Detection module and method for monitoring failure of fastening device and fastening system

Abstract

The invention relates to a detection module for monitoring the failure of a fastening device, said detection module comprising a tilt detection sensor which is mounted on a fastening part fastened to a mounting surface by the fastening device and which is arranged in the region of the fastening part subjected to an eccentric load with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fastening device, the inclination detection sensor can determine the failure of the fastening device by detecting inclination. The invention further relates to a fastening system comprising a detection module according to the invention and to a method for monitoring a failure of a fastening device. Through various aspects of the invention, the monitoring of the failure of the fastening device can be simply realized, the reliability is high, and the system and the method are widely applied to various application scenes of the fastening device without being limited and influenced by construction conditions, installation environments and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a detection module for monitoring the failure of a fastening device, a fastening system and a method for monitoring the failure of a fastening device. Background Art

[0002] Fastening devices are widely used in engineering, such as construction engineering, pipeline engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, etc. Usually, fastening devices are used to fasten different components together or anchor components to building structures, such as concrete, to achieve the purpose of fixing. The stability of the fastening device is closely related to the safety of the project. Once the fastening device breaks and falls off, it may cause huge personal and property losses. Therefore, it is of great significance to monitor the failure of the fastening device.

[0003] Traditional monitoring is mostly carried out by manual inspection. In manual inspection, a torque wrench is usually used to test the tightness of the fastening device one by one or to visually inspect the preset paint marks, which makes the detection efficiency low, has requirements on the installation position of the fastening device, and cannot detect signs of failure in time. In the prior art, there are also schemes for monitoring stress or strain in the fastening device. However, such schemes are complex in structure, may damage the structure of the fastening device itself, thereby adversely affecting the performance of the fastening device, and are greatly affected by factors such as construction conditions and external environment (such as temperature, humidity, etc.). In addition, there are also schemes for detecting the failure of fastening devices through vibration excitation, ultrasonic technology, optical measurement technology, computer-assisted image recognition technology, etc., but the implementation conditions of these schemes are limited and it is difficult to apply them to a wide range of application scenarios of fastening devices.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a fastening device failure monitoring technology that can be simply implemented, has high reliability, is widely applicable to various application scenarios of fastening devices, and is not restricted or affected by construction conditions, installation environment, etc. Summary of the invention

[0005] The task of the present invention is to provide a detection module for monitoring the failure of a fastening device, a fastening system and a method for monitoring the failure of a fastening device, which can be simply implemented, have high reliability, and are widely applicable to various application scenarios of the fastening device without being restricted or affected by construction conditions, installation environment, etc.

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a detection module for monitoring the failure of a fastening device, wherein the detection module includes a tilt detection sensor, which is installed on a fixing member fastened to a mounting surface by a fastening device and is arranged in an area where the fixing member is subjected to an eccentric load with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fastening device, so that the tilt detection sensor can determine the failure of the fastening device by detecting the tilt.

[0007] In the scope of the present invention, the fastening device refers to a device structure for fastening a connection, including fasteners, especially threaded fasteners. Here, the fixing parts may include, for example, bolts, studs, screws, self-tapping screws, wood screws, pins, rivets, welding nails, and washers, retaining rings, nuts, etc. assembled together when necessary, wherein the bolts particularly include ordinary bolts, high-strength bolts, anchor bolts, expansion bolts, chemical anchor bolts, studs, etc.

[0008] According to the present invention, the fastening device is configured to fasten the fastener to a mounting surface, in particular a stationary mounting surface. The mounting surface may be a surface of a building structure, such as a wall, column, beam, etc. of a tunnel, bridge, building, etc.; a surface of a mechanical device component; a fastening surface of a pipe flange, etc.

[0009] The present invention provides that the detection module for monitoring the failure of the fastening device includes a tilt detection sensor, which is installed on a fixing member fastened to the mounting surface by the fastening device and is arranged in an area where the fixing member is subjected to an eccentric load with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fastening device. Here, the fixing member on which the tilt detection sensor of the detection module is installed is subjected to a force or torque deviating from the longitudinal axis of the fastening device in a partial area thereof, so that when the fastening device fails and becomes loose, the area of ​​the fixing member will be away from the mounting surface and will tilt around the fastening device under the action of the eccentric load. Subsequently, the tilt detection sensor is driven by the fixing member and tilts, that is, the position is offset relative to the initial position in the effective fastening state. Therefore, the tilt detection sensor can determine the failure of the fastening device by detecting the tilt.

