WO2017100945A1

WO2017100945A1 - Systems and methods for assessing and sensing connection quality

Info

Publication number: WO2017100945A1
Application number: PCT/CA2016/051503
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kajendran SELVACHANDIRAN
Original assignee: Ks Circuits Inc
Current assignee: Ks Circuits Inc
Priority date: 2015-12-16
Filing date: 2016-12-16
Publication date: 2017-06-22
Anticipated expiration: 2018-06-16

Abstract

There is disclosed herein systems and methods for monitoring connection quality. The system includes at least one first connector member; at least one second connector member adapted to be coupled to the first connector member to form at least one connection, The system also includes means for measuring a quality of the connection, means for comparing the quality to a desired value to yield a comparison value, means for storing the comparison value, and means for indicating the comparison value.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ASSESSING AND SENSING CONNECTION

QUALITY

FIELD:

The present disclosure relates to the field of electrical connectors, and more particularly to systems and methods for sensing and assessing the quality of connections, and for accumulating and analyzing related data.

BACKGROUND:

Many manufacturing and other environments require the making of a large number of electrical connections. Many of these applications, for example, require the use of parts having particular, complementary geometries (e.g., which may be referred to as "male" and "female" components) that are designed to mate with one another in a particular manner when a connection is formed.

It is desirable to facilitate easy, functional connections, and to ensure that such connections are maintained. This is so due to the difficulty in quickly ascertaining the location of the particular connection where a given discontinuity is located. This difficulty is, to a large extent, a function of the number of connections to be made in many applications.

Further, diagnostics and repair operations may be difficult in closed quarters, particularly in manufacturing environments wherein certain connections are covered up or obstructed by subsequently added and/or structural components, such that some degree of disassembly is needed to access affected areas, once they have been identified, or to identify them.

Further still, current means of sensing connection typically operate in a binary manner, indicating only if a connection has been made or has not. There is no indication or measurement of the quality of the connection. This can lead to higher instances of broken connections in cases where the initially monitored connection was a precarious one. Existing connectors aimed at the formation of more robust connections often include complex, complementary "pin" designs. While more prone to maintaining connections, such items are expensive to manufacture, and are also more prone to breakage during assembly, or in operation. Further, assembly of multi-connection articles using such pin- based items is more complex, as the complementary arrangement of pins and receptacles necessitates a precise approach, which may be exceedingly difficult to take in, for example, a close quarters environment. In addition, taking such an approach may serve to slow down associated and costly manufacturing processes, the costs of which rise as processing times increase.

As such, it would be advantageous to provide systems and methods for providing substantially complete and secure connections, so as to alleviate and/or overcome some of the stated problems with existing options.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will now make reference to the accompanying drawings. Any dimensions provided in the drawings are provided only for illustrative purposes, and do not necessarily limit the scope of this disclosure. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pair of connector members, shown disconnected.

Figure 2 s a perspective view of another embodiment of a connector member.

Figure 3 A is a top view of a pair of connector members, shown disconnected.

Figure 3B is a top view of the connector members of Figure 3 A, shown partially connected.

Figure 3C is a top view of the connector members of Figures 3 A and 3B, shown fully connected.

Figure 4 is a side view of the top and bottom of a glove, with connective elements thereof nationally depicted in schematic form.

Figure 5 is a side view of another embodiment of a glove.

Figure 6 A is a schematic depiction of partially connected members. Figure 6B is a schematic depiction of the members of Figure 6 A, connected. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing a method.

Figure 8 is a schematic depiction of a system as disclosed herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY

There is disclosed herein systems and methods for monitoring connection quality. The system includes at least one first connector member; at least one second connector member adapted to be coupled to the first connector member to form at least one connection. The system also includes means for measuring a quality of the connection, means for comparing the quality to a desired value to yield a comparison value, means for storing the comparison value, and means for indicating the comparison value.

In another disclosed aspect, the quality comprises electrical resistance across the connection, and the means for measuring a quality of the connection comprises a first connection zone on the first connector member and a second connection zone on the second connector member, and a meter for measuring the resistance.

In another disclosed aspect, the resistance is indicative of a proportion of the first and second connection zones substantially directly contacting one another.

