HK1256340B - Pipe fitting with sensor - Google Patents

Description

Pipe fitting with sensor

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of united states provisional application serial No. 62/251,853 filed on 6/11/2015 and united states provisional application serial No. 62/232,017 filed on 24/9/2015, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to fluid fittings for mechanically attaching and sealing pipes, and more particularly to wireless sensors attached to fluid fittings and methods of use thereof.

Background

Generally, one type of fitting for a fluid conduit, such as a tubular body or pipe, includes a body having a loose fit with the fluid conduit and a drive ring, wherein the drive ring compresses and/or deforms the body against an outer surface of the fluid conduit to provide one or more seals and a strong mechanical connection.

Conventionally, various physical inspection tests have been developed to confirm whether the fluid fittings on the pipes are properly installed. For example, various visual tests are used to ensure that the fitting is properly aligned and positioned on the pipe. Other invasive or non-invasive tests may be performed, such as ultrasonic testing, X-ray testing, or the like. However, these types of tests are often only useful when actually installed and may only provide indirect evidence that the pipe is properly installed.

Furthermore, these tests do not provide continuous information about the state of the fitting over its entire useful life, among other things. Typically, these fluid fittings are used in harsh and acidic environments in the presence of corrosive process fluids or gases (such as hydrogen sulfide). For example, H in the presence of water₂S causes damage to carbon steel pipelines in the form of corrosion, cracking or blistering. H₂The effect of S on steel can lead to Sulfide Stress Cracking (SSC), Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC), and corrosion. The presence of carbon dioxide in an acidic environment increases the corrosion rate of the steel. It can also exacerbate the SSC and HIC vulnerability of steel. These effects can compromise fluid fittings and tubing.

It would be advantageous to provide a sensor and method of use that provides information about the condition of the fitting as it is installed on a pipe, as well as continuous information about the entire useful life of the fitting.

Disclosure of Invention

The following presents a simplified summary of embodiments of the invention in order not to identify key elements or to delineate the scope of the invention.

In one aspect, a fluid fitting for mechanical attachment to a pipe is provided, including a coupling body having an inner surface defining a bore for receiving the pipe therein at least one end of the coupling body. A ring is positioned mounted over the at least one end of the coupling body for mechanically attaching the coupling body to the pipe, a main seal being formed on the inner surface of the coupling body to engage with the pipe. When the ring is installed on the at least one end of the coupling body with a force, the ring and the coupling body apply a compressive force to the main seal sufficient to cause elastic deformation of the ring and permanent deformation of the coupling body and the pipe, thereby attaching the pipe to the coupling body in a non-leaking manner. An electrically operated sensor device is secured to a surface of one of the coupling body or the ring such that when the ring is mounted on the coupling body, an electrical parameter is generated in response to physical movement of the coupling body or the ring to which the sensor device is secured.

In another aspect, a method of attaching a fluid fitting to a pipe is provided, including the step of inserting a pipe into an end of the fluid fitting such that a primary seal formed on an interior of the fluid fitting is adjacent to an outer surface of the pipe. The method also includes the step of attaching a wireless-operated sensor device including a strain gauge to a surface of the fluid fitting, wherein the strain gauge generates an electrical parameter in response to physical movement of the fluid fitting. The method also includes the step of applying a compressive force on the fluid fitting sufficient to cause permanent deformation of the primary seal relative to the outer surface of the pipe, thereby permanently attaching the fluid fitting to the pipe in a non-leaking manner. The method further includes the steps of interrogating the radio-operated sensor device using an RF interrogator, and transmitting the electrical parameter from the electrically-operated sensor device in response to the interrogation that is generated in response to physical movement of the fluid fitting after the fluid fitting is permanently attached to the pipe.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present exemplary or explanatory embodiments. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the described embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The figures illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the invention.

Drawings

The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example fluid fitting;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of an end of the example fitting of FIG. 1, showing a ring partially installed on the end of a body having a pipe disposed therein;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 2 but showing the ring in a fully installed position on the end of the body and the associated deformation of the sleeve and tube;

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a partial perspective view of an example ring with a sensor attached;

FIG. 5 is a front view of an example fluid fitting with various example sensors attached.

Detailed Description

Exemplary embodiments are described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These illustrated examples are not intended to be limiting of the invention. For example, one or more aspects may be used in other embodiments and even other types of devices. Furthermore, certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation. Further, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same elements.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the example fitting 10 may be used to connect thin-walled or thick-walled pipes, such as those having dimensions in the range of 1/4 "NPS to 4" NPS, although other pipe dimensions are contemplated for the example fitting 10. The example fitting 10 includes a drive ring 14 (sometimes referred to as a "press ring") along the length of the cylindrical contact region, a predetermined interference ratio (ratio of interference) of the body 12 and the pipe 16 with one another. The example fitting 10 may be mounted on a pipe 16. The coupling body 12 and drive ring 14 together serve to connect the pipe body 16 to the fitting 10. The components are generally symmetrical about a central or longitudinal axis L. The illustrated example is a fitting 10 having two opposing ends, each end of which is configured to receive a conduit body 16 therein. Accordingly, the illustrated example has two drive rings 14, but it will also be appreciated that the fitting may be configured to receive only one pipe via one end. Various example fittings are disclosed in commonly owned U.S. patent nos. 8,870,237, 7,575,257, 6,692,040, 6,131,964, 5,709,418, 5,305,510, and 5,110,163, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Referring to fig. 2, the drive ring 14 is shown partially installed or pre-assembled at a pre-installation position on the sleeve 12b of the coupling body 12. In this position, the drive ring enlarged segment is adjacent to but slightly spaced from the primary seal segment. By interference fit, the drive ring 14 can be held at a pre-installation location on the coupling body 12 and can be shipped at that location to a pre-installation customer, thereby facilitating use and installation by the end user.

Broadly speaking, fitting 10 is installed on a pipe or tubular body to permanently and irreversibly deform the pipe to which the fitting is coupled, providing a metal-to-metal seal between the pipe/tubular body and the fitting body. The fitting may include one or more seals, such as any of primary seal 30, inner seal 32, outer seal 34, and the like. When the plurality of drive rings 14 are axially forced onto the respective sleeves 12a, 12b, which internally receive the pipe segments 16, the sleeves 12a, 12 form a mechanical connection and seal with the pipe or pipe segments. The swage or drive ring 14 is sized for annular receipt on the sleeve 12a or is axially forced along the sleeve 12a, forcing the seal portions 30, 32, 34 to engage the pipe 16 to seal and mechanically connect the body 12 to the pipe 16.

By sealingly disposed, it is meant that one or more teeth of the seal portion are swaged or otherwise forced into deforming contact with the tube 16. Axial movement of the drive ring on the coupling body 12 exerts a compressive force on the surface of the pipe or tubular member through an interference fit that compresses the pipe wall first elastically (i.e., non-permanently) and then plastically (i.e., permanently). These contact stresses are high enough to cause the pipe/tubular surface to plastically yield under the seal body, thereby forming a 360 ° circumferential, permanent, metal-to-metal seal between the pipe/tubular and the coupling body 12.

