Sensors integrated in the connectors

Atam presents a new smart version of Form A connectors which integrates tested micro-sensors to measure and transmit important physical quantities, enabling engineers to monitor the health of the solenoid valve connected to the connector-coil assembly.

Atam Form A connectors have dimensions that are able to house sensors capable of measuring and transmitting physical factors such as, by way of example, temperature, humidity, vibrations and electrical voltage, in real-time.

By integrating sensors on-board the connector, it is possible to monitor the physical quantities that influence the behaviour of the solenoid valve in real-time and in the same environment in which it operates. To date, the measurements of some of the physical quantities involved – which strongly influence the functioning of the entire machine – are detected indirectly and via remote controllers (not on board the valve), not allowing monitoring of what happens in correspondence with the solenoid valve itself.

Particularly harsh fields of application and extreme environmental conditions can, in fact, lead to values of temperature, humidity, vibrations and electrical voltage well beyond the foreseen conditions, thus damaging not only the solenoid valve but also the entire system; instantaneous monitoring, therefore, allows you to intervene in time, avoiding potential damage.

The Atam Form A connectors with integrated sensors also incorporate LEDs which, through different colours and flashing functions with variable frequency, give operators immediate visual feedback on any values recorded outside the range’s optimal operations. Also for the larger connectors of the Form A range, Atam is open to any form of customisation in terms of visual management and serial communication.

In the configuration presented in the preview, using a technical APP, the data measured by the sensors are continuously transmitted to a mobile device for constant monitoring of the machinery. This type of proximity communication (used in mobile payments) is a transceiver technology that provides two-way wireless contact connectivity. This Atam platform also gives the possibility of inserting an interface card capable of communicating with the serial protocol used by the manufacturer of the machines that will mount its sensors on the connector board.

With the development of Form A connectors with integrated sensors, Atam demonstrates its ability, as the first company in its reference market, to be able to punctually and in real-time monitor key parameters related to machine operation and to be able to transmit this data continuously to operators, for timely diagnostics, thus promoting predictive maintenance. This information also proves to be useful for use by the machine control system.

Atam Form A connectors with on-board sensors find applications in various fields, including the world of off-highway machines, stationary industrial machinery and, more generally, in all those fields where the costs relating to machine breakdowns and repair prove to be particularly large and in all those applications that require high accuracy in regulation.