In another disclosed aspect, the meter comprises an insulated glove.

In another disclosed aspect, the means for indicating the comparison value comprises one or more of a lighting element, vibrating element, sonic emission element, and electronic transmission element, provided on or in connection with the glove. In another disclosed aspect, the glove is shaped substantially in the shape of a human hand.

In another disclosed aspect, the at least one first connector member comprises a plurality of first connector members and the at least one second connector member comprises a plurality of second connector members, and wherein the at least one connection comprises a plurality of connections between respective pairs of the first and second connector members.

In another disclosed aspect, the means for comparing the quality to a desired value comprises a computer processor in electronic communication with the means for measuring a quality of the connection.

In another disclosed aspect, the computer processor is integral to the glove. In another disclosed aspect, the computer processor comprises a handheld computing device.

In another disclosed aspect, the electronic communication comprises a wireless electronic data transmission connection.

In another disclosed aspect, the means for storing the comparison value comprises an electronic data storage medium in electronic communication with the means for comparing. In another disclosed aspect, the first connection zone comprises a portion of the first connector member coated with a conductive medium and the second connection zone comprises a portion of the second connector member coated with a complementary conductive medium. In another disclosed aspect, the conductive medium and the complementary conductive medium are comprised of the same materials.

In another disclosed aspect, one of the first connection zone and the second connection zone is larger than the other. In another disclosed aspect, the first connection zone comprises a first conductive element mounted on the first connector member and the second com ection zone comprises a second conductive element mounted on the second connector member. In another disclosed aspect, the conductive elements are comprised of the same materials.

In another disclosed aspect, the first and second conductive elements are shaped and configured to mate or contact with one another in a locking fashion when the quality of the connection reaches a threshold level.

There is also disclosed herein a method for monitoring a quality of a connection between first and second connector members, including: coupling the first connector member to the second connector member to form the connection; measuring a quality of the connection; comparing a magnitude of the quality to a desired value thereof to yield a comparison value; storing the comparison value; and indicating the comparison value.

In another disclosed aspect, in the method the measuring comprises assessing electrical resistance across the connection to determine the extent of an interface between the connector members. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

There is disclosed herein systems for monitoring connection quality and methods of operating systems for monitoring connection quality.

Looking first to the schematic depiction in Figure 8, a system 100 includes at least one first connector member 102, and at least one second connector member 104. These connector members 102, 104 are adapted to be coupled to one another to form a connection (see, for example, Figures 5 and 6). The precise adaptation may be by way of complementary shaping of, for example, "male" and "female" members on each of the connector members 102, 104 (leading to a snap fit or friction fit engagement between the connector members, as but one example). There may also be provided attachment reinforcement arms 108, whose general purpose of securing members to one another is known in the art, to facilitate the connection (see, for example, Figures 1 and 2A-B). In either case, it will be appreciated that connector members 102, 104 may be provide in numerous configurations to suit the application to be addressed via the particular embodiment. These configurations include rather complex geometries requiring very particular placement of the connector members 102, 104 relative to one another (in terms of, for example, rotational and angular orientation), as well as less complicated designs. It is important that any connection(s) not only to be made but also maintained. The degree to which a "complete" connection (which will be understood herein in the context of electrical connections to mean one exhibiting a minimal electrical resistance to the flow of a signal across the given connection) has been achieved is a critical measure of the likelihood of failure of the connection itself and/or underperformance of any

device/apparatus in which the particular connection 106 is found. This is underscored by the fact that many commercial embodiments will include a plurality of pairs of first / second connector members 102, 104 respectively forming a great many connections 106. As there can be logistical difficulties (e.g., due to the location thereof, the timing of failure, etc.) in re-accessing a faulty connection, robust connections are heavily favoured.

There is also provided a means 1 10 for measuring a quality of the connection 108, namely, in some embodiments, a meter 110 for measuring the electrical resistance across the connection 106 by way of placement on or about the connection 106. In other embodiments, the quality may be the flow of electricity across the connection, thermal properties, a pressure between the two members 102, 104, a distance (whether an absolute or average distance) between the two members 102, 104, the length L of insertion of one member 104 into the other 102 (see Figure 1), or other measurable qualities. In this regard, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments the quality of the connection 106 is, in effect, a measure of relative positioning of the two members 102, 104; wherein, a desired spacing or relative orientation is preferred in a given industrial application.

