RFID Smart Inspection Assurance Cap for Fluid Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid connectors in automotive applications often suffer from incomplete seating of assurance caps, leading to potential leaks due to reliance on visual indicators like witness beads and audible clicks, which are not always reliable in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip within an assurance cap that completes a circuit only when properly seated on the fluid connector, allowing for positive verification through RFID detection means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual indicators like witness beads and audible clicks are used to verify proper seating, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of verification is insufficient in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical verification methods (visual witness beads and audible clicks) with an RFID electromagnetic field-based verification system. The RFID chip embedded in the assurance cap communicates installation status wirelessly, eliminating the need for mechanical indicators while providing more reliable verification in confined spaces where visual and auditory cues are insufficient.
2Reliability
If RFID circuit components are added to the assurance cap, then the verification reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the RFID verification functionality into the existing assurance cap structure by embedding an RFID chip within the cap body. The circuit leads are integrated into the cap's mechanical features, combining the sealing function and verification function into a single component rather than adding separate verification devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The assurance cap is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the mechanical sealing function by securing the tubular connector, and simultaneously serves as a verification device through the embedded RFID chip that communicates installation status. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate verification components.
3Ease of operation
If the assurance cap is designed to snap over the fluid connector in confined spaces, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of proper seating is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the RFID chip in the assurance cap detects whether the cap is properly seated on the fluid connector and communicates this status to an external reader. This feedback loop allows the installer to verify proper seating even in confined spaces where visual and auditory cues are unavailable, thereby maintaining high reliability while preserving ease of operation.
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 secure seating of the assurance cap and tubular connector, reducing the likelihood of leaks by providing a reliable, non-visual method for confirming proper installation.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip arranged on or within an assurance cap to allow position testing of the cap with RFID detection means
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency identification (RFID) smart inspection assurance cap, including a body having a through-bore, an outer surface, and an inner surface and, an RFID circuit including an RFID chip a first circuit lead connected to the RFID chip, and a second circuit lead connected to the RFID chip, the first circuit lead and the second circuit lead electrically disconnected from one another, deactivating the RFID chip wherein the RFID smart inspection assurance cap is operatively arranged on a fluid connector, the first circuit lead is arranged to contact the fluid connector, the second circuit lead is arranged to contact the fluid connector, wherein the RFID circuit is completed when the first circuit lead and the second circuit lead simultaneously contact the fluid connector.