RFID Fastener Assembly Verification for Hidden Vehicle Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener assemblies in automotive manufacturing are time-consuming and tedious to verify, especially for internal or hard-to-reach locations, leading to potential assembly errors and vehicle vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A fastener assembly with an integrated RFID system that verifies correct assembly by transmitting a signal when the head and base members are in a predetermined position, using RFID tags or antennas to ensure accurate coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional manual verification methods are used for fastener assembly, then the verification process can be performed with simple equipment, but the verification process becomes time-consuming and tedious especially for internal or hard-to-reach locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and mechanical verification methods with an RFID (radio-frequency identification) system that uses electromagnetic fields to detect and verify fastener assembly status automatically, eliminating the need for physical access to each fastener location
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RFID tags as intermediary elements attached to fasteners and corresponding readers in the verification system, which mediate the verification process by transmitting assembly status information wirelessly, allowing verification without direct physical inspection of each fastener
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If manual inspection methods are used for fastener verification, then the equipment required is simple, but the ability to detect and measure assembly correctness in hard-to-reach areas becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical inspection methods with electromagnetic field-based RFID detection, allowing verification of fasteners in internal or hard-to-reach locations without physical access, as electromagnetic waves can penetrate materials and detect tags remotely
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID verification system provides a universal solution that can verify all fastener locations throughout the vehicle structure through a single inspection process, regardless of whether fasteners are externally accessible or located in internal hard-to-reach areas
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
Facilitates efficient and user-friendly verification of fastener assembly, even in hidden or hard-to-reach areas, ensuring correct installation and reducing assembly errors.
Implementation Method 1
a RFID system, operably coupled to the head member and the base member and configured to actuate transmission of a verification signal when the head member and the base member are in a predetermined position relative to one another in an assembled configuration
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
The present invention provides for a fastener assembly, comprising: a header member and a base member operably coupleable with one another, and a RFID system, operably coupled to said fastener assembly and configured to actuate transmission of a verification signal when said header member and said base member are in a predetermined position relative to one another in an assembled configuration.