The sealing arrangement is considered complete (i.e., fully set) when one or more of the teeth of the seal are fully urged into deforming contact with the pipe 16 (e.g., when the outer surface 17 of the pipe 16 directly opposite the seals 30, 32, 34 is not further radially moved due to being forced inwardly by a particular segment of the drive ring 14). Alternatively, adequate setting of the seal may be defined as the drive ring 14 forcing one or more teeth of the seal deep into the pipe 16 or the actuating cone of the drive ring 14 becoming flat forming a cylindrical segment of constant diameter as the drive ring 14 moves past the seal. As the seals 30, 32, 34 continue to bite into the surface, the tube 16 typically strains beyond its elastic limit and the tube 16 begins to plastically deform or move radially inward to create a permanent deformation. The teeth of the seal portions 30, 32, 34 bite into the outer surface 17 of the pipe 16 and deform the outer surface 17 of the pipe 16, and the teeth of the seal portions 30, 32, 34 themselves may deform to some extent. This fills in any rough or irregular surface defects found on the outside of the pipe 16.

Referring to fig. 3, in order to mount the drive ring 14 sufficiently on the sleeve 12b with the pipe 16 inserted therein for mechanically connecting and sealing the fitting 10 to the pipe 16, an installation tool (not shown) may be used to further urge the drive ring 14 against the sleeve 12b toward the tool mating flange 20. Axial movement of the drive ring 14 onto the coupling body 12 with the pipe 16 inserted therein causes the body 12 to move radially toward the pipe 16 or into the pipe 16, particularly the sealing portions of the body 12, thereby forming a seal and mechanical connection with the pipe 16. Furthermore, the pipe 16 deforms and the coupling body 12 also deforms. As can be seen by comparing fig. 2 and 3, the overlap area between the body 12 and the ring 14 requires some type of deformation or bite. In order for the ring to move past the body in this overlap region, the seal teeth must bite into the tube 16, the tube 16 must deform, and/or the ring 14 and/or body 12 must deform.

The drive ring 14 is axially forced on the body sleeve 12a to a final mounting position. In this position, the drive ring 14 abuts or engages the body flange 20. Alternatively, the drive ring 14 may be closely adjacent to the flange 20 without contact. Simultaneous with the radial movement of the body 12 and the deformation of the tube 16, the radial movement of the drive ring 14 occurs outwardly. This radial deformation of the drive ring 14 is generally elastic and results in a slight increase in the diameter of the drive ring 14.

The inner dimension of the drive ring 14 is such that when the ring is forced against the sleeve, the sleeve is radially compressed a sufficient distance not only to press the sleeve against the pipe, but also to compress the sleeve sufficiently so that the pipe below the sleeve is also radially compressed. The stress in the drive ring needs to never exceed the elastic limit of the material forming the drive ring. The radial expansion that occurs is well within the elastic limit of the material, with the result that an elastic force is maintained on the sleeve and the pipe. In fact, due to the metallurgical nature of the metallic connection by swaging, there are significant changes in the physical properties of the drive ring that can be measured significantly by suitable sensors. Preferably, electrically operated sensors are used to generate electrical parameters, including electrically detectable parameters, in response to physical movement of the device to which the sensor device is secured.

For example, as the drive ring is pushed onto the mutually engaging conduits, the drive ring encounters an operating pressure of about 20000psi and elastically deforms and expands about 1.5 mils (1 mil equals one thousandth of an inch). With the most suitable materials, plastic deformation is measurable but minimal, and there is an elastic balance between the pipe, the sleeve and the drive ring, two by two, which tends to enhance the reliability of the coupling. In some examples, the electrical parameter of the sensor arrangement may be generated in response to elastic deformation of the drive ring, even in response to plastic deformation of the body 12 or the pipe 16.

The physical stress 15 in the material of the drive ring 14, due to its elastic expansion during installation, is represented by a strain that can be measured by a sensor. As previously described, such detectable strain is directly related to the stress/strain induced by deformation of body 12 and/or pipe 16. Generally, strain gauges measure the change in distance between two active points and can therefore be used to detect changes in the drive ring or coupling body caused by the installation of a fluid fitting on a pipe. The physical stress of the actuation ring detected may be any circumferential or ring stress, axial stress, or radial stress, depending on the orientation of the strain sensors and strain sensing elements used. It is further contemplated that combinations of these may be detected. One conventional measurement technique is to use sensors that include single or multi-axis strain gauges. Strain gauges, sometimes referred to as strain sensors, are used for metal structures, typically a metal film resistive device. In one example, the strain sensor may be attached to a metal membrane that bends (strains) due to the stress (caused by material expansion or contraction) applied to the object being measured. These sensors typically produce small changes in resistance in response to movement (strain) of the structure (usually metal) to which they are attached. Further, strain sensors may indicate induced strain through changes in impedance, conductivity, or other detectable characteristics or conditions. Other various types of strain sensors may be used, including semiconductor strain gauges (sometimes referred to as piezoresistors), capacitive strain gauges, and the like. It is to be appreciated that the electrical or electrically detectable parameter corresponds to a parameter generated by or associated with the particular type of sensor device used.

Typically, such strain gauges are connected to the electronic reader device by solid wires or the like. However, for ease of use, installation and reliability, the use of contactless wireless strain gauges is highly beneficial. Various contactless, wireless implementations of strain gauges may be used, such as RFID systems. One such wireless strain gage that may be used is described in commonly owned U.S. patent No. 9,378,448 ("the 448 patent"), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. It is worth mentioning that either a cellular or a multi-strain gauge may be used. The use of cellular strain gauges may align the strain sensors along a desired axis to be sensed. Alternatively, the plurality of strain gauges may be 2 or 4 strain gauges specifically set at 180 or 90 degrees to each other to minimize bending crosstalk and improve accuracy.

Typically, RFID tags include a microchip or integrated circuit for sensing, transmitting and/or storing information. An external transceiver/interrogator/reader 100, either proximate or remote with respect to the RFID tag, is used to wirelessly receive information from and/or transmit information to the RFID tag. RFID tags typically have an antenna that transmits RF signals related to the identity and/or information stored in the RFID tag. It should also be noted that multiple RFID tags may be used that are readable by the interrogator. For example, using multiple RFID tags may advantageously provide a number of angles from which an interrogator may interrogate the RFID tags for multiple readings at different locations on an object to be sensed, and/or may provide redundancy when one or more of the RFID tags are damaged. The interrogator 100 may also be used to power all or part of the RFID tags, whereby the wireless communication transceiver of the RFID tag is passively powered by the electromagnetic field from the interrogator. In other words, the circuitry of the RFID tag is powered by electromagnetic energy emitted from the interrogator 100.

The interrogator 100 is generally configured for detecting or interrogating RFID tags and is typically included in a transmitter and a receiver for exchanging RFID information with the RFID tags. In response to such an interrogation, the RFID tag will typically transmit return information to the interrogator. It is also contemplated that two-way communication may occur, wherein interrogation of the RFID tag may convey information from the interrogator to be received, stored or acted upon by the RFID tag; in turn, the RFID tag may transmit return information back to the interrogator. The interrogator may also include a processor for receiving the RF data from the RFID tag and extrapolating the RF data into meaningful data whereby identity or other fixed or stored information may be perceived by the user. In particular embodiments, the interrogator may be integrated with a computer system. The interrogator preferably has an on-board non-transitory computer memory for storing the received data for subsequent retrieval, analysis or transmission. In addition, the interrogator is preferably capable of communicating over Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs), including the Internet and the world Wide Web. Preferably, the interrogator itself is capable of wireless data communication, such as through Wifi, bluetooth, NFC, cellular (analog or digital, including all past or present iterations), or other similar technologies. In addition, the interrogator preferably has a programmable microprocessor that may include various features and capabilities. For example, a microprocessor includes a programmable computing core capable of processing any or all of commands, making calculations, tracking/reading data, storing data, analyzing data, adjusting/manipulating data, receiving new commands or instructions, and the like.