[0010] The concept of the detection module for monitoring the failure of the fastening device according to the present invention is that by arranging the tilt detection sensor of the detection module in the area where the fixing part is subjected to eccentric load with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fastening device, the linear displacement change amount caused by the failure of the fastening device in the longitudinal direction is converted into the angle change amount that can be detected by the tilt detection sensor. Through such an arrangement, the present invention innovatively abandons the detection of the physical properties of the fastening device itself, and instead adopts indirect detection means to realize the monitoring of the failure of the fastening device. On the one hand, the present invention can realize the determination of the failure of the fastening device by a simple device, without the need to accurately and complicatedly detect the changes in the stress or strain of the fastening device, and without changing the structure of the fastening device itself. Moreover, the detection module realized by the tilt detection sensor can be widely applicable to various application scenarios of the fastening device without being restricted and affected by construction conditions, installation environment, etc. On the other hand, since the tilt detection sensor of the detection module is installed on the fixing part fastened by the fastening device, the tilt detection sensor can faithfully and reliably characterize the state of the object fastened by the fastening device, especially the load. Moreover, a slight failure of the fastening device, i.e. a slight loosening, will multiply the effect on a fixing member that is multiple times the size of the fastening device, which further enables the detection module according to the present invention to have high reliability and good responsiveness.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the tilt detection sensor is a gyroscope, an acceleration sensor, an inertial measurement unit, a tilt switch or an inclination sensor. In the present invention, the tilt detection sensor can be: a gyroscope for measuring the angular motion of an object in a relative inertial space, especially a MEMS gyroscope; an acceleration sensor for measuring the angle between the sensitive axis of the sensor and the vertical gravity acceleration, especially a MEMS acceleration sensor; an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that combines a gyroscope and an acceleration sensor; a tilt switch that switches on and off when the tilt angle exceeds a set angle; or a tilt sensor that senses the tilt state of an object and outputs a signal according to the tilt angle, such as a solid pendulum, liquid pendulum, or gas pendulum tilt sensor.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the detection module includes a signal processing unit connected to the tilt detection sensor signal, so as to analyze and process the sensor signal of the tilt detection sensor and output a failure indication signal when the tilt is determined. According to the different types of the sensor signal of the tilt detection sensor, the signal processing unit can perform different analysis and processing on the sensor signal. For example, when the sensor signal of the tilt detection sensor is a switch value indicating whether the tilt is or not, the signal processing unit can simply output a failure indication signal indicating whether the fastening device is failed according to the on-off change state. When the tilt detection sensor provides a digital or analog value of the tilt angle value, the signal processing unit can include a memory, an AD converter, a DA converter, a comparator, a filter, an amplifier, an integrator and / or a differentiator, etc., so as to perform more complex analysis and processing on the tilt angle value, such as storage, digital-to-analog conversion, analog-to-digital conversion, comparison, filtering, amplification, integration or differentiation, etc., and can also provide additional information about the degree of failure, the speed of failure progression, etc. through the failure indication signal. Advantageously, the signal processing unit can implement a comparison between the tilt angle value and one or more preset thresholds, thereby indicating different degrees of failure. Here, the tilt detection sensor and the signal processing unit of the detection module can be integrated on a circuit board and packaged by a housing of the detection module, for example.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the eccentric load on the fixing part with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fastening device is caused by the unbalanced counterweight of the fixing part. Here, the unbalanced counterweight can be understood as the center of gravity of the fixing part as a whole does not pass through the longitudinal axis of the fastening device. Therefore, under the action of gravity, an eccentric moment about the longitudinal axis of the fastening device exists in the fixing part. The eccentric moment enables the fixing part to twist around the fastening device when it has a certain movable space due to the failure of the fastening device, thereby causing the tilt detection sensor to tilt, thereby determining the failure of the fastening device. The unbalanced counterweight can be related to the structure, material organization and / or fastening hole position of the fixing part itself, and can also be achieved by artificially adding a counterweight.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inclination detection sensor is arranged on the free end of the fixing member configured as an L-shaped member. Here, the L-shaped configuration of the fixing member itself is provided with an unbalanced counterweight. When fastened by the fastening device, one side of the L-shaped member is against the horizontal mounting surface, and the remaining part is used as a free end for arranging the inclination detection sensor. The weight of the free end makes the center of gravity of the fixing member as a whole not pass through the longitudinal axis of the fastening device, thereby generating an eccentric load on the fixing member with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fastening device. In addition, by using the L-shaped member, the installation position of the inclination detection sensor can be conveniently provided.

[0015] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the tilt detection sensor is arranged on the side of the free end facing away from the fastening device, thereby effectively protecting the detection module or its tilt detection sensor from colliding with the fastening device itself or other components fastened thereto when the fastening device fails.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the eccentric load on the fixing part with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fastening device is caused by artificially applying an elastic load to a region of the fixing part with a balanced weight. Here, the elastic load can push the region away from the mounting surface when the fixing part has a certain movable space due to the failure of the fastening device, and can also cause the fixing part to twist around the fastening device, thereby causing the tilt detection sensor to tilt, thereby determining the failure of the fastening device. It is particularly advantageous in this embodiment that the fixing part is not limited to being hoisted or suspended below a horizontal mounting surface, but can also be fastened on a horizontal, vertical or inclined mounting surface, as long as the elastic load can overcome the gravity of the fixing part itself to lift the region of the fixing part above the mounting surface.

[0017] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the elastic load is generated by an elastic element preloaded between the mounting surface and the fixing part, and a retaining groove for the elastic element is preferably provided in the fixing part and / or in the mounting surface. The elastic element can be a spring, such as a helical spring, a leaf spring, a disc spring, an annular spring, etc. In order to keep the elastic element well between the mounting surface and the fixing part, it is particularly conceivable to provide a retaining groove for accommodating the elastic element in the fixing part and / or in the mounting surface.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the tilt detection sensor is arranged on a side of the fixing part facing away from the elastic element, thereby achieving good and reliable installation of the tilt detection sensor.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the eccentric load on the fixing part with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fastening device is caused by fastening the fixing part in a manner that overcomes the gravity moment. Here, the eccentric load is generated by fastening the fixing part in a non-stable position under the action of gravity. This causes the eccentric load to move the fixing part toward the stable position, that is, to rotate around the fastening device, when the fixing part has a certain amount of movement space due to the failure of the fastening device, thereby causing the tilt detection sensor to tilt, thereby determining the failure of the fastening device. In this embodiment, it is particularly advantageous that the fixing part is not limited to being hoisted or suspended below or above a horizontal mounting surface, but can also be fastened on a vertical or inclined mounting surface.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing member is a load fastened by a fastening device or an assembly component of the detection module, and in particular, the tilt detection sensor is integrated with the assembly component. In the present invention, the detection module can be attached as an external module, such as bonding, welding, riveting, or magnetic attraction to the load fastened by the fastening device. At this time, the attachment of the detection module can be implemented before, during, or after the fastening connection, and can be installed on the fastened load afterwards. On the other hand, the detection module can be supplied as a kit consisting of at least a tilt detection sensor and a fixing member. In the case of the detection module supplied as a set, the entire detection module is set on the fastening device adjacent to the mounting surface as a component to be fastened and fastened together. In the latter embodiment, the fixing member as an assembly component itself is preset with an eccentric load, so in particular, when the hoisted load has a balanced counterweight, there is no need to transform the load, such as the eccentric load required for loading, which is convenient for fastening construction.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the detection module can simultaneously monitor failures caused by loosening, thread stripping, creep elongation, partial fracture of the fastening device and material degeneration of the mounting surface. In the present invention, since the fixing part is directly abutted against the mounting surface, various failures of the fastening device can be manifested as a gap on the mounting surface. Such a gap provides a movable space for the fixing part subjected to the eccentric load, so that the fixing part and the tilt detection sensor are tilted. Therefore, the detection module according to the present invention can advantageously monitor various failure modes of the fastening device at the same time: loosening and thread stripping between the fastening device, especially the threaded parts; creep elongation and partial fracture of the fastening device itself under long-term stress; and material degeneration of the mounting surface, such as concrete sandification, plastic deformation of the mounting hole, and the like.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the detection module includes an alarm unit, in particular a sound and / or light alarm unit. Through an easily perceptible alarm, a timely alarm can be provided to monitoring personnel when failure signs appear, thereby avoiding personal and property losses caused by the breakage and detachment of the fastening device.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the detection module includes a communication unit, preferably a wireless communication unit, and in particular, the communication unit sends signals periodically and / or triggered by an event. In order for the detection module to maintain operation over the entire life cycle of the fastening device, the communication unit can save energy by only performing signal communication periodically and / or only in the event of a specific event. The specific event can be, for example, the tilt detection sensor detecting the tilt, the detection module determining that the fastening device has failed, and / or receiving a communication activation signal from the outside. Here, the communication unit can, for example, send the original sensing signal detected by the tilt detection sensor and / or the failure indication signal output by the signal processing unit.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the detection module includes a power supply unit and / or an energy collection unit, wherein the power supply unit is preferably powered by a dry cell or a storage battery and / or the energy collection unit is preferably a solar energy collection unit, a wind energy collection unit, a thermal energy collection unit, a fluid kinetic energy collection unit or an electromagnetic energy (such as radio frequency) collection unit, etc., so as to continuously convert external energy into electrical energy required by the detection module.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the detection module is intermittently awakened by a built-in microcontroller unit (MCU) and / or an external radio frequency signal. Here, in order to further save power, the detection module can be in a low-power or no-power standby state most of the time, and only intermittently in a working state according to a wake-up time preset in the microcontroller unit and / or only triggered by an external radio frequency signal.

