RFID Electrical Connector State Detection With Single-Circuit Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector systems face issues with false anomaly detection due to uncontrollable factors when relying on a single RFID circuit for determining the coupled or uncoupled state, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs with complex solutions requiring multiple RFID circuits and additional connection elements.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector with a single RFID circuit integrated into the first connector element, which always responds to input signals with a unique output signal indicating the open or closed state, including an identification code, regardless of the coupling status, using an antenna and integrated circuit, and optionally featuring elastic connections to simplify production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single RFID circuit is used to detect connector state, then device complexity is reduced, but detection reliability deteriorates due to false anomalies from uncontrollable factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a metallic connection bridge as an intermediary element that mediates between the RFID circuit and the coupling state detection. The bridge acts as a controllable switch that reliably transmits the coupling state to the RFID circuit, eliminating false anomalies while maintaining single-circuit simplicity. The metallic bridge serves as a deterministic intermediary that converts physical coupling into reliable electrical signal changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the RFID circuit by introducing a metallic connection bridge that alters the circuit's impedance or continuity state. When the connector elements are coupled, the metallic bridge changes the electrical parameter (e.g., creates a short circuit or changes impedance), which the RFID circuit detects as a state change. This parameter transformation enables reliable detection without additional circuits.
2Reliability
If multiple RFID circuits are used to ensure reliable detection, then detection reliability improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The metallic connection bridge serves as a deterministic intermediary that provides reliable state information to a single RFID circuit, eliminating the need for multiple circuits. The bridge acts as a mechanical-to-electrical transducer that ensures the RFID circuit receives accurate coupling state information without ambiguity, achieving multi-circuit reliability with single-circuit simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector elements themselves provide the detection function through their inherent coupling mechanism. When coupled, the connector elements automatically position the metallic bridge to change the RFID circuit's electrical state. The system uses its own structural characteristics (the coupling action) to generate the detection signal, eliminating the need for separate detection circuits.
3Reliability
If a metallic connection bridge is introduced to improve detection reliability, then detection reliability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the metallic connection bridge with the existing connector structure, integrating it into the housing or contact elements. The bridge is positioned to be automatically engaged when connector elements couple, combining the coupling function and detection function into a single integrated structure. This merging approach adds minimal manufacturing steps while achieving reliable detection.
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
Enables reliable and cost-effective remote detection of electrical connector states, reducing manual intervention and production line inefficiencies by ensuring consistent response from each connector, even when uncoupled, without the need for additional RFID circuits or complex connection elements.
Implementation Method 1
an RFID circuit (6) associated with the first connector element (2) and including an antenna (6A) and an integrated circuit (6B) configured to receive a signal by means of the antenna and to output a signal
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
An electrical connector (1) comprises a first connector element (2) and a second connector element (3). The open or closed state of the electrical connector (1), corresponding, respectively, to an uncoupled condition and to a correctly and fully coupled condition of the two connector elements (2, 3), is detected remotely by a reader device (R), which interacts with an RFID circuit (6) associated with one of the two connector elements (2, 3). The RFID circuit (6) is configured so as to always, and in any case, send a response signal containing an information on the open or closed state of the electrical connector, and preferably also an identification code of the electrical connector, upon receiving an input signal at the antenna (6A) of the RFID circuit (6). The RFID circuit (6) comprises two pins (7A, 7B), which are electrically connected to each other only in one of the two states of coupling or non-coupling of the two connector elements (2, 3). The RFID circuit (6) is always able to operate whatever is the state of the connector. However, an integrated circuit (6B) forming part of the RFID circuit (6) receives a response signal from the two pins (7A, 7B), indicating the state of the connector. In a production line of motor-vehicles, the open or closed state of a plurality of electrical connectors installed in an assembly station (S) can be detected remotely by at least one reader device (R), which always, and in any case, receives, from all the electrical connectors, a response signal containing the connector identification code and an information on the status of the connector.