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Bolt tension monitoring system

a technology of tension monitoring and bolts, applied in the direction of nuts, screws, load modified fasteners, etc., can solve the problems of bolted joint failure, bolted joint loosening, and severe compromising of the safety and structural integrity of the join

Inactive Publication Date: 2013-06-06
KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS +1
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a system for monitoring the tension of a bolt using a force transducer placed between the bolt and a surface in which it is embedded. The system calculates the difference between the current tension and an initial measurement, and alerts if the difference exceeds a pre-defined threshold value. The alert signal contains the identification information of the bolt, making it easy to respond to the alert. The system is powered through radio frequency power harvesting, which allows it to operate without needing an external power source. Overall, the invention enables remote monitoring of the structural integrity of a bolt.

Problems solved by technology

Bolted joints are found in a wide range of structures and machines, and improperly tightened bolts, or loosened bolts, may severely compromise the safety and structural integrity of a joint.
Insufficient pre-loading tension is a common cause of bolted joint failure.
Similarly, due to the stresses a structure or machine undergoes in its lifetime, bolts can easily become loosened over time.
Insufficient tension in the bolt, even if it was properly tightened at the time of construction, can also cause joint failure.
Given that most structures and machines use hundreds or thousands of bolts in their construction, it is impractical to regularly manually test the tension of each bolt.
Bolts are often hidden from view or are otherwise inaccessible once a structure or machine is fully constructed.

Method used

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Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0016]The bolt tension monitoring system 10 provides remote monitoring of the tension of a bolt B, thus allowing for remote monitoring of general structural health and integrity of the fastener. The bolt tension monitoring system 10 includes a hollow cap or housing 12 having opposed upper and lower ends 16, 18, respectively, the lower end 18 defining a recess 20 adapted for receiving the outer face 82 of a head H of a bolt B to be monitored. Preferably, the head H of the bolt B is snugly received within the recess 20. It should be understood that the housing 12 may be dimensioned and configured to form a snap fit or pressure fit with the size and shape of the particular type of bolt B to which the housing 12 is applied.

[0017]The system 10 further includes a force transducer 32 having opposed upper and lower faces 86, 88, respectively, the head H of the bolt B having an inner or lower face bearing against the transducer 32 when the bolt B is fastened to a workpiece. The force transdu...

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PUM

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Abstract

The bolt tension monitoring system provides remote monitoring of the tension of a bolt, thus allowing for remote monitoring of general structural health and integrity of the fastener. The bolt tension monitoring system includes a housing adapted for being retained on a head of a bolt to be monitored. The system further includes a force transducer positioned between the head of the bolt and a workpiece surface in which the bolt is fastened and measures tension between the head of the bolt and the surface. A controller circuit disposed within the housing calculates a difference between a currently measured tension between the head of the bolt and the workpiece surface and an initially measured tension. A wireless transponder mounted in the housing transmits an alert signal if the calculated difference exceeds a pre-defined threshold value. Actuation and power are provided through radio frequency power harvesting.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to mechanical fasteners and to electronic sensors for detecting failure of mechanical components, and particularly to a bolt tension monitoring system for transmitting signals identifying measured tension, power for and actuation of the system being provided through radio frequency power harvesting.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Bolted joints are found in a wide range of structures and machines, and improperly tightened bolts, or loosened bolts, may severely compromise the safety and structural integrity of a joint. Insufficient pre-loading tension is a common cause of bolted joint failure. Similarly, due to the stresses a structure or machine undergoes in its lifetime, bolts can easily become loosened over time. Insufficient tension in the bolt, even if it was properly tightened at the time of construction, can also cause joint failure.[0005]Given that most structures and mac...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): F16B31/02
CPCF16B31/02G01L5/0038F16B37/14F16B1/0071F16B2200/95
Inventor BAROUDI, UTHMANMEKID, SAMIRBOUHRAOUA, ABDELHAFID
Owner KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS