Fluid Line Connector Assembly for Remote Securement Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector assemblies for fluid lines, especially in vehicle applications, require physical interaction and visual verification for proper and full engagement, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially in automated or remote settings.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, actuator member, and switch within the fluid line connector to detect proper and full securement through RFID technologies, allowing for remote detection without physical contact, enabling automated, robotic, or autonomous assembly and inspection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If visual measures (secondary latches, windows) are used to verify proper engagement, then engagement verification is possible, but physical interaction and viewing by assembler/inspector is required making the process cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement verificationVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical verification systems (secondary latches, visual windows) with an RFID-based detection system. The RFID tag carried by the connector and read by a separate reader enables remote, automated verification of proper engagement without requiring physical interaction or visual inspection by personnel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an RFID tag as an intermediary carrier that holds engagement verification information. This intermediary enables indirect detection of engagement status through RFID reading, eliminating the need for direct physical or visual verification while maintaining reliable detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If visual measures are employed for engagement detection, then proper securement can be verified, but the process requires physical contact and viewing which reduces efficiency in automated settings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurement detectionVSAvoidassembly efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical/visual measurement methods with RFID-based detection. The RFID system provides precise detection of engagement status through wireless communication, enabling automated verification that significantly improves assembly efficiency while maintaining accurate securement detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector performs self-verification of its engagement status through the RFID tag that automatically provides detection information when read by an RFID reader, eliminating the need for external physical or visual inspection and thereby improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If secondary latches and windows are used for engagement verification, then proper connection can be confirmed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement detectionVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the verification information function from the mechanical connector structure itself and places it in a separate RFID tag. This separation eliminates the need for complex mechanical verification features like secondary latches and windows, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable engagement detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical verification structures (secondary latches, windows) with a simple RFID tag system. This substitution dramatically reduces device complexity by eliminating unnecessary mechanical components while maintaining or improving engagement detection reliability through electronic means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 reliable detection of proper and full securement between fluid line connectors without the need for secondary latches or windows, facilitating efficient assembly, inspection, and service in various applications, including automotive, aircraft, and marine fluid lines, even in settings without immediate power supply.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, actuator member, and switch within the fluid line connector to detect proper and full securement through RFID technologies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio-frequency identification (RFID): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11199282B2Fluid line connector and assembly with securement detection

Publication Date: 2021.12.14 NORMA US HOLDING LLC

AI summary

A fluid line connector and assembly provides remote securement detection capabilities and is hence equipped for initial assembly, subsequent quality inspection, and subsequent service techniques that are automated, robotic, and/or autonomous. The fluid line connector includes a body, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, one or more actuator members, and one or more switches. The body has a passage for fluid-flow therethrough. The RFID tag can communicate with an RFID interrogator. The actuator member(s) changes the state of the switch(es) when the actuator member(s) actuates. The switch(es) is electrically coupled with the RFID tag.