Each connector member 102, 104 may be provided with a built in meter 110 (e.g. a resistance measured device) for the purposes of measuring and reporting on the resistance (see Figure 3A). In other embodiments, and as shown in Figures 4 and 5, there may be provided a meter in the form of, for example, an insulated glove 210 shaped substantially like all or at least a portion of a human hand (see, once again, Figures 4 and 5), for use by a human user (not shown). As will be appreciated, the meter 110 or glove 210 may be altered to one having properties suitable to measure the quality (as described above) in the given application. The glove 210 may be provided in embodiments wherein the metering device 1 10 comprises sleeves 214 for enrobing one or more fingers and/or the thumb of a user. As noted, the quality may be electrical resistance across the connection 106; the means for measuring the quality of the connection 106 may be a first connection zone 120 on the first connector member and a second connection zone 124 on the second connector member 104, with the glove 210 functioning as the meter for measuring resistance across the connection 106, and with the resistance is indicative of a proportion of the first 120 and second 124 connection zones substantially directly contacting one another. The first connection zone comprises a portion of the first connector member coated with a conductive medium and the second connection zone comprises a portion of the second connector member coated with a complementary conductive medium. The conductive medium and the complementary conductive medium may be comprised of the same materials (e.g., a conductive medium affixed to the member(s), or a conductive ink).

In some embodiments, one of the first connection zone and the second connection zone may be larger than the other. This will address scenarios wherein the members 102, 104, for example, need to be fully engaged in longitudinal direction (see Figures 3 A and 3B) but relative rotational orientation is not pertinent to connection quality (or vice versa). As discussed briefly above, the first connection zone 120 may be provided as a first conductive element 120 (see, Figure B) mounted on the first connector member 102 and the second connection zone 124 may be provided as a second conductive element 124 mounted on the second connector member 104. The mounting may be completed by adhering or affixing the elements 120, 124 to the members 102, 104 after heavy formed or stamped the elements 120, 124 to desired shapes. The first and second conductive elements will be shaped and configured to mate and/or abut one another in a locking fashion when the connection quality reaches a threshold level.

There is also provided means for comparing the quality to a desired value to yield a comparison value. The means for comparing the quality to a desired value comprises a computer processor 130 in electronic communication (e.g., wired or wireless electronic data transmission connection) with the means for measuring a quality of the connection. In some embodiments, the computer processor 130 is provided integral or attachable to the glove. The computer processor may also be provided by way of a handheld computing device, which may similarly be affixed or wirelessly electronically connected to the glove. The means for storing the comparison value comprises an electronic data storage medium in electronic communication with the means for comparing. The data stored therein may be used to examiner issues particular to certain connection types, volumes, locations and so on. This may be used, for example, to optimize assembly steps to reduce production timing and/or to avoid related problems (e.g., a handheld computing device, with the means for storing the comparison value being an electronic data storage medium in electronic communication with the computing device).

There is also provided means for storing the comparison value, and means for indicating the comparison value. The means for indicating the comparison value may function to do the indicating via the glove (e.g., via the light 218 and transmitter 218 shown in Figure 5). This may occur by way of illuminating a light provided on the glove, vibration of the glove, emitting a sound from the glove, transmitting a signal therefrom, or more than one of such modes of indication. Properties of the environment in which the glove is to be used (e.g., noise levels, vibration levels, visibility of glove to user when employed, etc.) will dictate the particular mode.

