Quick Connector With RFID Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connector couplings for fluid line assemblies lack a reliable and efficient method to verify the secure connection of male and female members, which can lead to improper assembly and potential leaks.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip and antenna within the connector body, allowing for a signal to be read when the verifier moves to a latched position, ensuring proper engagement and providing a verification signal for secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional quick connector couplings are used without verification mechanisms, then the assembly process is simple and device complexity is low, but connection reliability cannot be verified and improper assembly may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical verification methods with an RFID electromagnetic field-based verification system. The RFID chip and antenna eliminate the need for complex mechanical sensors or switches, using electromagnetic fields to detect and verify the latched position, thus improving reliability while keeping the system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the RFID system provides verification signals to confirm proper connection. When the verifier reaches the latched position, the RFID chip activates and sends a signal through the antenna, providing immediate feedback that the connection is secure, thereby improving reliability.
2Reliability
If verification mechanisms are added to quick connectors, then connection reliability improves, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID chip is pre-installed within the connector body, and the antenna is pre-positioned within the verifier. This preliminary setup ensures that verification occurs automatically as part of the assembly process without requiring additional time for separate verification steps. The system is designed so that proper insertion naturally triggers the verification.
Solution Approach 2:
By using RFID electromagnetic field interaction instead of mechanical verification mechanisms, the system achieves rapid verification. The electromagnetic field detection occurs almost instantaneously when the verifier reaches the latched position, minimizing any time penalty compared to mechanical verification methods.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If RFID verification system is implemented, then connection verification capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses RFID technology, which relies on well-established electromagnetic field principles and off-the-shelf RFID components. This substitution of mechanical verification with electromagnetic field-based verification simplifies the detection mechanism while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through the use of standardized RFID parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID system serves multiple functions: it verifies connection status, provides feedback signals, and can potentially store connection data. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate verification components, thereby managing manufacturing complexity while improving detection capability.
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
Ensures a reliable and secure fluid line connection by verifying the proper insertion of the male member into the female connector, preventing leaks and simplifying the assembly process through a readable signal.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip. A signal of the RFID chip is enabled to read through the antenna when the contact point of the antenna contacts the RFID chip of the connector body in the latched position of the verifier
Data Source
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AI summary
A quick connector coupling for making a severable connection with a male member and a female tube in a fluid line includes a connector body having a through bore for receiving the male member having a tubular shape sized to extend into the through bore of the connector body and having an upset, a retainer releasably securing the male member within the connector body, and a verifier including an antenna having a contact point and moving between a latched position and an unlatched position inside the connector body. The connector body includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip having a signal, which is enabled to read through the antenna when the contact point of the antenna contacts the RFID chip of the connector body in the latched position of the verifier.