Turning to fig. 4, one embodiment of a radio operated sensor arrangement is shown in which a sensor arrangement 50 is applied to the outer surface 40 of the drive ring 14. As described herein, the sensor device 50 may be used to identify any or all of the attributes, states, and conditions of the fluid fitting 10, as well as the quality of the attachment between the fluid fitting and the pipe. The sensor device 50 is particularly useful during installation of the fluid fitting 10 on the pipe 16 to indicate that the seal is complete (i.e., fully set) and that acceptable pull-up has occurred. In this manner, the use of the sensor device 50 to acquire real-time data may reduce or eliminate the need for post-installation inspection.

It is contemplated that the sensor device 50 can be secured to various portions of the interior or exterior of the fitting 10, including the body 12 and the drive ring 14. Sensor device 50 may also be coupled to conduit 16 from within or outside, and may be exposed to fluid carried by the conduit. It is contemplated that the sensor device 50 may be positioned at various different locations on the pipe, but a location closer to (e.g., immediately adjacent) the installed fitting 10 is preferred. The stress or strain load in the pipe may be caused by the weight of the fluid carried within the pipe, the installation load of the pipe then being dependent on the manner of installation of the pipe or the structural loads imposed on the pipe, which can be readily represented by a detectable strain in the pipe. Such sensor means adjacent the fitting 10 may be used to learn or infer the amount of stress or strain realized by the fitting 10 through pipe loading, which may be helpful in indicating a condition or anticipated/predicted condition of the adequacy of the seal maintained by the installed fitting 10. In one example, at least one outer surface of the sensor device 50 has a flexible, single-sided adhesive for attaching the sensor device 50 to the exterior of the drive ring. Alternatively, an externally applied adhesive or the like may also be used. The sensor device 50 may not be mounted on the inside of the drive ring or the outside of the body at various locations where the inner surface of the drive ring and the outer surface of the body interfere, due to the squeezing action at the mounting location, as the sensor device may be crushed, impacted, sheared, etc. However, the sensor device may be seated in a non-interference position, or may even be seated in an interference position if the sensor is placed in a pocket, recess, or other protected location. In the first embodiment, the sensor device 50 may have a flexible structure that conforms to the shape of the tool or object (e.g., drive ring, coupling body, or even pipe) to which it is attached. Preferably, the flexible sensor means 50 is configured to adhere to a curved and/or variable surface, such as the outer cylindrical periphery of the drive ring, the body 12 or even the interior of the conduit 16. It is contemplated that the flexible sensor device 50, including the flexible substrate, flex circuit/trace and optional flexible battery, may stretch, wrinkle, bend or bend without degradation. The flexible wireless RFID sensor device 50 may be an RFID tag that includes a flexible substrate with flexible circuitry (printed or etched or laminated), an antenna 52, an integrated circuit 54, capable of interacting with wireless communication protocols (e.g., RFID, bluetooth, NFC, RFID, etc.) using an on-board or separate communication chip, and capable of interacting with an on-board sensor 56 (even a separate sensor) to obtain strain readings and store these readings and time-related data of the readings in an on-board non-transitory memory. Examples of the various memories used to store information may be erasable, programmable, read only memory (EPROM), hard coded non-volatile internal memory, or various other read/write memory systems. Other sensors may also be included, such as temperature sensors, environmental sensors (pressure, humidity, light, etc.), accelerometers, vibrations, and the like. In one example, the RFID strain gauge of the' 448 patent may be configured as a flexible circuit, including some or all of the elements described above. The sensor device 50 may comprise further features such as a switch 57 and/or a feedback device 58 (lights, display or speaker etc.).

It is noted that the fluid fittings of the present application are often used in industrial settings, and may be in harsh, hazardous, and acidic environments. Mechanical and environmental impacts experienced by plumbing equipment during installation, storage, and application may damage external RFID tags, rendering them unusable. That is, the tag may be crushed or dislodged from the device during handling, installation, etc., and/or degrade over time due to exposure to harsh environments.

Therefore, it is preferred that after the RFID sensor device 50 is attached to the drive ring 14, body 12, or other object, a protective shell material 60 is applied over the RFID tag for enclosing the sensor device and isolating it from the external environment. For example, the protective shell material 60 is applied over the RFID tag on the outer surface 40 of the drive ring 14 or other object. The protective case material 60 is selected to facilitate easy application to the drive ring 14 and to provide a thin coating that protects the underlying RFID sensor device 50 from mechanical and environmental damage. Preferably, the protective shell material 60 does not significantly increase the radial thickness of the tubing. In various examples, the RFID sensor device 50 and the protective casing material 60 may be selected for use in high temperature and/or high pressure environments, and may advantageously provide readability, ease of installation and packaging, and resistance to mechanical and chemical stress even in harsh environments. The shell material 60 preferably also resists the stresses/strains generated during installation of the fitting 10 on a pipe. When the sensor device 50 is attached to the pipe 16 and exposed to the fluid therein, the protective shell material 60 preferably seals the sensor device 50 from the fluid to inhibit contact therebetween.

The protective cover material 60 may be brushed, rolled or sprayed onto the flexible sensor device 50 and drive ring 14, but any suitable method of applying a relatively uniform thin layer of the protective cover material 60 may be utilized. In one embodiment, the protective shell material 60 may be a polyurethane coating, but other materials may be used, such as nitrile, synthetic rubber, epoxy, and the like. In some other embodiments, the protective shell material 60 may be a flexible plastic substrate with pressure sensitive adhesive or the like placed over the sensor device 50 in a covering manner. Of course, the protective shell material 60 should be radio-transparent to the RF signals in order to use the RFID communication system. This may be advantageous to taper the deposition of the protective casing material 60 (tape) so that it is thickest around the drive ring 14 directly covering the RFID sensor device 50, and tapers outwardly to be relatively thin at each end of the application segment.

