Abstract
There is a constant need for assembly verification and control in automated assembly systems, especially in safety critical components like air brake couplings. This paper will focus on one cycle (2 sec.) verification and final inline control of air brake couplings for commercial vehicles, using a colpitts oscillator and force measurements. A more traditional method would be to use X-ray and vision technolgy, but with environmental, health, safety and cost considerations a different sensor solution is needed. With the described method we can test for correct assembly of the most crucial component within the couplings by demodualting the oscillator output using a frequncy counter and constantly monitoring the force on entry.
