RFID Plug-In Coupling Lock Verification in Obscured Installations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices fail to reliably signal proper locking of fluid plug couplings, especially in challenging installation conditions, and existing RFID solutions fail to verify that the coupling parts are connected.
Innovation Solution
A fluid plug coupling design with an RFID chip on the male part and a matching antenna arrangement on the female part, where proper locking creates a functional electromagnetic connection between them, allowing detection of a distinct RFID signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical signals are used to monitor coupling locking, then visual feedback is provided, but the method fails in difficult installation situations with poor visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical monitoring systems with an RFID-based electromagnetic detection system. The RFID chip in the male coupling part communicates with the female part via electromagnetic fields, eliminating dependency on visual line-of-sight and allowing reliable locking verification in obscured or difficult-to-access locations where optical methods fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an RFID chip as an intermediary carrier between the male and female coupling parts. This intermediary stores and transmits locking status information through electromagnetic fields, enabling verification without direct visual observation and overcoming the limitations of optical signal-based monitoring in challenging installation environments.
2Reliability
If RFID chips are integrated into coupling components to verify connection, then connection verification is enabled, but the ability to verify proper locking is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating two distinct RFID antenna systems with different electromagnetic characteristics: one antenna configuration for the male part and a different configuration for the female part. When properly locked, these antennas form a specific electromagnetic coupling that produces a unique signal signature, enabling verification of both connection and proper locking status through localized electromagnetic field interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the electromagnetic field characteristics of the RFID antennas. The male and female parts have antennas with different lengths and resonant frequencies. When properly locked, the electromagnetic coupling between these antennas changes the signal parameters (frequency, amplitude, phase) in a predictable way, allowing the reader to distinguish between connected but misaligned versus properly locked states.
3Reliability
If mechanical connection between antenna arrangement and RFID chip is used, then electrical contact is ensured, but wear and tear of contacting components occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical electrical contacts with electromagnetic field-based communication. The RFID chip and antenna arrangement interact through electromagnetic induction rather than physical contact, eliminating wear and tear on contacting components while maintaining reliable signal transmission for locking verification throughout the component's service life.
4Reliability
If complex injection molding tools are used to mount RFID chip, then secure mounting is achieved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mounting function from the RFID chip itself by using a separate adhesive application process. Instead of integrating chip mounting into the injection molding tool (which would require complex multi-cavity or insert molding tools), the chip is mounted separately using adhesive, simplifying the manufacturing tooling while ensuring secure attachment of the RFID chip to the coupling component.
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 reliable detection of proper locking even in visually obscured or difficult-to-access locations, without mechanical wear concerns, and allows for simple production without complex tools.
Implementation Method 1
the functional connection between the RFID chip and the antenna arrangement of the male part is formed by electromagnetic induction
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for checking the correct installation state of a fluid plug-in coupling (1), having a fluid plug-in coupling (1) with a male part (2) and a female part (3). The aim of the invention is to provide a device of the aforementioned type which reliably signals a correct engagement of the aforementioned plug-in couplings (1) even in unclear installation situations. This is achieved in that the male part (2) has an RFID chip (10), the antenna of which has a specified length that matches the RFID chip (10) such that the RFID chip (10) emits a specified first signal or does not emit a signal upon being excited by an RFID reading device, and the female part (3) has an antenna assembly (12), said antenna assembly (12) having a length which deviates from the specified length of the antenna of the RFID chip (10). Furthermore, when the male part (2) which is plugged into the female part (3) is locked with the female part (3) as intended, the RFID chip (10) is in electrically conductive contact with the antenna assembly (12) of the female part (3), and the length of the antenna assembly (12) of the female part (3) matches the RFID chip (10) such that the RFID chip (10) emits a specified second signal deviating from the first signal upon being excited by an RFID reading device.