As described above, the wireless strain gauges may be configured in a flexible manner for application to the outer surface of the fitting. However, it is also contemplated that the wireless RFID sensor may also be embodied in a partially flexible or even non-flexible circuit that is indirectly attached to the coupling body, the drive ring, and/or the conduit through an intermediary. For example, as schematically shown in fig. 5, a sensor carrier 80 may be interposed between the sensor device 50 (or protective shell material 60) and the element to be sensed. It will be appreciated that the representation in fig. 5 is only an example and may even be considered an exaggerated representation in some installation examples. Sensor carrier 80 may follow and be directly connected to the outer or inner surface of the coupling body, drive ring and/or pipe. Sensor carrier 80 may include a fixed side 82 and an opposing sensing side 84, fixed side 82 having a curvature or other geometric feature corresponding to an outer or inner circumference of a coupling body, drive ring, and/or pipe, and sensor device 50B attached on opposing sensing side 84. The fixed side 82 of the sensor carrier 80 is preferably rigidly attached to the exterior or interior of the coupling body, drive ring, and/or pipe, such that the strain sensor readings will be directly experienced by the sensor device 50B. Alternatively, the sensor carrier 80 may include a through hole 86, recess, or other opening so that the surface of the object to be sensed may be directly accessed so that the strain gauge sensors 56 may be directly attached to the outer surface. For example, as schematically shown in FIG. 5, strain gauge 54B may be attached directly to the outer surface 40 of ring 14 through aperture 86, while a majority of sensor device 50B is supported by sensor carrier 80. Strain gauge 54B may be positioned directly on the circuit substrate of sensor apparatus 50, or may be separated by suitable conductive leads. When the sensor device 50 is rigid or only partially flexible, the sensor device 50 may be attached to the ring 14 in a tangential manner such that the strain gauge sensors 56 are in contact with the outer surface 40 and the sensor carrier 80 may act as a spacer to support the balance of the sensor device 50 above the curved outer surface 40. The depiction in fig. 5 is schematic and can be considered exaggerated with respect to the tangential mounting of the sensor device 50. For example, in a tangential installation, the sensor carrier 80 may be thinner than shown, such that the strain gage 54B (which may be carried on the circuit substrate) readily contacts the outer surface 40, and the sensor carrier 80 fills the difference between the bottom surface of the circuit substrate (or the protective shell material 60) and the outer surface 40. Indeed, it is contemplated that a suitable hole 86 may be used or that even more than one sensor carrier 80 (or one sensor carrier 80 comprising two separate portions) may be utilized (e.g., each end of sensor device 50 above outer surface 40 is supported by one sensor carrier 80) when strain gauge 54B is located somewhere in the middle of the sensor device (e.g., somewhere between the two ends of the circuit substrate). It is further contemplated that a configuration in which tangential mounting may occur may be with strain gauge 54B located toward one end of the sensor device (e.g., at an end toward or at the circuit substrate). In this case, which is similar to a cantilever mount, sensor carrier 80 may be used to support the opposite end of sensor device 50 above outer surface 40. Of course, depending on the mounting configuration, sensor carrier 80 may be easily adapted to support sensor device 50.

The fixed side 82 is removably or preferably non-removably attached by adhesive, mechanical fasteners, or the like. With the use of an intermediate sensor carrier 80, the single sensor device 50B can be applied to a variety of fluid fittings 10 having different geometries simply by changing the sensor carrier 80. Such a configuration provides an efficient and cost-effective design. In addition, the sensor carrier 80 can be used to offset or elevate the sensor device 50B from the outer peripheral surface of the fluid accessory, which can be particularly useful when the accessory to be monitored is located in a difficult to reach location or can interfere with other nearby objects. In this way, the array of sensor carriers 80 provides multiple mounting options for a single sensor.

Sensor device 50B is then attached to sensor side 84 of sensor carrier 80. Sensor device 50B may be provided on a partially flexible or rigid substrate (e.g., a solid, conventional circuit board) so that manufacturing may be simplified and the accuracy of the on-board sensor may be further improved. The sensor side 84 of the sensor carrier 80 may be flat, curved, or even include a pocket or recess for receiving a sensor device.

In another embodiment, sensor carrier 80 may provide space for multiple sensors to be attached. For example, the sensor side 84 may provide more than two side-by-side locations for mounting multiple sensors in different configurations (parallel, perpendicular, angled, different heights, etc.). In this manner, sensor carrier 80 may also serve as a guide for consistent installation of field sensor device 50B.

Sensor device 50B may also be encased or encapsulated in a protective shell material 60B that is radio transparent to RF signals. Shell material 60B may be non-removable, such as the various types discussed herein, or even a removable container in which sensor device 50B is secured. In a removable example, the sensor side 84 of the sensor carrier 80 includes a pocket or recess for receiving the sensor device 50B, and the protective covering material 60B may be a rigid, solid cover that is secured over the sensor side 84 for closing the pocket or recess. The top cover may include a gasket or other seal for protecting the sensor device 50B from the environment. A removable cap enables removal, repair or replacement of the sensor device over time, if desired.

The wireless RFID sensor may even be embedded in or directly attached to a pocket 90, groove, hole, or other interior space of the coupling body, drive ring, and/or tubing. For example, as shown in fig. 5, the pockets 90 may be flat spots or the like in the outer periphery forming the coupling body, drive ring, and/or tubing to provide the desired sensor mounting locations. Thus, the pocket 90 may provide a relatively flat spot (i.e., flat as compared to a curved perimeter) for mounting the sensor device 50C, which may be useful for strain gauges having partially flexible or non-flexible circuits. It is also contemplated that pockets, recesses, holes, etc. may be used to indicate where the sensor device 50 should be installed to obtain consistent and desired sensor readings. The pockets may be oriented radially or axially, or may even be inclined at an angle relative to the central axis of the fluid accessory. It is further contemplated that pockets 90, grooves, holes, etc. may be formed on the ends of the links, drive rings and/or tubes and may extend axially a distance therefrom. In this manner, the sensor device may be inserted into the pocket 90, recess, hole, etc. in an axial manner. Optionally, a protective casing material 60C may be used that is radio transparent to the RF signals of the RFID tags and interrogators, such as of the type previously described herein or even a rigid cover plate or the like. When a cover plate is used, it can act as a filler, returning the assembly to its nominal shape as if there were no pockets 90, grooves, holes, etc. (i.e., the exterior of the installed cover plate, in the installed state, can be generally flush with the periphery of the coupling body, drive ring, and/or pipe). The cover plate may be removable or non-removable by adhesives, mechanical fasteners, clips, and the like.

Preferably, the RFID sensor device 50 derives all of its operating power from the RF signal from the interrogator. However, the sensor device 50 may be a semi-active or fully active device with an on-board power supply 59, such as a coin cell battery or preferably a flexible printed battery. Such active devices may provide greater wireless range for communication with RFID interrogators, active communication protocols (bluetooth, WiFi, cellular, acoustic, optical, infrared, etc.), active on-board computer data processing, visual or audible user feedback through lighting, displays or speakers, etc.

The sensor device 50 can be applied at different locations along the longitudinal axis L of the fluid accessory (e.g., body 12, drive ring 14). The preferred mounting area for the sensor device 50 may experience higher stresses in installed conditions or at potential failure points. In many cases, such a location may be found at a location near or in line with one of the primary seal 30, the inner seal 32, and/or the outer seal 34. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the physical stress 15 in the material of the drive ring 14, due to its elastic expansion during installation, is relatively high in a location above the location of the primary seal 30, as this is where the sleeve 12b and pipe 16 are highly deformed. Thus, the sensor device 50 may be generally vertically aligned with the primary seal 30 relative to the longitudinal axis of the fitting. More specifically, at least the strain gauge sensors 56 may be substantially vertically aligned with the main seal 30. However, the desired location of the sensor device 50 may be determined through research or experience with each particular fluid fitting, pipe, or installation environment.