[0026] The second aspect of the present invention relates to a fastening system, which includes a fastening device and a detection module as described above. Here, the detection module according to the present invention is provided together with the fastening device to provide a simple, highly reliable and widely applicable monitoring means for the failure of the fastening device during the fastening connection. Here, the fastening device is, for example, a device structure for fastening connection composed of fasteners, especially threaded fasteners. Here, the fixing parts may include, for example, bolts, studs, screws, self-tapping screws, wood screws, pins, rivets, rivets, and washers, retaining rings, nuts, etc. assembled together when necessary, wherein the bolts particularly include ordinary bolts, high-strength bolts, anchor bolts, expansion bolts, chemical anchor bolts, studs, etc.

[0027] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a method for monitoring failure of a fastening device, wherein the fastening device fastens a fixing member on a mounting surface and the fixing member is subjected to an eccentric load with respect to a longitudinal axis of the fastening device, and failure of the fastening device is determined by detecting the inclination of an area where the fixing member is subjected to the eccentric load with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fastening device.

[0028] The idea of ​​the method for monitoring the failure of the fastening device according to the present invention is to fasten the fixing member to the mounting surface with an eccentric load about the longitudinal axis of the fastening device. Such an arrangement makes a certain gap appear between the fixing member and the mounting surface when the fastening device fails, which makes the fixing member have a certain activity space. The area of ​​the fixing member loaded with the eccentric load will be correspondingly away from the mounting surface, thereby being able to convert the linear displacement change in the longitudinal direction caused by the failure of the fastening device into the angle change that can be detected on the fixing member. Through such a design, the present invention pioneeringly abandons the detection of the physical properties of the fastening device itself, and instead adopts indirect detection means to realize the monitoring of the failure of the fastening device. On the one hand, it is possible to determine the failure of the fastening device by a simple device, such as a tilt detection sensor, without the need to accurately and complicatedly detect the changes in the stress or strain of the fastening device, and without changing the structure of the fastening device itself. Moreover, the method according to the present invention can be widely applied to various application scenarios of the fastening device without being restricted and affected by construction conditions, installation environment, etc. On the other hand, the state of the object, especially the load, fastened by the fastening device can be faithfully and reliably represented by means of the fastening device fastened by the fastening device. Moreover, the effect of a slight failure of the fastening device, i.e., a slight looseness, on a fastening device having a size multiple of the fastening device will be multiplied, which further makes the method according to the present invention have high reliability and good responsiveness.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method can be implemented with the aid of the detection module as described above and / or the fastening system as described above.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method can simultaneously monitor failures caused by loosening of the fastening device, thread stripping, creep elongation, and material degeneration of the mounting surface. In the present invention, since the fixing member is directly attached to the mounting surface, various failures of the fastening device can be manifested as gaps on the mounting surface. Such gaps provide space for the fixing member to move under eccentric loads, thereby accurately and reliably monitoring failures of the fastening device caused by different reasons at the same time.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an eccentric load on the fixing part with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fastening device is caused by an unbalanced weight of the fixing part. Here, the unbalanced weight can be understood as the center of gravity of the fixing part as a whole does not pass through the longitudinal axis of the fastening device. The unbalanced weight can be related to the structure, material organization and / or the position of the fastening hole of the fixing part itself, and can also be achieved by artificially adding a weight.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an eccentric load is caused to the fixing part about the longitudinal axis of the fastening device by artificially applying an elastic load to a region of the fixing part with a balanced weight. Here, the elastic load can push the region away from the mounting surface when the fixing part has a certain amount of movement space due to failure of the fastening device, and can also cause the fixing part to twist around the fastening device and thus tilt. In this embodiment, it is particularly advantageous that the fixing part is not limited to being hoisted or suspended below a horizontal mounting surface, but can also be fastened on a horizontal, vertical or inclined mounting surface, as long as the elastic load can overcome the weight of the fixing part itself to lift the region of the fixing part above the mounting surface.

[0033] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the elastic load is generated by an elastic element preloaded between the mounting surface and the fixing part, and the elastic element is preferably arranged in the fixing part and / or in a retaining groove in the mounting surface. The elastic element can be a spring, such as a helical spring, a leaf spring, a disc spring, an annular spring, etc.

