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US 10,337,656 B2Granted
Quick connect with visual indicator
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorSamuel Jeffrey Tomlinson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and systems are provided for a quick connect device. In one example, a connector may include a first visual cue for coupling an outer portion to a middle portion and a second visual cue for coupling an inner portion to the middle portion.
Claims3
A method, comprising:
- generating an image of an engine quick connect device during engine manufacturing;
- digitally measuring, via the image, an angle or a distance between a flexible indicating arm and an outer circumference of the quick connect device;
- adjusting subsequent manufacturing operation in response to an indication of less than full engagement of the quick connect device based on the measured angle or distance;
- and
- generating the image of the quick connect device and digitally measuring the angle and the distance, and indicating full engagement of the quick connect device via a visualizing machine, wherein the visualizing machine indicates full engagement when the measured angle is greater than a threshold angle, the distance is greater than a threshold distance, and the arm is visible, wherein the manufacturing is on an engine line, and wherein the visualizing machine includes a camera and a computer.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.