One method of installing and using the wireless sensor device 50 will now be described. Preferably, the wireless sensor device 50 is applied to the fluid accessory 10 (e.g., drive ring 14) at the factory or prior to introduction to the field using a pressure sensitive adhesive or other adhesive or the like. However, it is contemplated that the sensor device 50 may be installed in the field (e.g., by using a pressure sensitive adhesive for field use covered by a release layer or adhesive kit). In this manner, the fluid fitting 10 may be manufactured and shipped to an end customer in a conventional manner, and the sensor device 50 is only applied at the time of installation. It is further contemplated that sensor device 50 may be applied to pre-installed fittings already in the field. The protective shell material 60 may also be applied over the wireless sensor device 50, whether in the factory or in the field. It is contemplated that one shell material 60 may be used for all sensor devices 50, or even that different types of shell materials 60 may be used in different use environments (e.g., light load and heavy/severe load environments). In addition, each sensor device 50 (particularly with an RFID chip) preferably includes a unique identifier, such as a unique numerical identifier. The unique identifier may be obtained from the sensor device 50 and associated with the serial number of the fluid accessory 10. Such combinations may be recorded manually and/or in a computer database or the like. Related information about the fluid accessory properties, such as accessory type, material, customer, intended environment, date of manufacture, etc., may also be recorded, with the reading occurring at the manufacturing stage or in the field.

The fluid accessory 10 may then be shipped to the end customer. If the sensor device 50 has not been previously installed, it may be applied to the drive ring 14 of the fluid fitting 10 prior to installation. The fluid accessory 10 may then be non-removably mounted on the pipe 16 in the manner described above. After the fluid fitting 10 is fully installed, and/or during installation, an RFID interrogator can be used to obtain strain readings from the wireless sensor device 50 of the installed drive ring 14. Thus, the strain readings from the sensor device 50 will be in the drive ring 14 in an installed, elastically deformed (i.e., expanded) condition. It is also contemplated that the RFID interrogator may obtain strain readings from the wireless sensing device 50 during an ongoing accessory installation process. Any or all of the strain readings may be stored in a non-transitory memory of an RFID memory, a memory of an interrogator, or a memory of a network-connected computer device.

It is further contemplated that other identification data may be transmitted, recorded or stored as each sensor reads. For example, a timestamp for reading, unique and application code, ambient temperature, temperature of the drive ring 14, other environmental factors, and the like may be sensed, transmitted, and/or stored. Other information about the fitting may be recorded and/or picked up, such as the type of fitting, the composition of the material, the intended use (e.g., pipe characteristics or field environment, etc.), and so forth. This type of contextual information may be used to provide more suitable data analysis on the raw data obtained from the sensors 50.

Further, it is contemplated that using the interrogator 100, strain readings of the drive ring 14 may be taken just prior to installation of the drive ring 14 on the pipe 16 (i.e., prior to applying a compressive force on the fitting). This can be considered a first electrical parameter that provides a baseline reference point strain of the drive ring 14 in the ambient environment in which it is installed. Furthermore, applying strain gauges to an object, such as the drive ring 14, may induce or register some stress on the strain sensors themselves. Thus, the initial strain reading of the drive ring 14 in the uninstalled condition may provide a reference point to compare the final strain reading in the installed condition. It is further contemplated that the reference point strain reading for the non-installed condition may be used to set a calibration or zero point for the strain sensor. The zero point may operate in software, such as in an interrogator or in an integrated circuit of the sensor device 50. For later strain readings, it is contemplated that the initial strain sensor reading or zero point is stored or written into a memory of the integrated circuit of the sensor device 50.

Next, after the drive ring 14 is installed on the pipe 16 (i.e., after a compressive force is applied to the fitting), another strain reading can be taken using the interrogator 100. This can be considered as a second electrical parameter generated by the sensor means in response to the elastic deformation of the drive ring 14. The first electrical parameter (i.e., pre-installation) may then be compared to the second electrical parameter (i.e., post-installation) to obtain a final value indicative of the quality of the non-leaking attachment between the fluid fitting and the pipe. As will be discussed more fully herein, the final value may be compared to one of a predetermined range, tolerance range, or threshold to determine the quality of the non-leaking attachment. In this manner, manufacturers, end users, and quality control personnel can generate a high degree of confidence that the seal is complete (i.e., fully set up) and that acceptable pull-up has occurred.

It is also contemplated thereafter that future periodic strain sensor readings may be taken from the sensor device 50 as needed to provide an ongoing history of the performance condition of the drive ring 14 in the installed condition (induced stress changes due to aging, use, fluid in the pipe, mechanical forces exerted on the attached fitting or pipe, or other factors such as pressure, temperature, vibration, etc.). More broadly, strain readings of the actuation ring 14 can be used to infer the condition of the fluid fitting 10 already installed on a pipe during its service life in the field, giving the end user a high degree of confidence in knowing how the installed fitting is aging "under the floor". Due to the wireless, non-contact nature of the RFID sensor device 50, such future periodic sensor readings may be obtained in a quick and efficient manner without the need to interrupt the operation of the pipeline 16 at its intended use site, even if the pipeline 16 is concealed or inaccessible.

In addition to acquiring and storing sensor readings, the interrogator and/or sensor device 50 may include computer programming for data analysis and/or comparison. Raw data reading is useful for sensing strain in the drive ring 14 and may be advantageous for providing an end customer with an indication of whether the sensed strain is within a predetermined, acceptable range indicating that the fluid fitting 10 has been properly installed for its intended purpose, and that its performance status is acceptable. In one example, the interrogator may be programmed with an acceptable range for sensing strain readings, such as a predetermined tolerance range for acceptable readings, and may compare data from the installed sensor device 50 to within the predetermined range, tolerance range, or one or more thresholds. If the data readings of the sensor device 50 are within an acceptable range, the interrogator may be so displayed on a display or other user feedback device. Conversely, if the data reading of the sensor device 50 indicates that the fluid fitting 10 is not properly installed, the interrogator can also indicate this information to the end user so that they can perform corrective action.

Along these lines, such comparisons and/or data analysis may be performed over the life of the installed fluid fitting 10, so that the end user has a high degree of confidence that the installed fluid fitting is still operating within the design parameters. Alternatively, if the periodic future sensed readings indicate that the fluid fitting 10 is trending out of bounds (e.g., an acceptable reading is trending or becoming an unacceptable reading) or has exceeded a predetermined threshold (e.g., an unacceptable reading), the end customer may know that they should repair or replace the fluid fitting before a potential failure. In this manner, the sensor device may be used to determine a predicted fault before any actual problems occur in the fluid fitting and/or the pipe in order to take corrective action. It is contemplated that the data analysis may take into account contextual information, such as the type of fitting, the composition of the material, the intended use (e.g., pipe characteristics or field environment), etc., for determining a predetermined acceptable range (or ranges) or threshold (or thresholds).

Sensor device 50 may include on-board user feedback (e.g., audible or visual user feedback via lights, a display, or a speaker, etc.). In one example, the feedback device 58 may be an LED lamp for emitting light of a particular color (e.g., green) for good installations (e.g., green) and emitting light of other colors (e.g., red) for bad installations. Other colors may be used to indicate other conditions, such as a yellow light indicating that the accessory is at the edge of a predetermined range or approaching a certain threshold. Various feedback devices onboard the sensor device 50 are particularly useful in semi-active or fully active systems with onboard power sources (e.g., flexible batteries, coin cell batteries, or the like), but it is also possible that low power LED lights or the like may be adequately powered by the RFID interrogator. When using a semi-active or fully active sensor device 50, one or more on-board switches 57 may be used to perform other functions, such as activating the sensor device 50 from a low power sleep mode, taking instant, real-time readings stored in memory, and/or providing instant feedback from on-board LED lights, etc. In one example, a user may press switch 57 to activate an on-board integrated circuit to pick up an instant reading of an on-board sensor and provide instant feedback through the LED lights without the need to utilize an RFID interrogator. In this case, the end user will not know the reading of the raw data, but simply know whether the accessory is still within specification through feedback from the LED lamp. In one example, when the switch 57 is pressed, the sensor device 50 may take an instantaneous strain reading and then compare this instantaneous reading to a known threshold or other comparison value or algorithm. If the instantaneous reading is within acceptable tolerances, the LED lamp may illuminate green light; conversely, if the instantaneous readings indicate an unacceptable condition, the LED lamp may shine a red light. Other colors may also be used, such as yellow to indicate that the instant reading is still acceptable, but is already close to unacceptable, or tends to be unacceptable. However, each reading taken in this manner may also be stored in the on-board memory of the sensor device 50 for subsequent retrieval from the interrogator. Preferably, such stored readings will include reference data such as date/time stamps, readings, confirmation of whether feedback is displayed for the user, etc.

