Amusement park attraction fixture inspection system and method

Abstract

The attraction system includes a first component, a second component, a fixture configured to couple the first component to the second component, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag including a torque stripe extending between the fixture and a reference point on the attraction system, and the RFID tag configured to emit a radio frequency (RF) signal when the torque stripe is intact, and an RFID reader configured to detect the RF signal.

Description

[Background technology]

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

[0002] Amusement parks and other entertainment venues include a variety of features for entertaining patrons. For example, an amusement park may include attraction systems such as rides (e.g., roller coasters), theater shows, augmented reality systems, and the like. An attraction system may include, for example, rides that transport patrons along a track, throughout an amusement park, or within an attraction system, and perform various operations to entertain patrons. During the life of an attraction system, conventional monitoring and / or maintenance procedures may be employed to maintain the integrity of the various structural features of the attraction system. Unfortunately, however, conventional monitoring and / or maintenance procedures may be expensive and excessively time-consuming. Therefore, it is recognized that improved methods of monitoring and maintaining attraction systems are desirable. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] The following summarizes certain embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein. It should be appreciated that these aspects merely provide a brief summary of certain embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Indeed, the present disclosure may include a variety of aspects not set forth below.

[0004] In one embodiment, an attraction system includes a first component, a second component, a fixture configured to couple the first component to the second component, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag including a torque stripe extending between the fixture and a reference point on the attraction system, the RFID tag configured to emit a radio frequency (RF) signal in response to the torque stripe being unbroken, and an RFID reader configured to detect the RF signal.

[0005] In one embodiment, an attraction system includes a torque stripe disposed on a fastener connecting portions of the track of the attraction system, the fastener being tightened to a torque corresponding to a target torque, an RFID tag configured to emit a signal while the torque stripe is engaged, 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 one embodiment, a method includes detecting, via an RFID reader, a radio frequency (RF) signal emitted by a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag including a torque stripe extending between the fixture and a reference point of the attraction system so as to complete a circuit formed by the RFID tag, determining, via the RFID reader, that the torque stripe is broken in response to the RFID tag not transmitting an additional RF signal to the RFID reader, and generating, via the RFID reader, an electronic notification indicating a failure mode corresponding to the fixture in response to determining that the torque stripe is broken.

[0007] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an attraction system and a testing system for testing aspects of the attraction system, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0009] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the track of the attraction system of FIG. 1 and an inspection system for inspecting aspects of the track of the attraction system, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a radio frequency identification (RFID) transmitter assembly (or RFID tag) employed in the inspection system of FIG. 1 to monitor the fixture assembly of the attraction system of FIG. 1 and including an unbroken torque stripe indicating that the fixture assembly contains a torque corresponding to a target torque, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a radio frequency identification (RFID) transmitter assembly (or RFID tag) employed in the inspection system of FIG. 1 to monitor the fixture assembly of the attraction system of FIG. 1 and including a broken torque stripe indicating that the fixture assembly includes a target torque and a deviating torque, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a process for detecting loose fasteners using the inspection system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In the interest of brevity in describing these embodiments, not all features of the implementations are described herein. It will be understood that the development of any such implementation, as in any engineering or design project, requires numerous implementation-specific decisions to be made to achieve the developer's particular objectives, including compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary from implementation to implementation. Moreover, it will be understood that such a development effort may be complex and time-consuming, but would be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0014] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean the presence of one or more of the element. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also contain the recited features.

[0015] The present disclosure is directed to attraction systems for amusement or theme parks. Attraction systems can include roller coasters, amusement rides, theater shows, interactive experiences, and the like. For example, an attraction system can include a vehicle on which guests can position themselves. To entertain guests by providing a sense of motion (e.g., gravity, inertia, attitude adjustments), the vehicle can move along a track (e.g., rails) during operation of the attraction system. The track of the attraction system can be composed of various components (e.g., support posts, track support beams, track rails) secured together by nut-and-bolt assemblies, screws, other types of fasteners, and the like. Other aspects of the attraction system can also employ fasteners.

