Hose Crimp Assembly Identification Using UAID and RFID Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for attaching hose fittings to hoses lack efficient assembly and identification processes, leading to difficulties in tracking assembly history, inventory management, and optimizing crimp parameters.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates a unique identification for hose assemblies based on crimp process measurements, using a crimper or testbench with a connected analyzer to create a unique assembly ID (UAID) and track usage, inventory, and maintenance, with features like RFID tagging and cloud-based monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional hose assembly methods are used, then assembly process is simple, but tracking assembly history and inventory management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses RFID tags to create digital copies/representations of physical hose assemblies. Each hose assembly receives a unique identification code that is written to an RFID tag, creating a digital twin that can be tracked throughout its lifecycle without adding physical complexity to the hose itself. This allows comprehensive tracking while maintaining simplicity in the actual assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary database and RFID technology between the physical hose assembly and the tracking system. The unique identification code acts as an intermediary that links the physical object to its digital record, enabling tracking without direct integration between the assembly process and management systems.
2Productivity
If manual inventory management is used, then system complexity is low, but inventory management efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service inventory management where the RFID tags automatically provide identification and tracking information. The hose assemblies essentially track themselves through the supply chain and usage lifecycle without requiring manual intervention for data collection, significantly improving inventory management efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where usage information is automatically captured and fed back to the database. This continuous feedback mechanism provides real-time inventory status and assembly history without requiring manual data entry, improving productivity while the initial system setup handles the complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If basic crimping is performed, then assembly speed is high, but optimization of crimp parameters is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing and storing crimp parameter data during the initial assembly process. By recording usage information and crimp characteristics from the outset, the system builds a database that enables future optimization without requiring additional time during actual assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system makes crimp parameters dynamic by using captured usage information to continuously refine and optimize crimp settings. The database stores evolving crimp parameter data that can be adjusted based on actual performance feedback, allowing precision improvement while maintaining assembly speed through automated learning rather than manual adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A crimper analyzer system is disclosed. The crimper analyzer system also includes a network interface. The crimper analyzer system also includes a memory storage. The crimper analyzer system also includes one or more processors configured to: receive hose specifications and fitting specifications from the network interface, generate crimp parameters based on the received hose specifications and crimp operation data, obtain additional crimp operation data for a hose assembly operation, update the crimp operation data with the additional crimp operation data and store in the updated crimp operation data in the memory storage, and generate a unique assembly identification (UAID) for the hose assembly operation subsequent to the hose assembly operation.