It may also be advantageous to transmit or otherwise upload sensor readings obtained from sensor devices 50 to a remote central computer server database 120 (e.g., a computer networked or connected to the internet, sometimes referred to as "in the cloud"). The computer server database 120 may be locally installed to a field installation site or control company, locally installed to the manufacturer of the fluid fitting, and/or may be "cloud-based" in that it is maintained on a remote, internet-connected server. Such "cloud-based" internet-connected servers may provide data storage and retrieval functionality, and/or may further provide computing capabilities to convert, analyze, and/or report data in catalogues. Regardless of location, the database may be maintained by the manufacturer of the fluid fitting 10, the service company that inspects the fitting, and/or the end user of the fluid fitting 10 that is used by the associated quality assurance personnel. When using a non-active (i.e., passive) RFID sensor device 50, the interrogator 100 may upload data to the central computer server database 120 in a wired or wireless manner. Of course, such data may be uploaded directly from the accessory 10 (and/or from the interrogator 100) using a semi-active or active sensor device 50. The data obtained from the sensor devices 50 is cataloged on time to help manufacturers and end customers track the performance of the fluid accessories for installation assistance, maintenance, replacement, warranty claims, and the like.

In one example, initial data from the sensor device 50 and associated fitting 10 may be obtained by the manufacturer before the product leaves the warehouse so that the manufacturer has a clear understanding of the state of the fluid fitting 10 and sensor device 50 prior to installation. This data may be uploaded to the computer server database 120 for future use. Various examples of this data may include information about the fluid fitting or sensor, such as a unique identifier of the device provided with the sensor, the date of manufacture of the fitting, the type of fitting, the material, the customer, the expected environment, and the like. Additionally, if the sensor device 50 is pre-attached to the fluid accessory (e.g., on the drive ring 14), an initial strain reading of the sensor device 50 in the uninstalled state may be taken, provided as a reference point for comparing the final strain reading in the installed state. This may be considered a proof-reading or zero point for the strain sensor, or may be merely a reference point. This data point may be saved to the memory of the sensor device 50 for use by the interrogator, and/or may be saved to the computer database server 120.

Additional field sensor data can be picked up as the fitting is installed on the pipe (just before, during and/or after), and periodically thereafter, so that the manufacturer maintains a clear understanding of its status during the useful life of the fluid fitting. For example, strain readings may be taken when the fluid fitting 10 is in the pre-installation state as shown in FIG. 2. Such readings may provide a baseline reference point strain of the drive ring 14 in the ambient environment in which the drive ring 14 is installed, and may serve as a calibration or zero point for the strain sensor (i.e., a non-zero strain reading that may be used as a zero point for comparison with future strain readings). Using the interrogator, this pre-installation strain reading taken prior to the installation procedure may be transmitted and stored in the memory of the sensor device 50 and/or may be saved to the computer server database 120 for future use. If some type of sensor device 50 is not capable of receiving or storing data from an interrogator (i.e., a read-only device), it may be particularly useful for storing pre-installation strain readings (i.e., zero points) to a computer server database 120 for future use, using the interrogator 100 for direct or indirect data transfer. Alternatively, one or more strain readings may be taken during installation and swage plastic deformation of the body 12 and the pipe 16, and may be considered transient readings. These transient readings may be stored (locally or remotely in the cloud), or simply observed during installation.

(0056) Next, immediately following the installation process, when the ring 14 is in the fully pulled-up condition and the fitting seal is disposed on the pipe, a reading is taken immediately and taken as a post-installation strain reading of the fluid fitting on the pipe. It is also possible that the post-installation strain reading is the only reading. Using interrogator 100, this post-installation strain reading may be transferred to and stored in the memory of sensor device 50, and/or may be saved to computer server database 120 for future use. Optionally, the post-installation strain readings may be compared to pre-installation strain readings or zeros to determine if the stresses in the drive ring 14 or body 12 are acceptable and indicate a properly installed fitting 10. Thereafter, periodic strain readings may be taken over time and uploaded to computer server database 120 so that end users, manufacturers, and other stakeholders maintain a clear understanding of the state of the fluid accessory during its useful service life.

In this manner, both the manufacturer and the end user can track and understand the performance of the field fitting 10, and thus all parties concerned have a high degree of confidence that the fluid fitting 10 is continuing to comply with its specifications. Alternatively, if the sensed readings indicate that the accessory 10 is deviating from specification (i.e., still acceptable, but tending to be unacceptable) or is out of specification (i.e., unacceptable), all parties having access to the central computer database are informed of their status. This may allow the manufacturer to contact the end user, or the end user may contact the manufacturer, to schedule repair or replacement of the part. Data trends can be further understood and identified by observing information such as the impact of a particular accessory, customer, installation technology, environmental factors, etc. on the installation, performance, and long-term functioning of the accessory in the field. For example, data indicative of stress cracking, micro-stress, or other pre-failure or failure modes may be log classified and compared to other fluid fittings in the field for determining predicted failures and determining potential remedial actions. The computer server database 120 (i.e., the "cloud") may store, analyze, transform, and report various types of data, including some or all of historical strain readings, comparisons of strain readings (of current versus historical), minimum/maximum values, data compensation, calculations, and the like. With respect to reporting, it is contemplated that the computer server database 120 may be passive in that data and/or reports may be compiled but the user ultimately needs to take action based on the data, or may be partially or fully active, wherein the computer server database 120 may take further steps, such as reporting potential problems to manufacturers, end users, service companies, etc. in advance based on analysis of the input data. Such active operation may be partial or fully automatic.

The use of the computer server database 120 also facilitates dynamic reading and post-processing analysis of information based on changes. For example, although the term "interrogator" is used for brevity, it should be understood that in practice it is not possible to have a single interrogator device reading all of the sensor devices in the field. In fact, it is more likely that each particular sensor device will be interrogated by a plurality of different interrogators during its useful life. Thus, by storing the picked up data in the central remote computer server database 120, it is not critical which particular interrogator is used. Since the data is stored remotely, possibly including calibration data stored in association with a unique identifier for each sensor device, the interrogator may not need any a priori information about the particular sensor device being read. For example, prior to making the strain readings, the interrogator 100 may obtain calibration data specific to each sensor device from the computer server database 120 (if calibration information is not available from the sensor device itself). The specific calibration data may be obtained by a lookup procedure based on the unique identifier of the sensor device. The sensor device then sends a reading (i.e., an electrical parameter) upon interrogation by the interrogator, and the transmitted electrical parameter can be corrected by the previously retrieved calibration data.