[0034] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, an eccentric load is caused to the fixing part about the longitudinal axis of the fastening device by fastening the fixing part against the gravity moment. Here, the eccentric load is generated by fastening the fixing part in a non-stable position under the action of gravity. This causes the eccentric load to move the fixing part towards the stable position and thus tilt it when the fixing part has a certain movement space due to failure of the fastening device. In particular, the fixing part can rotate around the fastening device in the event of failure of the fastening device. It is particularly advantageous in this embodiment that the fixing part is not limited to being hoisted or suspended below or above the mounting surface, but can also be fastened on a mounting surface that is vertical or inclined relative to the ground.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when failure of the fastening device is determined, an alarm, in particular an audible and / or luminous alarm, is output; and / or a failure indication signal is sent.

[0036] It should be noted that the features, functions, effects and advantages of one aspect of the present invention can also refer to the above description of other aspects of the present invention. In addition, the various aspects described in the present invention can be combined with each other in various ways. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 The arrangement structure of the detection module and the related fastening device according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0038] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 The arrangement shown in the event of a failure of the fastening device;

[0039] Figure 3 Shows the arrangement structure of the detection module and the related fastening device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 4 Show Figure 3 The arrangement shown in the event of a failure of the fastening device;

[0041] Figure 5 Shows the arrangement structure of the detection module and the related fastening device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 6 Show Figure 5 The arrangement shown in the event of a failure of the fastening device;

[0043] Figure 7 A side view showing an arrangement of a detection module and a related fastening device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 8 Show Figure 7 A front view of the arrangement structure;

[0045] Fig. 9 Show Figure 7 and 8 the situation of the arrangement when the fastening device fails; and

[0046] Fig.10 A block diagram of a circuit portion of a detection module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Figure 1 The arrangement structure of the detection module and the related fastening device according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 The detection module 1 shown for monitoring the failure of the fastening device 2 includes a tilt detection sensor (here a tilt switch 11), which is installed on a fixing part 3 fastened to a mounting surface 4 by the fastening device 2 and is arranged in an area 31 of the fixing part 3 that is subjected to an eccentric load with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the fastening device 2, so that the tilt detection sensor can determine the failure of the fastening device 2 by detecting the tilt.

[0048] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, the fastening device 2 is a device structure composed of a bolt 21 (especially a chemical anchor), a nut 22 and a washer 23. The fastening structure 2 has a longitudinal axis L. The fastening device 2 is configured to fasten a fixing member 3 to be fastened to a mounting surface 4. Here, the mounting surface 4 is a surface of a concrete structure 41.

[0049] exist Figure 1The dashed box in the figure marks the area 31 where the fixing part 3 is subjected to eccentric load with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the fastening device 2. Here, the fixing part 3 is exemplarily an L-shaped component. Therefore, the eccentric load on the fixing part 3 with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the fastening device 2 is caused by the unbalanced weight brought about by the structure of the fixing part 3 itself. The unbalanced weight can be understood as the center of gravity of the fixing part 3 as a whole not passing through the longitudinal axis L of the fastening device 2. Therefore, under the action of gravity, there is an eccentric moment in the fixing part 3 with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the fastening device 2.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, one side of the fixing member formed as an L-shaped member is against the horizontal mounting surface, and the remaining part serves as a free end. Figure 1 The tilt detection sensor is arranged on the free end of the fixing member formed as an L-shaped member. Particularly advantageously, the tilt detection sensor or the detection module 1 is also arranged on the side of the free end facing away from the fastening device 2, thereby well protecting the detection module 1 from colliding with the fastening device 2 itself or other components fastened thereto when the fastening device 2 fails.

[0051] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 The arrangement shown is in the case of a failure of the fastening device 2. Figure 2 It can be seen that the fastening device 2 is partially loosened from the mounting hole due to the material deformation of the mounting surface 4, which is the sandification of the concrete structure 41, resulting in failure of the fastening device 2, that is, the fastening device 2 is lowered as a whole relative to the original mounting hole. This failure causes a certain amount of movable space to appear between the fixing part 3 and the mounting surface 4. Since the fixing part 3 on which the inclination detection sensor of the detection module 1 is installed is subjected to an eccentric load deviating from the longitudinal axis L of the fastening device 2 in its area 31, the area 31 of the fixing part 3 is thus away from the mounting surface 4 and is tilted or twisted around the fastening device 2 under the action of the eccentric load. Subsequently, the inclination detection sensor is driven by the fixing part 3 and tilts, that is, relative to the initial position in the effective fastening state (refer to Figure 1 ) position offset. Thus, the tilt detection sensor of the detection module 1 can determine the failure of the fastening device 2 by detecting the tilt angle.

[0052] Here, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The tilt detection sensor in the embodiment is implemented as a tilt switch 11 that switches on and off when the tilt angle exceeds a set angle. For example, the tilt switch 11 can be Figure 2 In the case of the fastening failure shown, it changes from disconnection to connection. Such a switch quantity can simply indicate whether the fastening device 2 is in a fastening effective state or a fastening failure state.

