Fluid Line Connector RFID Securement Detection for Automated Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies for fluid lines require physical interaction and visual verification for proper and full engagement, which is inefficient and not suitable for automated or autonomous assembly and inspection processes.
Innovation Solution
The use of RFID technology to detect proper and full securement between connectors through remote detection, eliminating the need for physical interaction and visual verification, utilizing an RFID chip and interrogator to transmit and receive RF signals for automated detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual measures such as secondary latches and windows are used to verify proper engagement, then engagement verification is possible, but physical interaction and viewing by assembler or inspector is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical verification systems (secondary latches, visual windows) with an RFID detection system. The RFID chip in the connector body communicates with an interrogator to automatically detect and verify full engagement, eliminating the need for physical interaction or visual inspection by operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly performs self-verification through the RFID system. The connector body's RFID chip automatically provides engagement status information to the interrogator without requiring external verification actions, enabling the system to verify its own proper engagement.
2Reliability
If visual measures are employed for engagement verification, then proper connection can be confirmed, but automated or autonomous assembly and inspection processes cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual verification with an automated RFID detection system. The interrogator automatically queries the RFID chip in the connector body and processes the response to determine engagement status, enabling integration with automated assembly and inspection processes without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID system provides automated feedback about engagement status. The interrogator receives signals from the RFID chip and can determine whether full engagement has occurred, providing immediate feedback that can be integrated into automated control systems for assembly verification.
3Extent of automation
If RFID technology is used for remote detection, then automated detection is enabled, but additional detection components are added to the connector assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID chip serves multiple functions: it provides engagement verification, enables automated detection, and can potentially store additional connector identification or configuration data. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of the RFID component within the connector assembly.
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 automated and remote detection of proper and full securement between fluid line connectors, facilitating efficient assembly, inspection, and service in various applications, including automotive, aircraft, and marine fluid lines.
Implementation Method 1
The use of RFID technology to detect proper and full securement between connectors through remote detection, eliminating the need for physical interaction and visual verification, utilizing an RFID chip and interrogator to transmit and receive RF signals for automated detection.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid line connector and assembly provides remote securement detection 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) chip, and a switch. The body has a passage for fluid-flow therethrough. The RFID chip has an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals. The switch interacts with the antenna to enable the antenna to transmit and receive RF signals, and to alternatively disable the antenna from transmitting and receiving RF signals.