IP Library › Granted Patent US 8,981,961
Granted Patent B2
US 8,981,961 · App. 13/746,207 · Granted Mar 17, 2015

Validation of mechanical connections

Inventors: Alan F. Benner (Poughkeepsie, NY); Benjamin V. Fasano (New Windsor, NY)
Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
G08B21/18
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,981,961
App. No.
13/746,207
Granted
Mar 17, 2015
Kind
B2
Abstract

A connection validation apparatus includes a connector engagement mechanism configured to physically engage a connector to connect the connector to a connector interface. The apparatus further includes a connection indication detector located on the connector engagement mechanism and configured to detect at least one of a sound and a vibration corresponding to a secure connection of the connector with the connector interface. The apparatus also includes a connection indicator output unit configured to provide an indication to a user that the connector is securely connected with the connector interface based on the detection of the at least one of the sound and the vibration by the connection indication detector.

Claims (25)

1. A connection validation apparatus, comprising:

a connector engagement mechanism configured to physically engage a connector to connect the connector to a connector interface;

a connection indication detector located on the connector engagement mechanism and configured to detect at least one of a sound and a vibration corresponding to a secure connection of the connector with the connector interface; and

a connection indicator output unit configured to provide an indication to a user that the connector is securely connected with the connector interface based on the detection of the at least one of the sound and the vibration by the connection indication detector.

2. The connection validation apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the connector engagement mechanism includes at least one of pliers, a rod and a connector-securing cavity to engage the connector.

3. The connection validation apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the connection indication detector is one of an audio and a vibration sensor, the vibration sensor configured to detect a vibration of at least one of the connector engagement mechanism and the connector.

4. The connection validation apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the connection indication detector is a microphone.

5. The connection validation apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the connection indication detector is a membrane that vibrates based on sound, and

the connection indicator output unit is an opening in an earpiece, the tube extending between the membrane and the opening and configured to transmit acoustic waves from the membrane to the opening.

6. The connection validation apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the connection indicator output unit is an electronic display electrically connected to the connection indication detector, the electronic display configured to generate a visual indicator based on the detection of the at least one of the sound and the vibration by the connection indication detector.

7. The connection validation apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the visual indicator is at least one of a lighting of one or more light emitting diodes and a character or symbol displayed on a liquid crystal display.

8. The connection validation apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the connection indicator output unit is wirelessly connected to the connection indication detector, and

the connection indication detector is configured to transmit a wireless electrical signal to the connection indicator output unit based on the detection of the at least one of the sound and the vibration by the connection indication detector.

9. The connection validation apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the connector engagement mechanism is a rigid mechanism configured to apply a force to the connector, and

the connection indicator output unit is isotropically movable relative to the engagement mechanism.

10. The connection validation apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the connector engagement mechanism includes an engaging surface configured to physically engage the connector to connect the connector to a connector interface, and

the connection indication detector is located either on the engaging surface or recessed in the engaging surface.

11. The connection validation apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the connector includes a connection validation mechanism configured to generate a clicking sound based on the connector being securely connected to a connector interface,

the connection indication detector is configured to detect the clicking sound, and

the connection indicator output unit is configured to provide at least one of an audio, a visual and a tactile indicator to a user based on the detection of the clicking sound by the connection indication detector.

12. The connection validation apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the connection indicator output unit includes an audio output to a user,

at least one of the connection indication detector and the connection indicator output unit is configured to amplify the clicking sound, and

the connection indicator output unit is configured to output the amplified clicking sound.

13. The connection validation apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:

a user manipulation portion located at one end of a frame of the connection validation apparatus, the connector engagement mechanism located at an opposing end of the frame of the connection validation apparatus.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jan 21, 2013
From: BENNER, ALAN F.; FASANO, BENJAMIN V.
To: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 029665/0246 →
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20140203945A1 · Jul 24, 2014