[0053] In particular, by arranging the tilt detection sensor of the detection module 1 in the region 31 of the fixing member 3 subjected to the eccentric load with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the fastening device 2, the linear displacement change Δl in the longitudinal direction caused by the failure of the fastening device 2 is converted into an angle change that can be detected by the tilt detection sensor. Through such an arrangement, the present invention innovatively abandons the detection of the physical properties of the fastening device 2 itself, and instead adopts an indirect detection method to realize the monitoring of the failure of the fastening device 2. Moreover, the detection module 1 according to the present invention can be simply realized, has high reliability, and is widely applicable to various application scenarios of the fastening device without being restricted or affected by construction conditions, installation environment, etc.

[0054] pass Figure 1 and 2 A method for monitoring the failure of a fastening device according to the present invention is also schematically shown. In the method, the fastening device 2 fastens the fixing member 3 on the mounting surface 4 and the fixing member 3 is subjected to an eccentric load with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the fastening device 2, and the failure of the fastening device 2 is determined by detecting the inclination of the region 31 of the fixing member 3 with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the fastening device 2 that is subjected to the eccentric load. It should be noted that the description of the detection module in the preceding and following texts is also applicable to the method described herein in a corresponding manner.

[0055] Figure 3 FIG. 2 shows the arrangement structure of the detection module and the related fastening device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 and 2 The difference is that in Figure 3 In the embodiment, a fixing member with an unbalanced weight is not used, but a flat fixing member 3 with a balanced weight is used. Figure 3 In the arrangement shown in , the eccentric load of the fixing part 3 about the longitudinal axis L of the fastening device 2 is caused by artificially applying an elastic load to a region 31 of the fixing part 3 with a balancing weight. Specifically, the elastic load is generated by an elastic element 5, such as a coil spring, preloaded between the mounting surface 4 and the fixing part 3. In addition to using the coil spring shown in the figure, it is also possible to consider using a leaf spring, a disc spring, an annular spring, etc. In order to keep the elastic element 5 well between the mounting surface 4 and the fixing part 3, a retaining groove for the elastic element 5 is provided in the fixing part 3 and in the mounting surface 4.

[0056] besides, Figure 3 and Figure 1 and 2The difference lies in another embodiment of the detection module 1. Here, the detection module 1 uses a gyroscope 12 for measuring the angular motion of an object in a relative inertial space as a tilt detection sensor. The gyroscope is arranged on the same circuit board as the signal processing unit 13 and the power supply unit 14 and is encapsulated in the housing 15 of the detection module 1. Considering the miniaturization and cost of the detection module 1, it is particularly advantageous to use a MEMS gyroscope. Not limited to the case shown, as a tilt detection sensor, it is also possible to consider using an acceleration sensor for measuring the angle between the sensitive axis of the sensor and the gravity acceleration in the vertical direction, especially a MEMS acceleration sensor; an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that combines a gyroscope and an acceleration sensor; or a tilt sensor that senses the tilt state of an object and outputs a signal according to the tilt angle, such as a solid pendulum, a liquid pendulum, or a gas pendulum tilt sensor. Here, the gyroscope 12 as a tilt detection sensor is arranged on the side of the fixing member 3 that is away from the elastic element 5.

[0057] Figure 4 Show Figure 3 The arrangement shown is in the event of a failure of the fastening means. Figure 4 In the process, the creep elongation of the fastening device 2, especially the bolt 21 itself, under the action of long-term stress leads to the failure of the fastening device 2. The nut 22 and the washer 23 fastened to the bolt 21 drop in position as the bolt creeps and elongates. This failure also causes a certain amount of movable space to appear between the fixing part 3 and the mounting surface 4. Since the fixing part 3 on which the tilt detection sensor of the detection module 1 is installed is subjected to an elastic load deviating from the longitudinal axis L of the fastening device 2 in its area 31, the area 31 of the fixing part 3 is pushed away from the mounting surface 4 and tilted or twisted around the fastening device 2 under the action of the elastic load. Subsequently, the tilt detection sensor, i.e., the gyroscope 12, is driven by the fixing part 3 and tilts, that is, relative to the initial position in the effective fastening state (refer to Figure 3 ) position offset. Thus, the gyroscope 12 of the detection module 1 can determine the failure of the fastening device 2 according to the detected tilt angle.

