RFID-Embedded Electrical Connector for Temperature Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors lack direct performance feedback mechanisms for field application and maintenance, particularly in tracking temperature-related issues, which can lead to undetected faults and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag or temperature-sensitive indicators, such as phase change paints, into the electrical connector design to provide real-time or permanent feedback on temperature exceedance, allowing for easier maintenance and fault detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrical connectors are used without performance indicators, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of detecting temperature-related faults deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical connector with a temperature-sensitive indicator and RFID tag into a single integrated unit. The indicator is applied directly to the connector body, and the RFID tag is embedded within or attached to the connector, merging the electrical connection function with the temperature monitoring and data storage functions into one component system.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag acts as an intermediary between the temperature-sensitive indicator and the external monitoring system. The indicator detects temperature changes and triggers a signal that is captured and stored by the RFID tag, which then communicates the temperature data to external readers, mediating the information transfer without requiring direct connection to power or control systems.
2Ease of operation
If temperature monitoring is implemented using thermocouples or infra-red devices, then the measurement precision is high, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring specialized equipment and line-of-sight
Solution Approach 1:
The connector performs self-monitoring through the temperature-sensitive indicator that automatically detects and records temperature exceedance events without requiring external sensing equipment. The RFID tag stores this information autonomously, allowing the connector to provide its own diagnostic data without needing specialized thermocouples or infra-red imaging devices during field inspections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical measurement systems (thermocouples requiring physical contact, infra-red devices requiring line-of-sight) with an electromagnetic field-based RFID system. The RFID tag uses electromagnetic coupling to transmit stored temperature data to external readers, eliminating the need for physical contact or optical line-of-sight while enabling easy field inspection with simple handheld readers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If permanent color change indicators are used, then the loss of information is prevented, but the adaptability to different connector types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag provides a universal solution that can be applied to various connector types while maintaining information retention capabilities. Unlike color-change indicators that must be visible and may interfere with connector design, the RFID tag can be embedded in different locations and configurations across various connector types, providing universal applicability while storing detailed temperature history data that can be retrieved later.
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 solution enables direct and reliable performance feedback, allowing for timely maintenance and reducing the risk of undetected faults by providing visual or readable indicators of temperature exceedance, even after the event, and can be applied to various connector types including power and grounding connectors.
Implementation Method 1
RFID is a technology similar in theory to bar code identification. With RFID, the electromagnetic or electrostatic coupling in the RF portion of the electromagnetic spectrum is used to transmit signals.
Implementation Method 2
Phase change temperature indicating labels and paints are known providing the feature of a permanent color change when a specified temperature is exceeded.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector including a connector section and a connector performance indicating section. The connector section includes a first connection section adapted to connect to a first electrical conductor and a second connection section adapted to connect to a second electrical conductor. The connector section is adapted to electrical connect the first electrical conductor to the second electrical conductor. The connector performance indicating section is connected to a portion of the connector section. The connector performance indicating section includes a temperature sensitive indicator adapted to signal occurrence of a temperature of the portion of the connector section above a predetermined temperature. The temperature sensitive indicator comprises a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag.