) to obtain a unique identifier, location information, or both, of the quick connector 10 relative to the fluid line assembly 14. The obtained unique identifier and / or location information may be in addition to, combined with, or instead of information provided by the RFID tag 12 upon interrogation. Furthermore, the obtained unique identifier and / or location information may serve as an expectation or reference for the unique identifier, location information, and / or connected or disconnected status provided by the RFID tag 12. In one embodiment, the unique identifiers and / or location information obtained via data matrix 24 is a second set of unique identifiers and location information.

[0014] The data matrix 24 may have various forms in different embodiments. For example, the data matrix 24 may be a two-dimensional, machine-readable code consisting of a black and white pattern. Other examples include quick response (QR) codes, barcodes, shot codes, color codes, visual codes, and many others; in this regard, the term "data matrix" is used broadly herein to encompass all of these forms. Depending on its form, the data matrix 24 may encode information and data in letters and / or numbers. The data matrix 24 may be inscribed on a label or other substrate, adhered to a predetermined location on the fluid line assembly 14, or inscribed directly on a predetermined location on the fluid line assembly 14, such as by printing or laser etching. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the data matrix 24 is present on a label 26 carried by the fluid line assembly 14. The data matrix 24 may be read or scanned by a device such as a handheld device 28. When obtained via the data matrix 24, the unique identifier and / or location information may be conveyed as a predefined line map 30 stored by the data matrix 24, as shown in FIG. 3. The predetermined line map 30 can take different forms in different embodiments, and in FIG. 3 is a string of identifying letters and numbers. The predetermined line map 30 or other information and data can be read and scanned and communicated to a controller, computer, or other suitable component, depending on the embodiment. Note that in other embodiments, the predetermined line map 30 and unique identifier and location information can be obtained in other ways that do not require scanning of a data matrix, including, for example, storing the predetermined line map 30 and information in an accessible database or communicating the predetermined line map 30 and information via a queriable individual RFID tag.

[0015] Referring to FIG. 2 , step 110 of the method includes assembling the quick connectors 10 to the fluid line assembly 14. A single quick connector 10 can be connected to a single connection end 18 at a single connection location on the fluid line assembly 14. For example, a first quick connector 32 can be connected to a first connection end 34, a second quick connector 36 can be connected to a second connection end 38, a third quick connector 40 can be connected to a third connection end 42, etc. Further, step 120 of the method includes providing an RF signal at the fluid line assembly 14. This RF signal can be provided via an RFID reader 16 and targeted to the connection end 18 and the connection location on the fluid line assembly 14. In response, the RFID tags 12 of the quick connectors 10 can communicate their respective unique identifiers and location information. The communicated unique identifiers and location information can be compared to the unique identifiers and location information obtained via the data matrix 24 and the predetermined line map 30, according to this embodiment. Next, according to this embodiment, a determination is made whether the communicated unique identifier and location information matches and corresponds to the unique identifier and location information obtained via the data matrix 24 and the predetermined line map 30. This comparison and determination can be performed by programmed software and a processor on a controller, computer, or other suitable component, or in some other manner.

[0016] Finally, according to this embodiment of the connection status verification method, step 130 includes displaying the connection status of the quick connectors 10 in the fluid line assembly 14. The connection status display is based on and results from the previously performed comparisons and decisions. This display is viewable by a user and operator and may be output and readout on a computer screen 44 (FIG. 1) or some other human-machine interface (HMI). This display may be a graphical representation of the fluid line assembly and its quick connectors, including a graphical representation of each quick connector and its associated connection end, as well as a graphical representation of the connection status (e.g., YES / NO, check mark / X, green / red) for easy understanding by the user / operator. The connection status may take different forms in different embodiments. In one embodiment, the connection status verified is whether all of the quick connectors 10 are connected to all of the intended connection ends 18 and connection locations of the fluid line assembly 14. Here, if one of the quick connectors 10, such as the second quick connector 36, is disconnected or lacks a complete connection, the connection status output may be NO or other negative indicator. Conversely, if all of the quick connectors 10 are connected to all of the intended connection ends 18 and connection locations of the fluid line assembly 14, the connection status output may be YES or other positive indication.