In another example, the threshold, tolerance range, or predetermined boundary of the acceptable range (indicating that the fluid assembly 10 is properly installed for its intended purpose) may change over time. This may occur for a variety of reasons, including further research and development, better understanding of the life performance of the fluid fitting in different environments, manufacturing changes, and the like. Through the use of a cloud computing environment, thresholds, tolerance ranges, or predetermined boundaries can be easily changed in the computer server database 120 and automatically applied to the data for past, present (real-time), or future strain readings. For example, empirically, it may be determined that the performance threshold is too low or too high; thus, by changing the threshold in the single computer server database 120, it can be quickly applied in all past, present (real-time), or future strain readings. Similarly, based on industry or customer needs, unique or different thresholds, tolerance ranges, or predetermined boundaries may be applied to only a subset of products (i.e., only specific products of a specific customer or industry) that may change from time to time.

As previously mentioned, point-of-use fluid fittings and the pipes/conduits to which they are connected are often used in industrial settings and are subject to harsh environments including low or high vibration loads. The mechanical and environmental effects to which the plumbing is subjected under continuous or intermittent vibratory loads can cause damage to the fluid fittings and/or the connected pipes/conduits, which can degrade the performance of the various components, including the metal-to-metal seal between the fitting and the conduit.

Vibration testing of fittings and/or connecting pipes/tubing is a valuable tool in order to understand, measure and quantify the mechanical joints of fluid fittings subjected to fatigue stresses under various vibration loads over time. With respect to vibration testing, it should be understood that vibrations fall into two categories: steady state transient oscillations (i.e., repeated oscillations occur for a considerable period of time) and dynamic transient oscillations (i.e., oscillations occur for a relatively short period of time, typically resulting from much greater forces, such as by high or low pressure pulses of fluid). In general, vibration testing of existing welds between fluid fittings and connected pipes/tubes is known. However, such weld detection techniques are only intermittent, difficult, and time/resource intensive.

The point-of-use sensor apparatus 50 may further be adapted to provide continuous, semi-continuous, or intermittent vibration testing of the fluid fitting 10 and/or connecting tubing/piping. Since the sensor device 50 is applied to the outer surface 40 of the drive ring 14 of the fluid fitting 10 and the fluid fitting 10 is mechanically secured to the connected pipe/tubing, the sensor device 50 will vibrate the same (or substantially the same) as the connected pipe/tubing. Thus, one or more sensors located on the sensor device 50 may be used to sense the vibrations experienced by the fitting 10 and the connected pipe/tubing.

In one example, vibration is sensed indirectly by the sensor device 50 measuring changes in physical stress in the drive ring material via a single or multi-axis strain gauge sensor 56. The readings obtained from the strain gauge sensors may be correlated with the vibration data (whether onboard the sensor device 50 or in the software of an RFID interrogator or other wireless receiving device).

In other examples, the sensor device 50 may include one or more independent sensors 70, such as accelerometers or vibration sensors (e.g., piezoelectric vibration sensors, solid state or photodiode, etc.) to more directly sense vibrations. It is envisaged that the sensor means may comprise only a sensor for detecting vibrations in the conduit. These different independent sensors (or one independent sensor) may be single or multi-axis, as desired. The readings obtained from these separate sensors may be directly indicative of the vibration data or associated with the vibration data (whether onboard the sensor device 50 or in the software of an RFID interrogator or other wireless receiving device).

Whether strain gauge sensors, accelerometers, or vibration sensors are used, it is further contemplated that on-board temperature sensors 72 (measuring accessory temperature, pipe/tubing temperature, and/or ambient temperature) may be included to provide context and/or calibration for vibration data. It is contemplated that temperature sensor 72 may be located on integrated circuit 54 or may be a separate temperature sensor in communication therewith.

With respect to strain sensors, a common source of error in sensor readings is due to the fact that the sensors may have a temperature coefficient at which the output of the sensor is a function of not only the sensed parameter (e.g., strain), but also the temperature experienced by each strain sensor. Thus, whenever a strain reading is made, the sensor device 50 may also transmit temperature data along with the strain reading. The temperature measurement may come from an on-board temperature sensor 72 or may be a separate sensor, such as a tethered sensor placed in close proximity to the strain sensor for measuring temperature in close proximity to the sensor location, or even a temperature sensor on the interrogator 100 that may report ambient temperature conditions. Preferably, each sensor device 50 is temperature calibrated at the factory prior to installation on the fluid fitting, or even after installation on the fluid fitting but prior to installation of the fluid fitting on the pipe. Calibration data, which may include temperature coefficients or constants, is preferably written into the on-board memory of the sensor device 50 for later use by the interrogator 100. In addition, calibration data (including temperature coefficients, if available) is also preferably written to the computer server database 120 (i.e., to the cloud) for future use by the interrogator 100 to ensure accurate readings by the various sensor devices 50. This is particularly useful when the strain sensor is read-only and cannot store on-board calibration data. It is further contemplated that interrogator 100 may simply act as a "pass through" device that takes raw data (strain readings, temperature readings, vibration readings, etc.) from sensor device 50 and sends the raw data to computer server database 120 for processing, applying calibration data, analyzing the data, and/or converting the data into final strain readings.

It is noted that while the sensor device 50 may include one or more additional sensors as described above, it is further contemplated that the accelerometer/vibration sensor may be embodied as an entirely separate wireless sensor device that is applied separately to the fluid accessory and/or the connecting tubing/piping. Such a separate wireless sensor device may be substantially similar to the sensor device 50 described above, including any of the features, mounting options, protections, etc. discussed herein, but it would include an accelerometer and/or vibration sensor in place of the strain sensor. In this manner, the fitting 10 may have two separate sensor devices 50 attached thereto (i.e., a strain sensor and a vibration sensor). Of course, the underlying electronics of such a stand-alone sensor device may be customized to more directly meet the particular requirements of a particular sensor use, particularly in embodiments that use RFID or other wireless transmission systems.

The vibration readings may be obtained manually by an interrogator device, similar to those previously described herein. In one embodiment, if vibration is sensed by multiple sensors that are part of the sensor device 50, such sensed data may be transmitted to the interrogator when a strain reading has been taken. Alternatively, the interrogator may obtain a separate reading for each sensed strain and vibration. In another alternative, separate interrogator devices may be used to obtain sensed strain readings and sensed vibration readings, respectively. Such independent readings may be obtained whether the sensor device 50 includes only strain sensors or also additional accelerometers or vibration sensors. If the acceleration/vibration sensor is embodied as a completely separate wireless sensor device, individual readings may also be obtained, and any resulting readings may be stored in the memory of the sensor device, interrogator, or computer database server 120.

However, because vibration often occurs in pipes/conduits due to fluid flow, particularly in industrial operating environments, it is advantageous to measure vibration readings on a continuous or semi-continuous basis, rather than intermittent and periodic readings. In one example, a dedicated interrogator may be positioned relatively close to the location of the sensed vibration readings and the sensor device may be periodically interrogated to obtain continuous or semi-continuous vibration readings. Such a dedicated interrogator may also serve as a local power source for the RFID version of the vibration sensor device. Such a dedicated interrogator is preferably connected to a Local Area Network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN, Internet) for remote control and data acquisition. The collected data may be automatically recorded and uploaded/stored locally into the RFID sensor device, a dedicated interrogator, or a networked computer server database 120 (i.e., the "cloud"). It is further contemplated that such a dedicated interrogator system may also be used with the RFID strain sensors to automate continuous, semi-continuous, intermittent, and/or periodic readings, which may likewise be uploaded/stored locally to the RFID sensor device, the dedicated interrogator, or in the networked computer server database 120. If access to the networked computer system is not always possible, periodic sensor readings may be temporarily stored locally in the RFID sensor device or dedicated interrogator until obtained by the user for eventual upload to the computer server database 120.