The glove 210 is used to, in effect, form part of a circuit for the purpose of measuring cross-connection signal flow. Looking to Figure 7, an embodiment is depicted wherein the zones 120, 124 extend beyond the area of overlap between the members 102m 104 to facilitate electrical flow access to the glove 210. Measurement of the quality may be indicative of a proportion of the first and second connection zones 120, 124 on the connector members 102, 104 substantially directly contacting one another and, therefore, the aforementioned properties of the connection. In some embodiments, as discussed, multiple connection zones 120, 124 may be provided (see, for example, Figure 2). This aids in more precisely determining the nature and quality of the connection 108. That is, is some connection scenarios, the geometry of the connector members 102, 104 may be such that it is important to ascertain not only the degree of connection, but also the relative positioning and orientation of the connector members 102, 104. The meter may also measure additional connection traits such as relative positioning and/or orientation of the connector members 102, 104. The ability to note precise desired positions and any deficiencies or deviations therefrom is of particular interest in low tolerance manufacturing environments (e.g., where there are safety concerns if parts are not suitably positioned or secured). As an example, the connecting members may include a nut and a bolt, with the, for example, threaded interface between the two and the degree to which each was attached (or the torque applied thereto, or the resultant pressure between nut and bolt) may be measured. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the connections contemplated herein are many, including the examples provided herein. By way of visual representation of disparate connections, looking to Figures 3A-3C, there is shown in 3A no connection, in 3B a partial connection, and in 3B a complete connection. In some applications, the partial connection shown in 3B would be sufficient to allow for transmission across such a connection; however, it would be highly susceptible to disconnection. In contrast, the full connection shown in 3B would be more robust. As such, it is helpful to know when only a partial connection has been made. The measurement and making known of the degree of connection is described below.

Looking to Figure 6A, there is shown a connection which would allow for transmission but is rather precarious. This is an example of a connection wherein multiple zones (discussed hereinbelow) would be an effective means of ensuring a suitable and sustainable connection. This is to say that the quality is not merely sensed, but compared to a desired value. In some cases, the desired value may be expressed in terms of a percentage of complete connection (either absolute or relative to a desired level). In others, the number and degree of overlap between connection zones may be indicative of a particular connection state. Also, certain configurations may indicate to a user that s/he is attempting to connect connector members not intended to mate with one another. This is particularly

advantageous in instances where the user is making a connection in an area not visible to him or her (as happens in many manufacturing situations).

There will be provided means for comparing the quality (e.g., degree of overlap and/or relative positioning of connection zones 120, 124) to a desired value so as to yield a comparison value. The comparison value may be a binary result (e.g., pass/fail; yes/no) or may be more nuanced. The comparison will generally be conducted using a computer processor 130 in electronic communication (e.g., wired or wireless com ection) with the means for measuring a quality of the connection (e.g., the meter). In some embodiments the processor may be provided integral to the glove (see, for example, Figure 4), in others it may be a computer in communication with the meter 1 10 or glove 210. The computer processor may alternatively comprises a handheld computing device, and the electronic communication may consist of wireless electronic data transmission.

There will also be provided means for storing the comparison value, namely a computer storage medium. This may take the form of a hard drive or other similar medium, either separate from or in the same overall device as the processor. Stored comparison values are useful in analyzing productivity (e.g., how many connections were made in a given time period) and well as performance (e.g., what percentage of connections made by a given user were good enough) to refine processes and improve efficiency by way of identifying parts that may not be suitably well designed to facilitate assembly, or to identify areas in which staff require further training. Means will be provided for indicating the comparison value, which may be included in the glove (which, it will be understood, may comprise a full glove, sleeves for fingers/thumb (see, for example, Figure 5), wristbands, or other user wearable or attachable devices), For example, the indication may comprise any combination of illuminating a light on the glove, vibrating the glove, and/or emitting a sound from the glove. The choice of which applies in each circumstance will be dictated by the planned environment of use. For example, emitting a noise is unlikely to be suitable in a loud production environment. The indication may not only be for showing whether a connection has suitably been made, negative indications may also be provided, for example, to indicate that the wrong connection (i.e., incompatible parts) is being attempted. Further, the indication may be a measure of a percentage value of the desired degree of connection, or an absolute percentage, when seeking a desired value in each area. The comparison value may also be used as a stop or trigger in a manufacturing process; wherein, the next step cannot be performed if, for example, the present connection is inadequate or incorrect.

The means for storing the comparison value comprises an electronic data storage medium in electronic communication with the means for comparing. In embodiments where the computer processor comprises a handheld computing device, the means for storing the comparison value may comprises an electronic data storage medium in electronic communication with computing device. In some embodiments, the storage medium may be integral to the computing device. It will be appreciated that the processing and storage hardware described herein may be provided via the same overall computing device.

