Rotatable RFID Transponder Ring for Vacuum Hose Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction conveyor systems face difficulties in coupling flexible hoses due to strong restoring forces, making it challenging to align RFID transponders with sensors, especially when hoses are twisted or entangled.
Innovation Solution
A coupling design featuring a rotatably mounted retaining ring with an adjustable RFID transponder and a handle for easy alignment, along with a spring-loaded cover and latching mechanism for secure connection, allowing flexible hoses to be connected in any position without requiring precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the counter-coupling piece is inserted into the coupling piece, then the lines are connected, but strong restoring forces make coupling more difficult and misalignment of transponder and sensor occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring is made rotatable relative to the counter-coupling piece, allowing the transponder to be dynamically positioned at different angular locations. This enables the transponder to be aligned with the sensor after the coupling is established, ensuring reliable signal transmission without making the initial coupling difficult.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is divided into independent functional components: the coupling piece for mechanical connection, the rotatable retaining ring for transponder positioning, and the spring-loaded cover for sealing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, solving both the coupling ease and signal reliability requirements.
2Reliability
If the transponder is attached to the retaining ring, then signal transmission can be ensured, but precise alignment is difficult due to restoring forces
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring's rotatability allows the transponder to be positioned at any angular location relative to the coupling axis. After the coupling piece and counter-coupling piece are connected, the retaining ring can be rotated to bring the transponder into alignment with the sensor, achieving precise alignment without requiring precise initial positioning during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The transponder is pre-mounted on the retaining ring in a convenient position for assembly. After the mechanical coupling is established, the retaining ring is then rotated to achieve the precise angular alignment needed for signal transmission between the transponder and sensor.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible line is twisted or entangled, then the hose can be easily stored, but alignment of transponder with sensor becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable retaining ring decouples the angular position of the transponder from the insertion orientation of the flexible line. The line can be inserted in any angular position even when twisted or entangled, and the retaining ring can subsequently be rotated to align the transponder with the sensor, maintaining adaptability while achieving precision.
4Reliability
If a latching element is provided, then the connection is secured against unintentional pulling off, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching element is designed to automatically engage with the retaining ring when the coupling piece is inserted into the counter-coupling piece. The spring-loaded cover provides the forcing action to push the latching element into its locking position, securing the connection without requiring additional manual operations or complex control mechanisms.
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 easy and reliable coupling of flexible lines, ensuring proper signal transmission and secure connection, even when hoses are twisted or entangled, while maintaining a gas-tight seal and preventing accidental disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
it is advantageous if the cover is spring-loaded in the direction of its open position. This ensures that the cover, in its open position, does not prevent the flexible cable from being inserted.
Data Source
Figure 1~5
AI summary
The coupling serves to connect two lines (1, 2) of a vacuum conveying system. It has a coupling piece (3) provided on the first line (2) and a mating coupling piece (5) provided on the second, flexible line (1), which can be inserted into the coupling piece (3). A retaining ring (15) carrying a transponder is freely rotatable about the axis of the mating coupling piece (5) on the second line (1). A sensor on the first line (2) is associated with the transponder.