[0016] During construction and / or maintenance of an attraction system, the fasteners are tightened to a target torque level (e.g., above a torque threshold or within a target torque range). If any fasteners loosen below the target torque level (e.g., undertightened or released), undesirable effects may occur, such as relatively strong vibrations of the track as rides pass. Therefore, it is desirable to inspect the track fasteners and / or other fasteners associated with the attraction system to determine whether one or more fasteners are loose and / or require maintenance (e.g., tightening). However, existing methods for inspecting attraction system fasteners are inefficient and cumbersome. Therefore, it is recognized herein that improving the inspection of attraction system fasteners can improve the efficient operation of the attraction system.

[0017] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to automated (e.g., fully or partially automated) inspection systems and techniques for fasteners of an attraction system, such as fasteners corresponding to tracks of the attraction system. In one embodiment, the system can include a torque stripe formed on the fastener and a portion of the track or other reference point (or two portions of the same fastener) that will not break when the fastener is properly tightened (e.g., tightened to a target torque level). For example, the torque stripe can include a strip of conductive ink formed on the head of the fastener (e.g., a screw) and on a portion of the track adjacent to the fastener head. In one embodiment, the strip of conductive ink can be formed on one or more layers of non-conductive material (e.g., plastic, rubber) formed on the head of the fastener and a portion of the track (e.g., to prevent current flowing through the strip from dissipating to the environment). In other words, one or more layers of non-conductive material can be employed to electrically insulate the conductive ink from other conductive components.

[0018] In another embodiment, the torque stripe can comprise a strip of conductive ink formed on the nuts and bolts of the fastener. The torque stripe can complete a circuit corresponding to an RFID transmitter assembly (referred to as an "RFID tag" in certain examples of this disclosure) that includes 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, when the torque stripe is intact (e.g., the torque stripe is unbroken or connected), a radio frequency (RF) signal can be emitted from the RFID tag (e.g., via the antenna). Furthermore, an RFID reader can be employed to detect the RF signal transmitted by the RFID tag (e.g., via the antenna) when the torque stripe is intact. However, when the torque stripe is not in its original configuration (e.g., the torque stripe is broken due to loosening or damage to the fastener), the RF signal can be prevented from being transmitted from the RFID tag (e.g., via the antenna), and therefore, the signal can be prevented from being received by the RFID reader. In this manner, the torque stripe can function as a switch for the RFID tag.

[0019] In one embodiment, a technique for inspecting truck fasteners can include applying a torque stripe of conductive ink to a portion of the fastener (e.g., after the fastener is tightened to a target torque level) and track, such that the RFID tag (e.g., integrated circuit or chip, torque stripe, and antenna) completes a circuit connecting the RFID integrated circuit and the antenna. In another embodiment, torque stripes can be formed on two portions (e.g., nuts and bolts) of the same fastener (e.g., after the fastener is tightened to a target torque level), such that the RFID tag completes a circuit connecting the RFID integrated circuit and the antenna. If the torque level decreases over time, for example, due to vibration, the torque stripe will break as the parts over which it extends loosen and move relative to each other. Thus, the RFID tag will no longer emit a signal. These techniques can also use an RFID reader to detect RF signals from the RFID tag and initiate maintenance or manual inspection of the truck based on an indication that one or more RF signals are not received.

[0020] With the foregoing in mind, FIG. 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, amusement park ride, interactive show, immersive experience, etc.) includes a track 12 and can operate to entertain one or more guests. The track 12 (e.g., a ride track, roller coaster track, rails, guides) can support a vehicle 11 that transports passengers (e.g., amusement park guests) throughout the attraction system 14. The track 12 can include fasteners 16 (e.g., structural fasteners), such as nut and bolt assemblies, screws, or other fasteners that secure various portions of the track 12. For example, the track 12 can include a multi-section track 12 support beam. As shown in FIG. 2, the portions of the track 12 support beam are joined together by a bolt and nut assembly. In another example, the track support beam can be secured by screws to track support columns that support the track 12 from the ground. Furthermore, while the specific examples of this disclosure discuss inspection techniques for fixtures 16 employed on track 12, it should be appreciated that the same or similar fixture inspection techniques may also be applied to fixtures 16 used in other areas of attraction system 14, such as, for example, show elements 19 that ride 11 does not traverse.

