Connector Antenna Attenuation for Readable Connection Status

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection status signaling methods, such as those using RFID chips, are ineffective in complex assemblies like electric vehicle coolant lines, leading to signal interference and unauthorized data access, making it difficult to identify incorrect connections and compromising security.

Innovation Solution

A connection arrangement with an attenuation device that alters the radio signal transmission range based on connection status, ensuring only disconnected connections emit detectable signals, while connected ones do not, using a metallic spring clip or shielding element to short-circuit or shield the antenna.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If RFID chips are used to signal connection status, then individual connection status can be identified, but signal interference occurs in complex assemblies and unauthorized access is possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection status detectionVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional signaling approach: instead of emitting a detectable signal when connected (as with RFID chips), the system emits a detectable signal only when disconnected. The antenna arrangement is designed to be shielded or short-circuited when connected, preventing signal emission, while in the disconnected state the antenna can transmit radio waves that are detectable by external receivers. This inversion eliminates signal interference in complex assemblies while maintaining connection status detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the harmful aspect of continuous signal emission by removing the ability to emit signals when connected. The antenna arrangement is coupled with shielding elements or short-circuiting mechanisms that extract or block the radio wave emission capability in the connected state, allowing only disconnected connections to emit detectable signals. This selective extraction of signal emission capability prevents unauthorized access and signal interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If multiple connection arrangements are monitored simultaneously, then quality control efficiency improves, but individual incorrect connections become difficult to identify

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality control efficiencyVSAvoidindividual connection status identification
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the signaling logic to emit detectable signals only in the disconnected state, the patent enables simultaneous monitoring of multiple connections while maintaining individual identifiability. External receivers can detect which specific connections are disconnected by locating the sources of emitted radio waves, while connected connections remain silent and do not cause signal interference. This allows efficient batch quality control with clear identification of problematic connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Loss of information

If RFID chips continuously emit signals, then connection status is always readable, but security is compromised and energy is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection status readabilityVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent improves security by inverting the readability condition: connection status becomes readable only when disconnected, not when connected. This prevents unauthorized reading of connection data during normal operation while maintaining the ability to detect connection status changes. The antenna arrangement is designed to emit detectable signals only in the disconnected state, providing security through selective information availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements periodic or conditional signal emission based on connection state changes rather than continuous emission. The antenna arrangement emits detectable radio waves only when the connection status changes to disconnected, providing information availability on demand while conserving energy and enhancing security. This periodic action aligned with state changes optimizes both readability and security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enables simultaneous quality control of multiple connections by detecting absent signals, preventing unauthorized access, and ensuring secure, reliable identification of correct connection states.

Implementation Method 1

a transmitter and an associated antenna arrangement are provided, by means of which a radio signal signaling the connection status can be generated and transmitted via the antenna arrangement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio signal transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an attenuation device is provided which, in the connected connection status of the connection arrangement, comes into operative connection with the antenna arrangement and attenuates the radio signal transmitted by the latter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4290111B1Connection arrangement and method for readable display of a connection status of a connection arrangement
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 CONTITECH TECHNO CHEMIE GMBH
  • EP4290111B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4290111B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4290111B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

The invention relates to a connection arrangement (1) comprising two complementary connector parts (10, 11) that can be connected from a separate connection state to a connected connection state, wherein a transmitter (100) and an associated antenna arrangement (101, 102) are provided, by means of which a radio signal indicating the connection state can be generated and transmitted via the antenna arrangement, wherein an attenuation device (103, 12) is provided which, in the connected connection state of the connection arrangement, interacts with the antenna arrangement (101, 102) and attenuates the radio signal transmitted by it. A method for readable display of a connection state of a connection arrangement (1) is also described.