RFID-Antenna Joining Die for Immediate Wear Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting die damage or absence in joining tools, such as self-piercing riveting and clinching, are either expensive or introduce delays into the rivet cycle time, compromising joint strength and requiring periodic inspection and replacement.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an identification tag with an antenna and storing element around the die head, allowing for quick and easy identification of damage or condition changes without additional machinery investment, using RFID or NFC technology for contactless communication with a reader device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluid medium pressure or flow rate measurement is used to check for die faults, then die condition detection is enabled, but expensive machinery investment is required and rivet cycle time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems (fluid pressure/flow rate sensors) with a simple RFID identification tag system. The RFID tag is integrated into the die, and a reader device detects die condition by reading changes in the tag's signal, eliminating the need for expensive fluid medium measurement machinery while maintaining die condition detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID identification tag serves as an intermediary element embedded in the die. Instead of directly measuring physical parameters like fluid pressure, the system uses the RFID tag as a mediator that translates die condition into detectable signal changes, simplifying the detection mechanism and reducing machinery complexity.
2Reliability
If sensor-driven inspection is performed after each riveting operation, then die damage detection is improved, but rivet cycle time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID identification tag is pre-installed in the die during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for post-operation sensor inspection, as the die condition can be detected immediately through the always-present RFID tag, thereby maintaining productivity while ensuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag provides continuous die condition monitoring capability without interrupting the riveting process. The reader device can query the RFID tag at any time during or between operations, eliminating the need to stop the rivet cycle for inspection and maintaining continuous productive action.
3Reliability
If periodic die inspection and replacement is performed, then joint strength reliability is maintained, but production time is lost and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID identification tag provides real-time feedback on die condition to the reader device. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor die health continuously and trigger alerts or automatic shutdowns when degradation is detected, replacing dies only when necessary rather than on fixed schedules, thus maintaining joint strength while minimizing production interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The die essentially monitors its own condition through the integrated RFID tag, which passively or actively reports its state to the reader device. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external periodic inspection systems and allows the die to indicate its own replacement needs, optimizing both reliability and productivity.
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 direct and immediate detection of die condition without cycle time delays, ensuring joint quality and extending die life through early detection of damage or service life end.
Implementation Method 1
an identification tag having an antenna for receiving and/or transmitting signal and a storing element for storing information
Data Source
AI summary
A die for deforming a workpiece material in a joining tool comprises a head with a top side partially defining a cavity in which the workpiece material is to be deformed, a bottom side opposite the top side, a lateral side arranged between the top side and the bottom side, and a stem which extends along a longitudinal axis from the bottom side of the head. The die further comprises an identification tag, preferably an RFID tag, having an antenna for receiving and/or transmitting a signal, and a storing element for storing information, and the antenna is wrapped circumferentially around the head, such that the antenna entirely surrounds the head. The head may also include a groove extending around the head on the lateral side with the antenna arranged in the groove. Additionally, the die may include a recess with the storing element located in the recess.