[0021] During construction and / or maintenance of the track 12, the fasteners 16 are tightened (e.g., using a torque wrench) to a target torque level (e.g., above a torque threshold, within a target torque range). The fasteners 16 must remain tightened to the target torque level to maintain the structural integrity of the track 12 and keep it in good operating condition. However, the fasteners 16 may loosen over time due to various factors, such as vibration of the track 12 caused by vehicles 11 passing over it, changes in ambient temperature, and / or aging of the fasteners 16 and / or the track 12. If the fasteners 16 loosen, they may twist, causing the torque of the fasteners 16 to fall below the target torque level. This may result in high levels of vibration when vehicles 11 pass over the track 12, a shortened lifespan of the track 12, and / or other undesirable effects.

[0022] To facilitate automatic detection of loose fasteners 16 on track 12, track 12 may include an RFID tag (or RFID transmitter assembly) associated with fastener 16 and configured to transmit a radio frequency (RF) signal when the associated fastener 16 is tightened to a target torque level. For example, RFID tag 18 may be associated with a bolt and nut assembly and emit a specific RF signal while fastener 16 is tightened to a particular torque level. RFID tag 18 may include a processor 20 and memory 22 (referred to in certain examples of this disclosure as an RFID chip or integrated circuit 28), communication circuitry 24 (e.g., including an antenna), and torque stripe 26. Memory 22 of RFID tag 18 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), an optical drive, a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive, or other non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructions for transmitting data associated with RFID tag 18. For example, memory 22 may store an identification number, an object identifier, a password, and / or an error detection code to uniquely identify a particular fixture 16 associated with a particular RFID tag 18. Processor 20 may operate to execute instructions. For example, processor 20 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 a combination thereof. Processor 20 may execute instructions to continuously or periodically generate and transmit an RF signal via communications circuitry 24 (e.g., an antenna).

[0023] The communication circuitry 24 of the RFID tag 18 may include an antenna for receiving and / or transmitting radio frequency (RF) signals. The communication circuitry 24 may transmit an RF signal (also referred to herein as a “signal”) that identifies a unique identifier for the associated fastener 16. For example, each fastener 16 or group of fasteners 16 may include a unique identifier encoded in a signal transmitted by the RFID tag 18. This signal may be used to determine whether the associated fasteners 16 have been tightened to a target torque level. In one embodiment, the RFID tag 18 may be powered by radio wave energy emitted from the RFID reader 30 and received through the communication circuitry 24 of the RFID tag 18. In this case, the RFID tag 18 may transmit a signal indicating that the fastener 16 has been tightened only if it first receives an interrogation signal from the RFID reader 30. In one embodiment, the RFID tag 18 may be powered by a power source, such as a battery (e.g., a lithium-ion battery) or a solar panel, or by being connected to a power grid. In this case, the communication circuitry 24 can transmit an RF signal without receiving an initial interrogation signal from the RFID reader 30, and the RF signal can be stronger (e.g., compared to a signal emitted in response to an interrogation signal) and therefore more easily detected by the RFID reader 30.

[0024] The torque stripe 26 may be part of the circuitry 27 (e.g., electrical circuitry) formed by the RFID tag 18 and may connect the processor 20 and memory 22 with the communications circuitry 24 (or, more specifically, the antenna of the communications circuitry 24). In one embodiment, the torque stripe 26 may function as an electrical switch for the RFID tag 18, such that the RFID tag 18 functions (e.g., transmits an RF signal) only when the switch is closed or the torque stripe 26 is not broken. The torque stripe 26 may be formed of conductive ink (or other conductive material) on the fastener 16 (or the fastener 16 and track 12) such that the circuitry of the torque stripe 26 and RFID tag 18 is broken when the torque of the fastener deviates from a target torque level. For example, the torque stripe 26 may be formed on the head of the fastener 16 and on a portion of the track 12 in which the fastener 16 is embedded. In one embodiment, the strip of conductive ink may be formed on one or more layers 33 of non-conductive material (e.g., plastic, rubber, resin) formed on the head of the fastener 16 and a portion of the track (e.g., to prevent current passing through the strip from diffusing to the environment). Additionally or alternatively, the fastener 16 and / or a portion of the track 12 adjacent the fastener 16 may be non-conductive. The non-conductive material may be deformable (e.g., stretchable) so that a change in the configuration of the fastener 16 (e.g., relaxation from a target torque) deforms the non-conductive material, thereby severing the torque stripe 26.

