Acoustic Connection Verification Wearable System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for confirming connections in manufacturing or assembly processes, such as in electrical, mechanical, and fluid systems, often rely on manual verification or error-proofing systems that can be inefficient and prone to errors, lacking a reliable and automated way to ensure proper connections are made.
Innovation Solution
A wearable system that uses a microphone to receive acoustic data and a motion sensor to determine if a predetermined acoustic signature and acceptable motion data are present, generating a connection status signal to confirm proper connections, which can be transmitted to a pokayoke system for quality control and traceability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual verification methods are used to confirm connections, then operators can directly observe and verify connections, but the process is inefficient and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical verification with an automated acoustic detection system. A microphone captures acoustic signals generated during connector engagement, and a processor analyzes these signals to automatically determine connection status, eliminating the need for manual observation and verification while improving both accuracy and efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-verification where the connection process itself generates the verification data. The acoustic signals produced during connector engagement serve as automatic confirmation of proper connection, allowing the system to verify connections without external intervention or additional verification steps
2Productivity
If automated acoustic detection is implemented, then connection verification becomes efficient and accurate, but additional equipment such as microphones and processors is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses acoustic signals as an intermediary to transfer information about connection status. The microphone captures these signals, and the processor analyzes them to determine whether connectors are properly engaged, providing automated verification without requiring complex mechanical or electronic verification mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex manual verification procedures with a simple acoustic detection approach. By listening to the natural sounds produced during connector engagement, the system achieves automated verification using minimal equipment - primarily a microphone and basic signal processing capability
3Reliability
If operators manually verify connections, then no additional detection equipment is needed, but the verification process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic detection system operates continuously during the connection process, capturing and analyzing signals in real-time as connectors engage. This eliminates the need for separate verification steps and maintains continuous monitoring throughout the assembly process, reducing both time and potential for error
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback about connection status by analyzing acoustic signals and automatically determining whether connectors are properly engaged. This real-time feedback mechanism allows for instant verification without delay, improving both accuracy and speed compared to manual methods
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method provides an automated and accurate confirmation of connections, reducing human error and enhancing quality control by using acoustic and motion data to verify proper connections, and can be integrated into existing manufacturing processes without additional equipment.
Implementation Method 1
receiving acoustic data from the connection between two or more components at a microphone
Data Source
AI summary
Arrangements related to the confirmation of component connections made during manufacturing or assembly processes are described. Acoustic data resulting from the connection can be received by a microphone. A controller can analyze the acoustic information to determine if a predetermined acoustic signature is present in the acoustic information. Responsive to the determination, a confirmation signal can be generated and transmitted by the controller. One or both of the microphone and controller can be included in a wearable device and worn by a user. In some arrangements, a motion sensor can be included in the wearable device to allow determination whether motion data during a connection is acceptable.