Preferably, the vibration sensor device, when implemented using RFID, derives all of its operating power from the RF signal from the interrogator. However, to obtain continuous or semi-continuous vibration sensor readings without the need for a nearby interrogator, the vibration sensor device may be a semi-active or fully active device with an on-board power supply 59, such as a coin cell battery or preferably a flexible printed battery. Such active or semi-active devices may obtain continuous or semi-continuous readings from on-board strain sensors, accelerometers, and/or vibration sensors and store the readings in local on-board memory. The stored readings may be periodically transmitted/downloaded to the interrogator by the user as needed. It is further contemplated that a switch (similar to switch 57 described herein) may be provided for on-demand reading. In other embodiments, the active or semi-active device may obtain continuous or semi-continuous vibration readings and may only record the readings to memory if the sensed vibration exceeds a predetermined amount (e.g., an out-of-specification vibration event). Additional benefits include providing greater wireless range for communication with the RFID interrogator, active communication protocols (bluetooth, WiFi, cellular, etc.), active on-board computer data processing, visual or audible user feedback through light, a display or speaker, etc.

Useful vibration data may be captured continuously, semi-continuously, or periodically, thereby allowing the manufacturer to maintain a clear understanding of the fluid fitting and connected pipe/tubing conditions over the useful service life of the fluid fitting. The collected data may ultimately be stored in the computer server database 120 as needed. In this manner, both the manufacturer and the end user can track and understand the performance of the field fitting 10 so that all parties concerned have a high degree of confidence that the fluid fitting 10 will continue to comply with its specifications. Alternatively, if the sensed readings indicate that the fitting 10 or connected pipe/tubing is trending out of specification or has gone out of specification due to vibration loading, all parties that may enter the central computer database are able to learn of its status. This may allow the manufacturer to contact the end user or end user to contact the manufacturer, schedule repair or replacement of the fitting and/or connection tube/pipe.

The invention has been described with reference to the example embodiments described above. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. Example embodiments incorporating one or more aspects of the present invention are intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (18)

1. A fluid fitting for mechanical attachment to a pipe, comprising:

a coupling body having an inner surface defining a bore for receiving the conduit therein at least one end of the coupling body;

a ring configured for mounting over the at least one end of the coupling body for mechanically attaching the coupling body to the pipe;

an electrically operated sensor device secured to an outer surface of the ring; and

a sealing portion formed on the inner surface of the coupling body to engage with the pipe,

wherein, when the ring is mounted on the at least one end of the coupling body by means of a force:

the ring elastically deforming to an expanded state and applying a compressive force to the seal sufficient to cause permanent deformation of the coupling body such that the teeth of the seal bite into the pipe to attach the pipe to the coupling body in a non-leaking manner, and

the electrically operated sensor device is configured to measure an expansion of the outer surface of the ring radially away from a longitudinal axis of the fluid fitting and to generate an electrical parameter in response to the expansion of the ring to which the electrically operated sensor device is secured.

2. The fluid fitting of claim 1, wherein the electrically operated sensor device comprises a strain gauge configured to measure stress in the ring caused by the enlargement of the ring.

3. The fluid fitting of claim 2, wherein the strain gauge comprises a metal film resistive device.

4. The fluid fitting of claim 1, wherein the electrically operated sensor device is a wireless RFID sensor that is passively powered by an electromagnetic field from an interrogator.

5. The fluid fitting of claim 4, wherein the electrically operated sensor device transmits the electrical parameter in response to a signal from the interrogator, and the interrogator thereafter transmits the electrical parameter to a remote central computer server database.

6. The fluid fitting of claim 1, wherein the electrically operated sensor device comprises a flexible substrate that conforms to a curved surface of the ring to which the sensor device is secured.

7. The fluid fitting of claim 1, further comprising a radio transparent protective shell material applied over the electrically operated sensor device to encase and isolate the sensor device from an external environment.

8. The fluid fitting of claim 1, wherein the electrically operated sensor device comprises a microprocessor, a strain gauge sensor, a wireless communication transmitter, and an antenna.

9. The fluid fitting of claim 8, wherein the electrically operated sensor device further comprises a temperature sensor.

10. The fluid fitting of claim 1, wherein the electrically operated sensor device comprises one of an accelerometer or a vibration sensor for sensing vibration of the conduit.

11. The fluid fitting of claim 1, wherein the electrically operated sensor device is positioned on the surface of the ring such that when the ring is installed on the at least one end of the coupling body, the electrically operated sensor device vertically overlaps teeth of the seal portion relative to the longitudinal axis of the fluid fitting.

12. The fluid fitting of claim 1, further comprising a sensor carrier interposed between the electrically operated sensor device and the ring,

wherein the sensor carrier comprises a fixation side having a geometry corresponding to the periphery of the ring and an opposite sensor side to which the electrically operated sensor device is connected.

13. The fluid fitting of claim 1, wherein when the ring is mounted on the at least one end of the coupling body with an force,

the electrically operated sensor device at least partially vertically overlaps the teeth of the seal portion with respect to a longitudinal axis of the fluid fitting.

14. A method of attaching the fluid fitting of claim 1 to a pipe, the method comprising the steps of:

inserting the pipe into the at least one end of the coupling body such that the seal is adjacent to an outer surface of the pipe;

mounting the ring on the coupling body by means of a force such that:

the ring elastically deforming to the expanded state and applying a compressive force to the seal sufficient to cause permanent deformation of the coupling body and the pipe such that the teeth of the seal bite into the pipe to attach the pipe to the coupling body in the non-leaking manner, and

the electrically operated sensor device measures an enlargement of the outer surface of the ring and generates the electrical parameter in response to the enlargement of the ring;

interrogating the electrically operated sensor device using an RF interrogator; and

transmitting the electrical parameter from the electrically operated sensor device in response to the interrogation.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the method further comprises the step of storing the generated electrical parameter in a non-transitory memory of one of the electrically operated sensor device, the interrogator, or a remote central computer server database.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

interrogating said electrically operated sensor device using said RF interrogator to obtain a first electrical parameter just prior to the step of applying said compressive force;

interrogating the electrically operated sensor device using the RF interrogator to obtain a second electrical parameter just after permanent deformation of the coupling body; and

comparing the first electrical parameter and the second electrical parameter to obtain a final value indicative of a quality of a non-leaking attachment between the fluid fitting and the pipe.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of comparing the final value to one of a predetermined range, tolerance range, or threshold to determine the quality of the non-leaking attachment.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the electrically operated sensor device includes a unique identifier, the method further comprising the steps of:

storing calibration data of the electrically operated sensor device associated with the unique identifier in a remote central computer server database;

interrogating the electrically operated sensor device using the RF interrogator to obtain the unique identifier just prior to the step of applying the compressive force,

using an RF interrogator to retrieve the calibration data associated with the unique identifier from the remote central computer server database, an

Correcting the electrical parameter transmitted from the electrically operated sensor device by applying the calibration data.