[0025] When a portion of fastener 16 rotates (e.g., torque is reduced), torque stripe 26 may separate into two separate portions. Thus, when torque stripe 26 breaks, RFID tag 18 may no longer emit the RF signal (e.g., because communication circuitry 24 or its antenna is no longer connected to processor 20 and / or memory 22).

[0026] In one embodiment, the torque stripes 26 can be configured to allow a certain range of motion (e.g., a threshold extension distance, a threshold applied force) of the fastener 16 before breaking. In this embodiment, the torque stripes 26 can be formed of a relatively resilient conductive material that can stretch to a certain extent before breaking while adhering to the surface on which they are formed. For example, the torque stripes 26 can be configured to break when the range of motion (e.g., displacement, translation, rotation) exceeds a certain threshold. Additionally or alternatively, the torque stripes 26 can be wire that does not necessarily adhere to a surface. A torque stripe 26 made of such a wire can be attached to the fastener 16 at a first point and to the track 12 at a second point.

[0027] The RFID reader 30 may include communications circuitry 32, such as an antenna, for receiving signals from the RFID tag 18 (and, in some embodiments, for transmitting signals to the RFID tag 18). For example, the communications circuitry 32 may transmit interrogation signals to the RFID tag 18 (e.g., signals that trigger the RFID tag 18 to emit a signal) and receive signals from the RFID tag 18 indicating that the fastener 16 has been tightened to a target torque level. Additionally, the RFID reader 30 may include a power source 34, such as a battery, that enables the RFID reader 30 to operate (e.g., transmit interrogation signals, receive signals from the RFID tag 18, and / or process received signals). The RFID reader 30 may further include a controller 36 that includes a processor 38 and 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 drive, a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive, or other non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructions. The processor 38 may execute such instructions. For example, 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 a combination thereof. In one embodiment, RFID reader 30 may process the RF signal from RFID tag 18 and include instructions that enable it to determine whether any fasteners 16 on track 12 are loose, and if so, which fasteners 16 are loose. Once the data contained in the RF signal from RFID tag 18 is processed, controller 36 may generate a notification indicating the status of track 12 (e.g., a failure mode, such as an undesired looseness, corresponding to any one fastener 16). In some embodiments, the notification may be transmitted to an electronic device, such as a remote electronic device or an electronic device dedicated to attraction system 14.

[0028] The inspection system 10 can be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, one RFID tag 18 can be associated with one fastener 16 or a group of fasteners 16. Additionally or alternatively, the RFID reader 30 can be attached to an autonomous vehicle 29 that navigates the track 12. Additionally or alternatively, the RFID reader 30 can be handheld by a user (e.g., maintenance staff) or integrated into a drone 31. Additionally or alternatively, the torque stripes 26 of the RFID tag 18 can be applied to various types of fasteners 16 in a variety of ways. For example, the torque stripes 26 can be traced onto the head of the fastener 16 (e.g., a bolt) and a portion of the track 12, or the torque stripes 26 can connect a nut on the fastener 16 (e.g., a nut on a bolt) with the threads of the fastener 16 (e.g., a bolt thread).

[0029] One possible implementation of the inspection system 10 shown in FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the track 12 of the attraction system 14 of FIG. 1 and various aspects of the inspection system 10 employed to inspect the condition of the track 12 of the attraction system 14 of FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, multiple torque stripes 26 are employed. Each torque stripe 26 is formed on a portion of the track 12 corresponding to the head (e.g., flat top) of a corresponding fastener 16 (e.g., bolt). The support beam 52 of the track 12 supports the track rail 54 and includes two portions joined by the fastener 16 (e.g., a nut and bolt assembly). An antenna 56 can be positioned above each bolt head 50 of each fastener 16. The integrated circuit 28 of the RFID tag 18 can be positioned on the track 12 near each bolt head 50. Torque stripes 26, connecting the integrated circuit 28 (or RFID chip) of the RFID tag 18 to the antenna 56 of the RFID tag 18 (e.g., corresponding to the communication circuit 24 in FIG. 1 ), may be formed on the bolt head 50 and a portion of the track 12. In the illustrated embodiment, each torque stripe 26 is complete (e.g., unbroken, undamaged), and each RFID tag 18 is capable of transmitting an RF signal. In the illustrated embodiment, the RFID reader 30 may be configured to detect the RF signal from the RFID tag 18. As shown, the RFID reader 30 may be mounted on a drone 31, allowing for inspection of portions of the track 12 that are high above the ground and / or not readily accessible for manual inspection.

