RFID Hydraulic Coupling Guidance for Correct Line Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for identifying and managing hydraulic lines in oil-hydraulic systems are prone to errors due to lost or degraded visual identification labels, and they do not facilitate easy transfer of connection information between different machines and utilities.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing RFID technology for unique identification of male and female couplings, along with a data communication module and a software application for mobile devices, to guide users in correctly connecting hydraulic lines by providing real-time feedback and storing connection configurations for multiple machine/utility matches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual identification labels (colored labels, tags with symbols) are used to identify hydraulic lines, then users can be guided in correctly matching hydraulic pipes, but the labels can detach during use and lose their identification effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/visual identification systems (colored labels, tags) with an electronic identification system using RFID tags and readers. The RFID tags are integrated into the coupling structures themselves, eliminating the need for separate visual labels that can detach. The electronic system provides reliable, persistent identification through electromagnetic fields that can be read remotely, solving the problem of label detachment while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an electronic copy of the identification information stored in RFID tags rather than relying on physical visual labels. The identification data is digitized and stored electronically, allowing multiple readings without degradation. This electronic copying mechanism ensures the identification information remains intact and readable throughout the service life of the hydraulic connections.
2Ease of operation
If colored labels or tags are used for line identification, then users can visually distinguish hydraulic lines, but the labels degrade and colors are discolored by environmental and chemical agents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes visual/chemical identification methods with electronic RFID identification. Instead of relying on colors and physical labels that degrade under environmental exposure (sunlight, chemicals, moisture), the system uses electromagnetic fields and electronic tags that are immune to these degradation mechanisms. The RFID tags are embedded in the coupling structures, providing durable, long-term identification without the durability issues of painted or adhesive labels.
3Adaptability or versatility
If physical identification codes (colors, symbols) are used, then users can match pipes for one implement, but the color configuration must be changed when matching the same implement to a different machine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic identification system where RFID tags and readers enable flexible, programmable matching configurations. The system can be electronically reconfigured through software to accommodate different machine-implement combinations without physical changes to the identification markers. The RFID system stores and processes identification data dynamically, allowing the same implement to be correctly matched to different machines by updating the electronic configuration rather than repainting or replacing physical labels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal identification system using RFID technology that can serve multiple machine-implement combinations. The RFID tags provide standardized identification that works across different equipment types, and the reader system can be programmed to recognize various matching configurations. This universal electronic system replaces the need for machine-specific color coding, allowing one implement to be universally matched to different machines through software configuration rather than physical reconfiguration.
4Reliability
If RFID tags are integrated into coupling structures, then reliable identification is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the identification function with the existing coupling structure by integrating RFID tags into the male and female couplings. Rather than adding separate, external identification devices, the system combines the identification capability with the mechanical coupling components themselves. This integration approach minimizes additional complexity by utilizing the existing structural elements and adding only the necessary electronic identification components within the coupling assemblies.
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 effectively addresses the limitations of prior art by providing a reliable and efficient means to manage hydraulic connections, ensuring correct matches even in fleets of operating machines and utilities, and enabling predictive maintenance through data collection and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a data communication module (60) adapted to identify said male couplings (30b) by emitting an electromagnetic field via an RFID antenna (61) of said data communication module (60) and by reading a return signal emitted by said passive RFID tags (50b, 50b')
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 2C~3A
Figure 3B~4
AI summary
An apparatus for monitoring and managing correct connection and operation of hydraulic lines which establish the connection of a primary hydraulic circuit of an operating machine (10) with a secondary hydraulic circuit of a utility (20), said apparatus further comprising a plurality of ports comprising a female coupling or cartridge (30a) on the machine side of said line, which are adapted to accommodate a male coupling (30b) provided on the utility side of said line for connection of each of said hydraulic lines, said apparatus further comprising means for uniquely identifying each of said male couplings (30b), and means (40a) for identification of each of said ports comprising said female couplings or cartridges (30a), and a data transmission module (60) provided on said machine (10) for identifying said male couplings (30b) as they are being moved toward said ports (30a) and for indicating to the user the correct port for hydraulic coupling between said male couplings (30b) and said female couplings or cartridges (30a), thereby guiding the user in the operations to connect lines, wherein said means (50b, 50b') for identifying each male coupling (30b) comprise at least one passive RFID TAG coupled to each of said male couplings (30b) of each line, and said means (40a) for identifying each of said ports comprising a female coupling or cartridge (30a) comprise at least one sensorized element (40a) coupled to each port and comprising at least one microswitch adapted to detect that correct connection of the male coupling (30b) into the female coupling (30a) has occurred, and at least one visual signaling means for indicating to the user which machine-side port has to be coupled to the male coupling (30b) of the utility, said data communication module (60) being placed on board said machine (10) and comprising one or more RFID antennas adapted to actuate said passive RFID TAGs (50b, 50b') coupled to each of said male couplings (30b) and to read the unique return ID signal emitted by each of said RFID TAGs, and at least one microprocessor in signal communication with said microswitch and with said visual signaling means, said apparatus further comprising a remote platform (80) and wherein said electronic device (70) is in data communication via a network connection with said remote platform (80) so that the data concerning couplings and connections of the various hydraulic lines of the operating machines (10) and of the various utilities (20) sent by said data communication module (60) to the management application (App) for mobile devices (70) may be used to monitor the modes of use of the entire hydraulic system.