RFID-Embedded Connecting Component for Faster Inspection Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connecting components, such as metal safety hooks, require manual inspection and database updates, leading to inefficient and uncertain maintenance processes due to the complexity and time-consuming nature of manual data recording.

Innovation Solution

A connecting component with a built-in radio frequency identification (RFID) element that stores information about the mechanism or device, allowing for quick data retrieval and updates using an RFID reader, thereby improving efficiency and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual inspection and database recording procedures are used, then basic information can be established and tracked, but the operation efficiency is low and the process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation efficiencyVSAvoidtime for inspection and data retrieval
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of recording and retrieving inspection data with an automated RFID (radio frequency identification) system. The RFID tag stores unit information electronically, and the RFID reader automatically retrieves data through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for manual database searches and paper-based recording, thus significantly improving operation efficiency and reducing time loss.

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

2Reliability

If manual database updates are performed, then inspection results can be recorded, but the database accuracy is reduced due to human omission errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedatabase accuracyVSAvoidmanual data recording complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tag embedded in each unit serves itself as the data storage medium, automatically containing all necessary unit information. During inspection, the RFID reader automatically reads and updates the data without requiring manual data entry or database management, eliminating human omission errors and improving database accuracy while simplifying the operation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If comprehensive unit information is stored in databases, then maintenance decisions can be informed, but the complexity of managing and searching the database increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation accessibilityVSAvoiddatabase management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the centralized database management into distributed RFID tags embedded in individual units. Each tag independently stores comprehensive unit information (model number, size, mechanical properties, working load limit, inspection results, maintenance history), eliminating the need for a complex centralized database system while improving information accessibility through direct RFID reading.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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-enabled connecting component provides a convenient and accurate means to access and update data, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the risk of human error in maintenance processes.

Implementation Method 1

a connecting component with built-in radio frequency identification element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio frequency identification: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3909901B1Connecting component with built-in radio frequency identification element
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 YOKE INDAL CORP
  • EP3909901B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3909901B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3909901B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A connecting component with built-in radio frequency identification element (10, 10') which includes a main body (12) and a radio frequency identification element (14) is provided. The main body (12) has a cylindrical body part (122) and a head (124), wherein the body part (122) has a connecting end (122a) and a free end (122b); the head (124) is connected to the connecting end (122a), and the maximum outer diameter thereof is greater than an outer diameter of the body part (122); the head (124) has an accommodating hole (124a), and an opening of the accommodating hole (124a) is formed at a top of the head (124); the radio frequency identification element (14) can be inserted into the accommodating hole (124a). When the connecting component (10, 10') is used to fixedly connect the rigid object, the radio frequency electronic component (14) provides a space to store database; with the radio frequency identification reader, industry can read the data at any time during the inspection or the maintenance stages, which improves the convenience of obtaining data and the efficiency of operation.