RFID Connector Contact Sensing for Locked Clamp Status

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a long-felt need for a connection verifier that ensures a connection between components is securely connected, particularly in applications where the connection involves hazardous substances or critical operations, and existing solutions do not effectively utilize radio-frequency identification (RFID) to verify the secure status of clamps or connectors.

Innovation Solution

A radio-frequency identification (RFID) connector system that includes a clamp with an RFID assembly, featuring a tag and contacts that indicate an open or closed state based on the clamp's locked or unlocked status, ensuring secure connections through wireless transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a clamp or connector is used to secure components, then the connection strength is improved, but there is no reliable method to verify the secure connection status

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidconnection verification reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by using an RFID tag to continuously communicate the connection status (secured or unsecured) of the clamp to an external reader system. This allows real-time verification of the connection state without physical inspection, resolving the contradiction between mechanical strength and verification reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual or visual verification methods with an electronic RFID-based verification system. The RFID tag and reader system provide automated, reliable connection status verification, eliminating the need for physical inspection while maintaining connection strength requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If manual verification methods are used to check clamp security, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and reliability of connection verification deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveverification system complexityVSAvoidconnection verification productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes manual verification processes with an automated RFID verification system. The RFID tag embedded in the clamp communicates connection status wirelessly to a reader, enabling rapid, automated verification that significantly improves productivity while the simple tag design keeps added complexity minimal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID tag provides self-service verification by automatically reporting its own status (secured or unsecured) without requiring external intervention or complex verification equipment. The tag itself serves as the verification device, minimizing added system complexity while maximizing verification productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If existing RFID verification systems are implemented, then connection verification reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection verification reliabilityVSAvoidconnector complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the RFID verification functionality directly into the clamp structure itself. The RFID tag is integrated into the clamp body, and the verification system combines the tag, contact elements, and clamp mechanics into a single unified device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high verification reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID tag serves multiple functions: it provides connection status verification, identifies the specific clamp unit, and communicates securely with the reader system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate verification components, thereby reducing device complexity while enhancing verification reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The RFID connector system provides a reliable method to verify the secure connection of components, ensuring proper locking and preventing hazardous leaks or failures by indicating the connection status wirelessly, enhancing safety and operational reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a RFID assembly connected to the connector, the RFID assembly including a RFID tag, and at least one contact arranged on the at least one component and electrically connected to the RFID tag

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio-frequency identification (RFID): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4038300B1Radio-frequency identification connector

Publication Date: 2024.04.24 OTIKER NJ INK

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AI summary

A radio-frequency identification (RFID) connector (20), including a connector, including at least one component (22, 40), and a RFID assembly (60) connected to the connector, the RFID assembly including a RFID tag, and at least one contact arranged on the at least one component and electrically connected to the RFID tag, wherein in an unlocked state of the RFID connector, the RFID tag indicates an open state of the RFID assembly, and in a locked state of the RFID connector, the RFID tag indicates a closed state of the RFID assembly.