[0030] A close-up of a fastener 16 (e.g., in a fastened state) associated with one of the RFID tags 18 of Figure 2 is shown in Figure 3, and a close-up of a fastener 16 (e.g., in a loosened state) associated with one of the RFID tags 18 of Figure 2 is shown in Figure 4. Figures 3 and 4 respectively compare configurations of RFID tags 18 that are capable of emitting RF signals and configurations of RFID tags 18 that are not capable of emitting RF signals.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an RFID tag 18 disposed on a portion of track 12 of FIG. 1 and a bolt head 50 of fastener 16 tightened at a target torque level. In the illustrated embodiment, torque stripe 26 connects (e.g., electrically connects) antenna 56 disposed on bolt head 50 to integrated circuit 28 disposed on track 12. As illustrated, torque stripe 26 can be attached to the surface on which it is formed (e.g., bolt head 50 and track 12). Thus, torque stripe 26 can pass over the top of bolt head 50, down the side of bolt head 50, over washer 58 (e.g., washer 58 disposed between bolt head 50 and track 12 to distribute pressure from bolt head 50 over a larger surface area of ​​track 12), over the side of washer 58, and over track 12. Other arrangements are also possible, such as not using washer 58. Additionally, as previously discussed, torque stripe 26 can pass over one or more layers 33 of non-conductive material, such as plastic or rubber. As mentioned above, alternative placements of the antenna 56, integrated circuit 28, and / or torque stripe 26 are possible. For example, the antenna 56 could be located on the track 12, and the integrated circuit 28 could be located on the bolt head 50. In another example, the RFID tag 18 could be located on the underside of the nut and bolt assembly, with the torque stripe 26 passing over the nut and over the threads of the bolt. In this case, the antenna 56 and integrated circuit 28 could be located on the threads of the bolt and the nut, respectively. It should be understood that the torque stripe 26 need not necessarily be a straight line. For example, both the antenna 56 and integrated circuit 28 could be located on the bolt head 50, with the torque stripe 26 forming a U-shape connecting the integrated circuit 28 and the antenna 56 and tracing a path from the bolt head 50, along the track 12, and back to the bolt head 50.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an RFID tag 18 positioned on a portion of the track 12 of FIG. 1 and the bolt head 50 of a bolt loosened from a target torque level. As shown, loosening the bolt involves rotating the bolt along its axis, which can cause the end 60 of the bolt head 50 to shift. The shifting of the end 60 of the bolt head 50 can tear the torque stripe 26, causing the torque stripe 26 to become discontinuous. It should be understood that the torque stripe 26 can be formed of a relatively inelastic, electrically conductive material (e.g., conductive ink) that adheres to a surface and is broken or severed by the rotation of the bolt head 50. As previously discussed, the breaking of the torque stripe 26 breaks the circuit 27 formed by the RFID tag 18, thereby preventing the RFID tag 18 from transmitting an RF signal.

[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates a process 70 for detecting loose fasteners 16 using the inspection system 10 of FIG. 1. It should be understood that the following feature reference numbers are shown in various embodiments of FIGS. 1-4. The process 70 begins with tightening (block 72) fasteners 16 to a target torque level (e.g., above a torque threshold or within a target torque range). As previously discussed, during construction and / or maintenance of the track 12, fasteners 16, such as nut and bolt assemblies, are tightened to a target torque level. The target torque level is set by the engineer who designed the track 12 and is maintained to ensure the stability and longevity of the track 12. Tightening the fasteners 16 to the target torque level may include using a torque wrench to gradually rotate the fasteners 16 and measure the torque until the fasteners 16 reach the target torque level.

