| Tamper evident connector for an engine radiator -> Monitor Keywords |
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Tamper evident connector for an engine radiatorRelated Patent Categories: Internal-combustion Engines, Cooling, Indicators And Safety DevicesTamper evident connector for an engine radiator description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060288968, Tamper evident connector for an engine radiator. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to electrical and mechanical connectors that provide evidence of tampering, and in particular to electrical and mechanical connectors for automobile engine heat exchangers. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] In the motor vehicle field, it is known that interchangeable parts are often used, wherein different variants of a component may have the same mounting provisions. While this of course has advantages in terms of cost efficiency, it can also raise an issue with regard to product functionality and regulatory compliance. Specifically, where a variant of a part performs a function not shared by the original components, installing the incorrect part may have adverse consequences on one or more functions of the vehicle. [0003] This can be an issue in the case of vehicle components that play a role in improving air quality. For example, some radiator assemblies for motor vehicles are known to include a coating of a catalytic material for converting environmentally harmful substances in ambient air during the utilization of the motor vehicle. The purpose of this catalytic coating is to improve the environment by cleaning ambient air as the vehicle is driven. Such a coated radiator assembly is likely to have the same mounting provisions as similar uncoated radiator assemblies that do not convert the environmentally harmful substances in ambient air. Because a coated radiator can cost more than an uncoated one, vehicles built with uncoated radiators could be sold in some jurisdictions. Further, uncoated radiators will certainly be made available for aftermarket installation as spare parts in such jurisdictions. [0004] Where a particular market requires an air-cleaning radiator or gives emission "credits" for such a radiator, that market is also likely to require that evidence and/or assurance be provided that the proper, coated radiator, as opposed to an uncoated radiator without the air-cleaning function, is installed on the vehicle. For example, in California all cars must have on board diagnostics (OBD) that function at all times. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are required to warrant these diagnostics for up to fifteen years or 150,000 miles. In order to ensure compliance with California regulatory and environmental standards, OEMs must be able to provide some assurance that the OBD system has not been tampered with through most of the useful life of a vehicle. [0005] It is thus a primary object of the present invention to provide a system and method for determining whether certain OEM hardware has been altered. Moreover, it is an object of the present invention to provide a tamper-evident sensor and method that itself is immune to tampering, thus providing twofold assurance to the OEMs, consumers and government regulators that the motor vehicle is in compliance with the applicable guidelines and laws. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] Accordingly, the present provides a sensor and a method of utilizing the sensor that provides evidence of tampering therewith. [0007] One embodiment of the present invention concerns a method for attaching a sensor to a body such that subsequent removal of the sensor from the body provides evidence, either mechanical and/or electrical, that the sensor has been removed. In another embodiment of the present invention, there is a sensor assembly that is attached to opposite sides of a body. Assembly of the sensor onto the body establishes a path of electrical continuity which is broken if the sensor is removed from the body. In another embodiment of the present invention, a sensor case and sensor attachment clip are coupled together through a passageway of a body. The sensor case and attachment clip are coupled in such a way that removal of the sensor case from the attachment clip causes damage to the case or the clip. [0008] These and other aspects, embodiments, and features of the present invention will be apparent from the description of the preferred embodiment, the drawings and the claims to follow. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [0010] FIG. 2a is a top plan view of a sensor assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [0011] FIG. 2b is a side elevational view of the sensor assembly of FIG. 2a. [0012] FIG. 2c is an end elevational view of the sensor assembly of FIG. 2a. [0013] FIG. 2d is a perspective view of the sensor assembly of FIG. 2a. [0014] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the sensor assembly of FIG. 2a as taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2a. [0015] FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of a circuit board assembly in accordance with the present invention. [0016] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the sensor assembly of FIG. 2a. [0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the sensor assembly of FIG. 2a with the case body removed. [0018] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the sensor assembly of FIG. 2a positioned to be inserted into a portion of a heat exchanger. [0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the sensor assembly of FIG. 2a assembled onto a portion of a heat exchanger. [0020] FIG. 9a is a side elevational view of the sensor assembly of FIG. 2a properly disposed about a heat exchanger in a first orientation. Continue reading about Tamper evident connector for an engine radiator... Full patent description for Tamper evident connector for an engine radiator Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Tamper evident connector for an engine radiator patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Tamper evident connector for an engine radiator or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Method of engine cooling Next Patent Application: Engine accessory drive using the outside of a two-sided belt to operate a shrouded cooling fan Industry Class: Internal-combustion engines ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Tamper evident connector for an engine radiator patent info. 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