Fluid Line Connector Assembly With RFID-Based 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) chip and a switch within the fluid line connector that enables or disables RF signal transmission based on the securement status with another connector, allowing for remote detection of full securement without physical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual measures and physical interaction are used to verify proper engagement, then engagement verification is achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and physical verification with an automated RFID detection system. The RFID reader automatically detects the presence and status of connectors through radio frequency signals, eliminating the need for physical interaction and visual verification by operators, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable verification and assembly efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly includes integrated RFID tags that automatically transmit engagement status information when queried by the RFID reader. The system performs self-verification without requiring external manual inspection, enabling the assembly process to confirm proper engagement automatically and improve productivity
2Reliability
If manual inspection is required for connector engagement, then proper securement can be verified, but the process requires physical contact and viewing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes manual inspection operations with automated RFID detection. The RFID reader communicates wirelessly with tags on connectors to verify securement status without requiring physical contact or visual viewing by operators, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable detection
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag acts as an intermediary carrier that holds and transmits securement status information. Instead of requiring direct physical inspection of connector engagement, the system queries the RFID tag which provides the verification information, simplifying the inspection process while maintaining reliability
3Extent of automation
If RFID chip is always enabled for transmission, then remote detection is available, but energy is consumed continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID chip is designed to be enabled only periodically when a full securement event occurs, rather than continuously. The switch activates the RFID chip at specific moments when connectors are fully engaged, allowing remote detection capability to be available when needed while minimizing continuous energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls the RFID chip's transmission state through a switch that responds to securement events. The RFID chip transitions between enabled and disabled states based on real-time connector engagement status, optimizing the balance between remote detection capability and energy consumption
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, robotic, or autonomous detection of proper and full securement between fluid line connectors, reducing the need for manual inspection and improving efficiency in assembly, inspection, and service processes.
Implementation Method 1
The RFID chip is carried by the body and has an antenna. The antenna can transmit and receive radio frequency (RF) signals.
Data Source
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.