[0034] After the fastener 16 is tightened to the target torque level, the process 70 may include forming torque stripes 26 on portions of the fastener 16 and track 12 to complete the circuit 27 formed by the RFID tag 18 (block 74). Other methods of forming the torque stripes 26 are possible; for example, the torque stripes 26 may be formed on a movable portion (e.g., a rotatable portion) of the fastener 16 and a stationary portion (e.g., a non-rotatable portion) of the fastener 16 (or other reference point). Forming the torque stripes 26 may include depositing a strip of conductive ink that completes the circuit 27 formed by the RFID tag 18. In one embodiment, the RFID tag 18, including the antenna 56, integrated circuit 28 (or RFID chip), and torque stripes 26, may be pre-fabricated and placed on the fastener 16 and track 12 by an autonomous vehicle 29 traveling along the track 12. In one embodiment, the torque stripes 26 are not pre-fabricated, but rather, the autonomous vehicle 29 may "pull" them using an application tool such as a brush or roller. In one embodiment, the torque stripe 26 and other portions of the circuitry 27 formed by the RFID tag 18 can be manually pulled by a user (e.g., maintenance personnel). It should be understood that different components of the RFID tag 18 (e.g., the antenna 56, the integrated circuit 28, and the torque stripe 26) can be formed by different processes and deposited on the track 12 in different ways and at different times. Additionally, the process of forming the torque stripe 26 on the fixture 16 (block 74) can include forming one or more layers of non-conductive material 33 on the fixture 16 and / or the track 12. The non-conductive layer 33 can also be applied as a coating or as a patch or sticker. For example, a non-conductive coating can be applied to the fixture 16 and the track 12 before the formation of the torque stripe 26 and the RFID tag 18. As another example, the RFID tag 18 can be formed on a non-conductive sticker, and the RFID tag 18 can be placed on the track 12 and fixture 16 together with the non-conductive sticker, such that the torque stripe 26 extends across both the track 12 and the fixture 16.

[0035] Process 70 may include detecting a signal from RFID tag 18 via RFID reader 30 (block 76). As previously described, 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 source, in which case RFID tag 18 may transmit the signal itself (e.g., continuously, periodically, etc.). Regardless of the presence or absence of a power source for signal transmission, the RF signal may be transmitted only if torque stripes 26 are intact (e.g., if fastener 16 is not rotating or has not loosened from the target torque level). In fact, if fastener 16 is rotated (e.g., loosened), its end 60 may become misaligned, damaging torque stripes 26 and breaking circuit 27 formed by RFID tag 18. Additionally, intermediate cases may occur in which fastener 16 is slightly rotated, thinning torque stripes 26 but not completely breaking them. In this case, the signal strength from the RFID circuit drops, and loosening of the fastener 16 can be detected.

[0036] The process 70 may include determining whether the RF signal from the RFID tag 18 is greater than or equal to a threshold power level (block 78). This may include receiving the signal via the communications circuitry 32 (e.g., antenna) of the RFID reader 30, determining the strength of the RF signal via the controller 36 (e.g., processor 38 and memory 40) of the RFID reader 30, and comparing the strength of the RF signal to the threshold power level via the controller 36 of the RFID reader 30. The threshold power level may correspond to a minimum RF signal strength that can be detected at a certain distance from the RFID tag 18 with the torque stripes 26 intact (e.g., when the fastener 16 has not lost torque). If the RF signal strength is greater than or equal to the threshold power level, no further inspection (e.g., manual inspection) and / or maintenance of the fastener 16 is initiated (block 82). However, if the RF signal strength is less than the threshold power level, then additional inspection (e.g., manual inspection) or maintenance of the fastener 16 may be initiated (block 80). If the signal strength falls below a threshold strength level, it may indicate that the torque stripe 26 has broken or is about to break due to a portion of the fastener 16 being misaligned relative to the track 12 .

[0037] Additionally or alternatively, process 70 may include additional criteria for initiating further inspection and / or maintenance of fastener 16. For example, if torque stripe 26 is damaged, RFID tag 18 may not transmit RF signals frequently and / or reliably. Thus, RFID reader 30 may receive multiple RF signals, and if the number of received RF signals is less than a threshold, further inspection and / or maintenance of fastener 16 may be initiated. Maintenance of fastener 16 may include retightening fastener 16 to a target torque level and / or replacing fastener 16 if damaged. Maintenance of fastener 16 may be performed manually by a user (e.g., a maintenance technician) or robotically via an autonomous vehicle 29 traveling on track 12. Furthermore, maintenance of fastener 16 may include replacing torque stripe 26 and / or other components of RFID tag 18, including torque stripe 26.