Further, it will also be appreciated that the storage medium may comprise a cloud storage system or the like; still further, as discussed above the system may be in communication with an external or associated analytics system. The first connection zone 120 may comprise a portion of the first connector member 102 coated with a conductive medium and the second connection zone 124 comprises a portion of the second connector member 104 coated with a complementary conductive medium (which media may be the same). The connection zones 120, 1 4 may also comprise complementary materials suitable for use in measuring the quality of the connection. In some embodiments, the medium may preferably comprise conductive ink applied to a surface of each of the connector members. More particularly, the zones may be defined on arms 108 extending from the members, wherein the arms are adapted to attach to one another to retain the full or otherwise desired level of connection. The attached arms serve to maintain the connection. Use of thin conductive media (e.g., conductive inks) and placement thereof on aspects of connecting members common in the art, is advantageous as it improves functional and monitoring capabilities without adding weight or volume. Both are advantageous as electronics componentry are, in many applications, packed as tightly as practicable whilst maintaining function and safety.

In some embodiments, one of the first connection zone and the second connection zone may be larger than the other. This facilitates use in applications wherein the part having the larger zone (e.g., the entirety of a female socket) is of such a geometry that the axial orientation of the other member thereto is irrelevant so long as the smaller of the zones is fully engaged with the larger zone. In other embodiments, the connection zones may comprise conductive elements mounted on (or otherwise affixed to) on the first and/or second connector members, These elements may be composed of the same materials. For reasons described above, one of the first conductive element and the second conductive element may be provided in such a configuration as to be larger than the other. Further, the first and second conductive elements may be shaped and configured to mate with one another in a locking fashion when the connection reaches a threshold level. This serves to further ensure the maintenance of a suitably effective connection without increasing the volume of the connector members. This is of significance in close quarters environments including a multitude of connections.

There is also disclosed methods of operating the systems disclosed herein. In some embodiments, such methods comprise for monitoring a quality of a connection between first and second connector members. This includes:

coupling the first connector member to the second connector member to form the connection;

measuring a quality of the connection; comparing the quality to a desired value thereof to yield a comparison value; storing the comparison value; and

indicating the comparison value. Further details of the componentry and options available to complete each step have been provided above, and such commentary is likewise applicable to the methods of using such systems.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the disclosure is not necessarily to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed.

Further, while various embodiments in accordance with the principles disclosed herein have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and are not limiting. Thus, the breadth and scope of the invention(s) should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the claims and their equivalents issuing from this disclosure. Furthermore, the above advantages and features are provided in described embodiments, but shall not limit the application of such issued claims to processes and structures accomplishing any or all of the above advantages.

It will be understood that the principal features of this disclosure can be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine

experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure and are covered by the claims. Additionally, the section headings herein are provided as organizational cues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention(s) set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure. Specifically and by way of example, although the headings refer to a "Field of Invention," such claims should not be limited by the language under this heading to describe the so-called technical field. Further, a description of technology in the "Background of the Invention" section is not to be construed as an admission that technology is prior art to any invention(s) in this disclosure. Neither is the "Summary" to be considered a characterization of the invention(s) set forth in issued claims.

Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to "invention" in the singular should not be used to argue that there is only a single point of novelty in this disclosure. Multiple inventions may be set forth according to the limitations of the multiple claims issuing from this disclosure, and such claims accordingly define the invention(s), and their equivalents, that are protected thereby. In all instances, the scope of such claims shall be considered on their own merits in light of this disclosure, but should not be constrained by the headings set forth herein.

The use of the word "a" or "an" when used in conjunction with the term "comprising" in the claims and/or the specification may mean "one," but it is also consistent with the meaning of "one or more," "at least one," and "one or more than one." The use of the term "or" in the claims is used to mean "and/or" unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and "and/or." Throughout this application, the term "about" is used to indicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for the device, the method being employed to determine the value, or the variation that exists among the study subjects.

