RFID Fluid Connection Verification for Incomplete Insertion Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid connections in automotive and other systems are prone to failure due to incomplete insertion or clamping, leading to leaks and potential serious consequences, and there is a need for a reliable verification method to ensure secure connections.

Innovation Solution

A radio-frequency identification (RFID) fluid connection system that includes a tube with a radially outward-facing surface and an RFID assembly, featuring an RFID tag and contacts that change state based on the connection status, allowing for wireless verification of proper connection through electromagnetic interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fluid connectors are used without verification mechanisms, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of fluid connection is poor due to incomplete insertion or clamping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid connection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection verification system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical verification systems with electromagnetic field-based RFID technology. The RFID tag and reader system provides automated connection verification without requiring complex mechanical sensors or switches, thus improving reliability while keeping the added complexity minimal and electronic rather than mechanical.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid connector system performs self-verification through the RFID tag that automatically detects and reports connection status. The system self-monitors whether the tube is properly inserted and clamped without requiring external inspection tools or complex verification mechanisms, thereby improving reliability with minimal added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If RFID assembly is added to the tube, then connection verification capability is improved, but the weight of the tube assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection status detectionVSAvoidtube assembly weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a passive RFID tag that is lightweight, inexpensive, and can be easily attached to or integrated with the tube. This disposable or easily replaceable component provides connection verification capability without significantly increasing the overall weight of the tube assembly, as the RFID tag itself weighs only a fraction of a gram.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes electromagnetic field parameters (radio frequency signals) for connection detection instead of adding heavy mechanical sensors. By changing the detection parameter from mechanical to electromagnetic, the system achieves reliable connection status detection while minimizing weight increase, as electromagnetic sensors can be implemented with very lightweight electronic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If RFID tag and contacts are integrated on the tube, then connection integrity monitoring is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection integrity verificationVSAvoidRFID assembly positioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID assembly serves multiple functions: it provides connection verification, identifies the tube, and can store operational parameters. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby lowering overall manufacturing precision requirements while still achieving reliable connection integrity monitoring through the integrated RFID system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring precise positioning of the RFID tag relative to specific mechanical features on the tube, the patent inverts the approach by making the RFID system tolerant of position variations. The RFID reader can detect the tag from various positions, and the tag itself can be placed at standard locations without requiring sub-millimeter precision, thus reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining connection verification capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 system reliably indicates whether the fluid connection is secure, preventing leaks and ensuring proper assembly by detecting the closure of the RFID circuit when the connection is complete, thereby enhancing connection integrity.

Implementation Method 1

RFID uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250230884A1Radio-frequency identification fluid connection

Publication Date: 2025.07.17 OTIKER NJ INK

AI summary

A radio-frequency identification (RFID) fluid connection, including a tube, including a radially outward facing surface, and a RFID assembly connected to the radially outward facing surface, including a RFID tag including an antenna, and at least one contact electrically connected to the RFID tag.