[0058] Here, the signal processing unit 13 is connected to the tilt detection sensor signal (here, the gyroscope 12) to analyze and process its sensor signal and output a failure indication signal when the tilt is determined. In the current case, the gyroscope 12 can provide a digital or analog value of the current tilt angle value. The signal processing unit 13 can accordingly include a memory, an AD converter, a DA converter, a comparator, a filter, an amplifier, an integrator and / or a differentiator, etc., so as to store, convert digital to analog, convert analog to digital, compare, filter, amplify, integrate or differentiate the tilt angle value. More preferably, information about the degree of failure, the speed of failure progression, etc. can be additionally provided through the failure indication signal. Advantageously, the signal processing unit 13 can implement a comparison of the tilt angle value with one or more preset thresholds to indicate different degrees of failure.

[0059] exist Figures 1 to 4 In the case shown, the fixing member 3 can be a load fastened by the fastening device 2, such as a load hoisted in a concrete structure 41 by the fastening device 2. The load is, for example, a contact network for rail transportation, a pipe support, a lighting facility, etc. The detection module 1 can be attached, such as bonded, welded, riveted, or magnetically attracted to the load fastened by the fastening device 2.

[0060] Figure 5 The arrangement structure of the detection module and the related fastening device according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 5 The arrangement shown is similar to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The main difference of the illustrated case is that the fixing element 3 is fastened here on a horizontal mounting surface 4. The fastening device 2 here also consists of a bolt 21, a nut 22 and a washer 23 and is used to fasten the first component 42 and the second component 43 together. Figure 5 The fastening device 2 fails, and the fixing part 3 of the assembly component of the detection module 1 is fastened on the installation surface 4 by the fastening device 2. Figure 5 In particular, it is also shown that the circuit part of the detection module 1, that is, the tilt detection sensor, the signal processing unit, the power supply unit, etc., is integrated with the fixing part 3 constituting the assembly component of the detection module 1. This means that the detection module 1 can be supplied as a kit consisting of at least the tilt detection sensor and the fixing part 3. In the case of such a detection module 1 supplied as a set, when fastening, the entire detection module 1 is placed on the fastening device 2 adjacent to the mounting surface 4 as a component to be fastened and fastened together. Here, only the retaining groove for the elastic element 5 is provided in the mounting surface 4.

[0061] Figure 6 Show Figure 5The arrangement shown is in the case of a fastening device failure. Here, the failure of the fastening device 2 is caused by the loosening or thread stripping of the nut of the fastening device 2. As can be seen from the figure, the nut 22 of the fastening device 2 together with the washer 23 slides upward along the thread of the bolt 21. As a result, the fixing part 3 or the integrated detection module 1 as a whole has a certain amount of room for movement and is pushed away from the mounting surface 4 under the action of the eccentric load about the longitudinal axis L of the fastening device 2, that is, the elastic load caused by the elastic element 5 on the area 31 of the fixing part 3. The tilt detection sensor in the detection module 1 can also detect the occurrence of tilt in the manner described above and thus determine the failure of the fastening device 2.

[0062] exist Figures 1 to 6 In the various embodiments shown, in order to allow the fixing element or the load to tilt smoothly when the fastening device 2 fails, it is advantageous to provide a hole in the fixing element or the load that is slightly larger than the diameter of the fastening device, in particular the bolt.

[0063] Figure 7 and 8 The side view and front view of the arrangement structure of the detection module and the related fastening device according to another embodiment of the present invention are respectively shown. Figure 7 and 8 In the arrangement shown in FIG. 1 , a fastening device 2 consisting of screws 24 (quadruple screws) fastens a load 6 to a mounting surface 4 of a vertical wall 44. Failure of the fastening device 2 is monitored by means of a detection module 1. Specifically, a fixing element 3 of the detection module 1, which is formed as an assembly component, is clamped between the mounting surface 4 and the load 6.

[0064] Especially from Figure 8 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the eccentric load of the fixing member 3 about the longitudinal axis L of the fastening device 2 is overcome by the gravity moment. The eccentric load is caused by fastening the fixture 3 in an unstable position under the action of gravity. Figure 8 The detection module 1 including the fixing member 3 is kept in its unstable position by the tightening force of the screw 24. Here, only one possible tightening method of the fixing member 3 is shown. The fixing member 3 can be tightened in any unstable position as required, such as a position at 45° with respect to the ground, etc.

[0065] Fig. 9 Show Figure 7 and 8 The arrangement structure of the case when the fastening device fails. Here, the screw 24 loosens and fails, so that a certain amount of movement space appears between the fixing part 3 and the mounting surface 4 and the load 6. The eccentric load now causes the fixing member 3 to move toward the stable position, that is, to rotate around the fastening device 2 until it reaches Fig. 9 The steady-state position of the fixing member 3 is shown in FIG. During the rotation, the tilt detection sensor of the detection module 1 can sense the tilt, thereby determining the failure of the fastening device 2 .