[0038] While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art and it is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

[0039] The technology presented and claimed herein is not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical, since it refers to and is applied to tangible objects and specific examples of a practical nature, thereby providing a definite improvement in the art. Furthermore, where any claim appended at the end of this specification contains 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). Conversely, for any claim containing an element designated in any other manner, it is intended that such element not be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims

1. a first component; and a second component; and a fixture configured to couple the first component with the second component; a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag having a torque stripe extending between a reference point of the attraction system and the fixture, the radio frequency identification tag configured to emit a radio frequency (RF) signal in response to the torque stripe being unbroken; a radio frequency identification reader configured to detect the radio frequency signal; Equipped with Attraction system.

2. the torque stripes are configured to break in response to the torque of the fastener deviating from a target torque. The attraction system according to claim 1 .

3. the torque stripe comprises conductive ink; The attraction system according to claim 1 .

4. the radio frequency identification tag: a radio frequency identification chip comprising processing circuitry, memory circuitry, or both; The antenna and Equipped with the torque stripe extends between the radio frequency identification chip and the antenna; The attraction system according to claim 1 .

5. The antenna is disposed on the fixture. The attraction system according to claim 4.

6. The antenna is positioned at the reference point. The attraction system according to claim 4.

7. the first component or the second component constitutes the reference point; The attraction system according to claim 1 .

8. an autonomous vehicle in which the radio frequency identification reader is disposed; The autonomous vehicle is configured to travel on a track of the attraction system. The attraction system according to claim 1 .

9. a drone having the radio frequency identification reader disposed thereon; The attraction system according to claim 1 .

10. a track comprising the first component, the second component, or both; The attraction system according to claim 1 .

11. torque stripes disposed on fasteners joining portions of the track of the attraction system, the fasteners being tightened to a torque corresponding to a target torque; a radio frequency identification tag comprising the torque stripe and configured to emit a signal while the torque stripe is engaged; a radio frequency identification reader configured to determine that the torque corresponds to the target torque in response to detecting a signal emitted from the radio frequency identification tag; Equipped with Fixture inspection system.

12. the radio frequency identification reader is configured to determine that the torque has deviated from the target torque in response to the radio frequency identification tag not emitting a signal toward the radio frequency identification reader; 12. The fixture inspection system of claim 11.

13. the torque stripe comprises conductive ink; 12. The fixture inspection system of claim 11.

14. the torque stripe is configured to break in response to the torque of the fastener deviating from the target torque.

12. The fixture inspection system of claim 11.

15. the radio frequency identification tag comprises an antenna and a radio frequency identification chip, and the torque stripe electrically connects the antenna and the radio frequency identification chip while the torque stripe is continuous; 12. The fixture inspection system of claim 11.

16. detecting, via a radio frequency identification reader, a radio frequency (RF) signal emitted from a radio frequency identification tag comprising a torque stripe extending between the fixture and a reference point of the attraction system so as to complete a circuit formed by the radio frequency identification tag; determining, via the radio frequency identification reader, that the torque stripe has expired in response to the radio frequency identification tag ceasing to transmit the additional radio frequency signals to the radio frequency identification reader; and in response to determining that the torque stripe has broken, issuing an electrical notification via the radio frequency identification reader indicative of a failure mode corresponding to the fastener. Fixture inspection method.

17. forming the torque stripe extending between the fixture and a reference point on the attraction system so as to complete a circuit between the antenna and the radio frequency identification chip of the radio frequency identification tag; 17. The method of claim 16.

18. generating, via the radio frequency identification reader, an electrical notification indicating that the torque of the fastener has deviated from a target torque in response to determining that the torque stripe has broken.

17. The method of claim 16.

19. tightening the fastener to couple a component of the track corresponding to the first component of the attraction system with a second component of the attraction system such that a torque associated with the fastener corresponds to a target torque; 17. The method of claim 16.

20. transmitting an interrogation signal via the radio frequency identification reader configured to power the radio frequency identification tag; 17. The method of claim 16.

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