Fluid Connection Verifier With Optical Snap Ring Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a connection verifier to ensure that fluid connections in automotive systems are securely connected, as incomplete insertions can lead to leaks and other serious consequences, and existing technologies do not effectively verify the status of fluid connections both on-site and remotely.
Innovation Solution
A connection verifier comprising a housing with cameras and lights arranged to view the fluid connection, engagement members to align the connection, and a transmission device to send verification signals to a remote location, ensuring that at least two protrusions of the snap ring are securely engaged, thus confirming a secure fluid connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a retaining clip or snap ring is used to secure the fluid connection, then the connection strength is improved, but the ability to verify proper connection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical verification system. Cameras capture images of the snap ring position, and image processing algorithms automatically determine whether the connection is proper, substituting mechanical verification methods with optical and computational approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual copies (images) of the connection status using cameras. These images serve as replicas of the actual physical connection state, allowing verification without direct physical measurement or disassembly of the connection.
2Device complexity
If manual inspection of fluid connections is performed, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of connection verification is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The verification system performs self-verification by automatically capturing images, processing them through algorithms, and determining connection status without requiring human intervention. The system serves itself by providing automated feedback on connection properness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the verification system provides information about connection status. The image processing results feed back to confirm whether the snap ring is properly positioned, creating a closed-loop verification system that enhances reliability.
3Device complexity
If on-site verification only is used, then the equipment simplicity is maintained, but the remote monitoring capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The verification system serves multiple functions: it performs both on-site verification by displaying images locally and remote monitoring by transmitting images to remote devices. This multi-functionality allows the same system to adapt to different verification needs without requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses wireless transmission devices and display devices as intermediaries to bridge the connection verification data between the local verification system and remote monitoring locations. These intermediaries enable remote access without complicating the core verification mechanism.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
A connection verifier (10), including a housing (20) including, a handle (22), and a head (40) arranged to engage a fluid connection (160) and having a cutout (50), and at least one camera (80; 90) arranged in the housing and directed toward the cutout.