[0017] In another embodiment, the connection status confirmed is for each individual quick connector 10 in the fluid line assembly 14. Here, if the first quick connector 32 is connected to the first connection end 34, the second quick connector 36 is connected to the second connection end 38, but the third quick connector 40 is disconnected from the third connection end 42, the connection status output may be YES, YES, NO, or some other indication for each connection. According to this example, by knowing the exact location of any disconnections other than those properly connected among multiple quick connectors and connections (i.e., the third quick connector 40 and the third connection end 42), a user / operator can more easily troubleshoot the problem and track it to resolution.

[0018] Additionally, the inspection of the connection status of the quick connector 10 provided by the present method may supplement other means of physical and visual verification exhibited by the quick connector 10, depending on the particular embodiment.

[0019] It should be noted that other embodiments of the present method may employ only the use of data matrix technology and lack RFID technology. In such embodiments, each quick connector 10 may include a data matrix 24. Each data matrix 24 may then convey unique identifiers and / or location information to a particular quick connector among the multiple quick connectors 10. For example, Data Matrix 1 for quick connector 1, Data Matrix 2 for quick connector 2, Data Matrix 3 for quick connector 3, etc. Furthermore, as with the previous embodiment, the predetermined line map 30 may be stored in a separate data matrix 24 or obtained in other ways. A handheld device 28 or other data matrix reader and scanner may be used to scan the quick connectors 10 and their unique data matrices 24. The unique identifiers and / or location information of the scanned quick connectors 10 may then be compared with the unique identifiers and / or location information of the discrete data matrices 24 and the predetermined line map 30. Additionally, as before, this embodiment may determine whether the scanned unique identifier and / or location information of the quick connector 10 matches and corresponds to the unique identifier and / or location information obtained via the discrete data matrix 24 and the predetermined line map 30. Additionally, in one embodiment, the data matrix 24 may also convey the connected or disconnected status of the associated individual quick connector 10.

[0020] As used herein, the terms "generally" and "generally" are intended to account for the inherent variations and imprecision often inherent in and often associated with design and manufacturing processes, including engineering tolerances, and mathematical precision and exactitude are not implied, and in some cases are impossible, without deviation from the relevant function and result. Also, in other instances, the terms "generally" and "generally" are intended to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty often inherent in any quantitative comparison, value, measurement calculation, or other representation.

[0021] The foregoing description should not be understood as a definition of the invention, but rather as a description of one or more preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. The present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but rather is defined solely by the following claims. Furthermore, the statements contained in the foregoing description relate to specific embodiments and should not be construed as defining terms used in the claims or limiting the scope of the invention, unless a term or phrase is expressly defined thereto. Various other embodiments and various changes and modifications of the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such other embodiments, changes, and modifications are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the appended claims.

[0022] As used in this specification and claims, the terms "for example," "e.g.," "such as," and "etc.", and the verbs "comprise," "have," "include," and other verb forms thereof, when used in conjunction with a list of one or more components or other items, respectively, shall be construed as open-ended, meaning that the list is not to be considered as excluding other additional components or items. Other terms shall be construed using their broadest reasonable meaning unless used in a context requiring a different interpretation.

Claims

1. 1. A method for assembling a plurality of fluid line quick connectors in a fluid line assembly, comprising: assembling the plurality of fluid line quick connectors at respective connection locations of the fluid line assembly; obtaining a set of first unique identifiers from each of the plurality of fluid line quick connectors, the first unique identifiers identifying individual fluid line quick connectors from among the plurality of fluid line quick connectors; and displaying connection information of the plurality of fluid line quick connectors in the fluid line assembly based on a correspondence between at least the first set of unique identifiers and the second set of unique identifiers and position information of the plurality of fluid line quick connectors.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein obtaining the set of first unique identifiers comprises providing a radio frequency (RF) signal to each of the plurality of fluid line quick connectors at the connection locations of the fluid line assembly and the plurality of fluid line quick connectors, each of the plurality of fluid line quick connectors having a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that communicates the set of first unique identifiers.

3. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein obtaining each of the first set of unique identifiers includes providing a scan of a data matrix at connection locations of the fluid line assembly and the plurality of fluid line quick connectors, each of the plurality of fluid line quick connectors having a data matrix that conveys the set of first unique identifiers.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein obtaining the set of first unique identifiers comprises obtaining a connection or disconnection state of each of the plurality of fluid line quick connectors.

5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising scanning a data matrix to obtain location information of the second set of unique identifiers and the plurality of fluid line quick connectors.

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the data matrix is ​​carried by the fluid line assembly.

7. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein scanning the data matrix and obtaining the second set of unique identifiers and location information is performed prior to obtaining the first set of unique identifiers.

8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising obtaining first location information, the first location information providing a first connection location of each of the plurality of fluid line quick connectors.

9. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second unique identifier identifies the individual fluid line quick connector of each of the plurality of fluid line quick connectors, and second location information provides a second connection position of each of the plurality of fluid line quick connectors.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein displaying the connection information includes displaying an individual connection status of each of the fluid line quick connectors at a respective connection location of the fluid line assembly.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the individual connection states of the fluid line assemblies indicate whether a connection has been made between the plurality of fluid line quick connectors and corresponding connection ends of the fluid line assemblies.

12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the connection information includes the presence or absence of the plurality of fluid line quick connectors at respective connection locations of the fluid line assembly.

13. 1. A method for verifying the status of at least one connection of a fluid line assembly, comprising: assembling a plurality of fluid line quick connectors at respective connection locations of the fluid line assembly; obtaining, from each of the plurality of fluid line quick connectors, a set of first unique identifiers for the plurality of fluid line quick connectors, the set of first unique identifiers identifying individual fluid line quick connectors from among the plurality of fluid line quick connectors, and a connected or disconnected status; determining a connection status of at least one of the fluid line assemblies based on at least a correspondence between the first set of unique identifiers and a second set of unique identifiers and position information of the plurality of fluid line quick connectors, and based on a connection status or a disconnection status of at least each of the plurality of fluid line quick connectors.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising displaying a connection status of the at least one fluid line assembly based on at least a correspondence between the first set of unique identifiers and the second set of unique identifiers and position information of the plurality of fluid line quick connectors, and based on the connected or disconnected status of each of the plurality of fluid line quick connectors.

15. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein obtaining the set of first unique identifiers and the connected or disconnected status comprises providing a radio frequency (RF) signal to each of the plurality of fluid line quick connectors at the connection locations of the fluid line assembly and the plurality of fluid line quick connectors, each of the plurality of fluid line quick connectors having a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that communicates the set of first unique identifiers and the connected or disconnected status.

16. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein obtaining the set of first unique identifiers and the connected or disconnected status comprises providing a data matrix scan to each of the plurality of fluid line quick connectors at the connection locations of the fluid line assembly and the plurality of fluid line quick connectors, each of the plurality of fluid line quick connectors having a data matrix communicating the set of first unique identifiers and the connected or disconnected status.

17. The method of claim 13 , further comprising scanning a data matrix to obtain the second set of unique identifiers and location information of the fluid line quick connectors.

18. 1. A method for verifying the status of at least one connection of a fluid line assembly, comprising: assembling a plurality of fluid line quick connectors at connection locations of each of the fluid line assemblies; obtaining a set of first unique identifiers and a connected or disconnected status of the plurality of fluid line quick connectors from the plurality of fluid line quick connectors, the first unique identifiers identifying individual fluid line quick connectors from among the plurality of fluid line quick connectors, each of the plurality of fluid line quick connectors having a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that communicates the set of first unique identifiers and the connected or disconnected status; scanning a data matrix to obtain a set of second unique identifiers and location information for the fluid line quick connector; determining a connection status of at least one of the fluid line assemblies based on at least a correspondence between the first set of unique identifiers and the second set of unique identifiers and position information of the plurality of fluid line quick connectors, and based on a connection status or a disconnection status of at least each of the plurality of fluid line quick connectors.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising displaying the at least one connection status of the fluid line assembly based on a correspondence between at least the first set of unique identifiers and the second set of unique identifiers and position information of the plurality of fluid line quick connectors, and based on the connected or disconnected status of each of the plurality of fluid line quick connectors.

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