Quick Connector RFID Verification for Secure Fluid Line Assembly
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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
Incorporation of 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, providing verification of a secure connection and preventing incorrect signal reading until the male member is properly inserted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a quick connector coupling is used to establish a fluid line connection, then assembly time is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but there is no reliable method to verify proper assembly and connection security
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an RFID verification system that provides feedback on connection status. When the male member is properly inserted into the female connector body, the verifier moves to a latched position where the antenna contacts the RFID chip, enabling a signal to be read that confirms secure assembly. This feedback mechanism allows operators to verify proper connection without adding complexity to the assembly process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical verification methods (visual inspection, manual checking) with an electromagnetic field-based RFID system. The RFID chip and antenna use electromagnetic fields to transmit and receive verification signals, eliminating the need for complex mechanical verification mechanisms while improving reliability of connection confirmation.
2Reliability
If an RFID verification system is added to the quick connector, then connection verification reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The verifier component serves multiple functions: it acts as both a mechanical latch indicator and the activation mechanism for the RFID verification system. The antenna is integrated into the verifier structure, allowing a single component to perform both mechanical verification (position indication) and electronic verification (RFID signal transmission), thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID verification system is designed to be self-activating based on the mechanical state of the connector. When the male member is properly inserted and the verifier moves to the latched position, the antenna automatically contacts the RFID chip and enables the signal without requiring external power or control systems. The system verifies itself through the natural mechanical movement during assembly.
3Measurement precision
If the antenna is positioned to contact the RFID chip only in the latched position, then measurement precision of connection status is improved, but the device complexity increases due to precise positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the verifier and antenna positioning such that the contact between the antenna and RFID chip occurs at a natural equilibrium position (the latched position) achieved through the mechanical design of the quick connector. The verifier's movement to this position is driven by the natural mechanical interaction between the male member and female connector body, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex positioning mechanisms to achieve precise antenna-chip alignment.
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 assembly of the male and female members through an enabled signal, reducing the risk of leaks and improving assembly efficiency.
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
Data Source
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.