Hose Assembly Identification With RFID and Crimp Data Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for attaching hose fittings to hoses lack efficient techniques for assembly and identification, leading to challenges in tracking assembly history, inventory management, and optimizing crimping parameters.

Innovation Solution

A system that generates a unique identification for hose assemblies based on crimping process measurements, using a crimper or testbench with a connected analyzer to track and manage inventory, and automatically update crimping parameters, with features like RFID tagging for easy reference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If traditional hose assembly methods are used, then the assembly process is simple, but tracking assembly history and managing inventory becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly history trackingVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses RFID tags to create digital copies/representations of hose assemblies, storing assembly history and inventory information in electronic form rather than physical records. This enables easy tracking and retrieval of assembly information without complex manual documentation systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual tracking methods with automated RFID-based electronic tracking systems. The crimper machine automatically writes RFID tags to hoses, substituting mechanical/manual record-keeping with electronic automation, thereby improving information tracking while managing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual crimping processes are used, then equipment cost is low, but crimping parameter optimization and quality control are inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrimping parameter precisionVSAvoidassembly efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the crimper machine measures crimping parameters in real-time, stores this data, and uses it to optimize future crimping operations. The system learns from previous crimping results to improve precision while maintaining efficient production rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of crimping parameters and assembly history to optimize future crimping operations. By pre-configuring crimping parameters based on stored data and previous results, the system achieves high precision without sacrificing productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If hose assemblies lack unique identification, then manufacturing is simpler, but inventory management and maintenance scheduling become problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinventory managementVSAvoididentification system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates unique digital identifiers (RFID tags) for each hose assembly, enabling easy inventory management through electronic tracking. The RFID tags serve as digital copies of physical hoses, storing identification and assembly information that simplifies inventory operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service inventory management where the RFID-tagged hoses automatically provide identification and tracking information. The unique identifiers allow the system to automatically track hose locations, assembly history, and maintenance schedules without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12064803B2Systems and methods to facilitate hose and fitting identification and assembly
Publication Date: 2024.08.20 CONTITECH USA INC
  • US12064803B2 patent drawing
  • US12064803B2 patent drawing
  • US12064803B2 patent drawing

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.