As used in this specification and claim(s), the words "comprising" (and any form of comprising, such as "comprise" and "comprises"), "having" (and any form of having, such as "have" and "has"), "including" (and any form of including, such as "includes" and "include") or "containing" (and any form of containing, such as "contains" and "contain") are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, un-recited elements or method steps. Methods herein described are exemplary, and performance is intended by software (e.g., stored in memory and/or executed on hardware), hardware, or a combination thereof. Hardware modules may include, for example, a general-purpose processor, and/or analogous equipment. Software modules (executed on hardware) may be expressed in a variety of coded software languages comprising object-oriented, procedural, or other programming language and development tools.

Some embodiments described herein relate to devices with a non-transitory computer- readable medium (also can be referred to as a non-transitory processor-readable medium or memory) having instructions or computer code thereon for performing various computer-implemented operations. The computer-readable medium (or processor- readable medium) is non-transitory in the sense that it does not include transitory propagating signals per se (e.g., a propagating electromagnetic wave carrying information on a transmission medium such as space or a cable). The media and computer code (also can be referred to as code) may be those designed and constructed for the specific purpose or purposes. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include, but are not limited to storage media and hardware devices that are specially configured to store and execute program code

All of the apparatuses, systems and methods disclosed and/or claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the compositions and methods of this disclosure have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the compositions and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the disclosure. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the at least one first connector member 102 comprises a plurality of first connector members 102 and the at least one second connector member 104 comprises a plurality of second connector members 104. In such embodiments, the at least one connection will include a plurality of connections 106 respective pairs of the first 102 and second 104 connector members. The method wherein the measuring comprises assessing electrical resistance across the connection to determine the extent of an electrical interface between the connector members.

Claims

Claims:

1. A system for monitoring connection quality, the system comprising:

a. at least one first connector member;

b. at least one second connector member adapted to be coupled to the first connector member to form at least one connection;

c. means for measuring a quality of the connection;

d. means for comparing the quality to a desired value to yield a comparison value;

e. means for storing the comparison value; and

f. means for indicating the comparison value.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the quality comprises electrical

resistance across the connection, and wherein the means for measuring a quality of the connection comprises a first connection zone on the first connector member and a second connection zone on the second connector member, and a meter for measuring the resistance.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the resistance is indicative of a

proportion of the first and second connection zones substantially directly contacting one another.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the meter comprises an insulated glove.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the means for indicating the

comparison value comprises one or more of a lighting element, vibrating element, sonic emission element, and electronic transmission element, provided on or in connection with the glove.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the glove is shaped substantially in the shape of a human hand.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first connector member comprises a plurality of first connector members and the at least one second connector member comprises a plurality of second connector members, and wherein the at least one connection comprises a plurality of connections between respective pairs of the first and second connector members.

8. The system according to claim 4, wherein the means for comparing the quality to a desired value comprises a computer processor in electronic communication with the means for measuring a quality of the connection.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the computer processor is integral to the glove.

10. The system according to claim 8, wherein the computer processor comprises a handheld computing device.

1 1. The system according to claim 8, wherein the electronic communication

comprises a wireless electronic data transmission connection.

12. The system according to claim 8, wherein the means for storing the comparison value comprises an electronic data storage medium in electronic communication with the means for comparing.

13. The system according to claim 3, wherein the first connection zone comprises a portion of the first connector member coated with a conductive medium and the second connection zone comprises a portion of the second connector member coated with a complementary conductive medium.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the conductive medium and the

complementary conductive medium are comprised of the same materials.

15. The system according to claim 13, wherein one of the first connection zone and the second connection zone is larger than the other.

16. The system according to claim 3, wherein the first connection zone comprises a first conductive element mounted on the first connector member and the second connection zone comprises a second conductive element mounted on the second connector member.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the conductive elements are

comprised of the same materials.

18. The system according to claim 13, wherein the first and second conductive

elements are shaped and configured to mate or contact with one another in a locking fashion when the quality of the connection reaches a threshold level.

19. A method for monitoring a quality of a connection between first and second

connector members, wherein the method comprises: a. coupling the first connector member to the second connector member to form the connection;

b. measuring a quality of the connection;

c. comparing a magnitude of the quality to a desired value thereof to yield a comparison value;

d. storing the comparison value; and

e. indicating the comparison value.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the measuring comprises assessing electrical resistance across the connection to determine the extent of an interface between the connector members.