[0066] exist Figures 7 to 9 In the illustrated embodiment, in order to allow the circuit part of the detection module 1 (i.e., the tilt detection sensor, the signal processing unit 13, the power supply unit 14, etc.) protruding from the fixing part 3 to avoid the fastened load 6 during the rotation process, the circuit part is arranged at one end of the strip-shaped fixing part 3. Of course, any suitable design scheme can also be considered, such as integrating the entire circuit part into the strip, etc.

[0067] Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a circuit portion of a detection module according to an embodiment of the present invention. As mentioned above, the circuit portion of the detection module 1 mainly includes a tilt detection sensor 10, Figures 1 to 2 Tilt switch 11, Figures 3 to 4 The detection module 1 may include a gyroscope 12, an acceleration sensor, an inertial measurement unit or an inclination sensor. Figures 3 to 4 The signal processing unit 13 in the detection module 1 is used to analyze and process the sensor signal of the tilt detection sensor 10 and output a failure indication signal when the tilt is determined. In the signal processing unit 13, a memory, an AD converter, a DA converter, a comparator, a filter, an amplifier, an integrator and / or a differentiator can be integrated as needed. In order to supply power to each circuit component of the detection module 1, the detection module 1 can also include a power supply unit 14 and / or an energy collection unit, preferably a solar energy collection unit, a wind energy collection unit, a thermal energy collection unit, a fluid kinetic energy collection unit or an electromagnetic energy (such as radio frequency) collection unit, etc. The detection module 1 can also include an alarm unit 16, especially a sound and / or light alarm unit, thereby providing a timely alarm for the monitoring personnel when a failure sign appears, thereby avoiding personal and property losses. At the same time, in order to transmit the state of the fastening device to a data center, a data collection device, etc., especially to report the failure indication signal, the detection module 1 can also have a communication unit 17, preferably a wireless communication unit. Particularly preferably, the communication unit 17 can send signals regularly and / or triggered by an event. In addition, in order to achieve failure monitoring throughout the entire life cycle of the fastening device 2, the detection module 1 may also have a microcontroller unit 18 for intermittently waking up the detection module 1, so that the detection module 1 can be in a low-power or no-power standby state most of the time, and the detection module 1 is only put into working state according to the wake-up time preset in the microcontroller unit.

[0068] It should be noted that Fig.10 The circuit part of the detection module 1 shown is only exemplary, and the circuit components of the detection module 1 can be added or deleted according to specific needs.

[0069] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but includes or extends to all technical equivalents that may fall within the effective scope of the appended claims. The position descriptions selected in the specification, such as top, bottom, left, right, etc., refer to the direct description and the drawings shown and can be transferred to the new position according to the meaning when the position changes.

[0070] The features disclosed in the present application may be essential and may be implemented both individually and in any combination for the realization of the exemplary embodiments in different configurations.

[0071] Although some aspects are described in relation to devices, it should be understood that these aspects are also descriptions of corresponding methods, so that a component, unit of a detection module or a device of a fastening system can also be understood as a corresponding method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in relation to a method step or as a method step are also descriptions of corresponding modules or details or features of corresponding devices.

[0072] Although the present invention has been disclosed as above in the form of a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art may make possible changes and modifications to the technical solution of the present invention by using the methods and technical contents disclosed above without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A detection module for monitoring the failure of a fastening device, characterized in that: The detection module includes a tilt detection sensor, which is installed on a fixing member fastened to a mounting surface by a fastening device and is arranged in an area where the fixing member is subjected to an eccentric load with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fastening device, so that the tilt detection sensor can determine the failure of the fastening device by detecting the tilt.

2. The detection module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tilt detection sensor is a gyroscope, an acceleration sensor, an inertial measurement unit, a tilt switch or an inclination sensor.

3. The detection module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The detection module includes a signal processing unit connected to the tilt detection sensor signal, so as to analyze and process the sensing signal of the tilt detection sensor and output a failure indication signal when a tilt is determined.

4. The detection module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The eccentric loading of the fastening element relative to the longitudinal axis of the fastening device is caused by the unbalanced weight of the fastening element.

5. The detection module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The tilt detection sensor is arranged on a free end of a fixing member configured as an L-shaped member.

6. The detection module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The tilt detection sensor is arranged on a side of the free end facing away from the fastening device.

7. The detection module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The eccentric loading of the fastening element relative to the longitudinal axis of the fastening device is brought about by artificially applying a spring load to a region of the fastening element which has a compensating weight.

8. The detection module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The spring load is generated by a spring element which is prestressed between the mounting surface and the fixing part, and a retaining groove for the spring element is preferably provided in the fixing part and / or in the mounting surface.

9. The detection module according to claim 8, characterized in that: The tilt detection sensor is arranged on a side of the fixing member facing away from the elastic element.

10. The detection module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The eccentric loading of the fastening element relative to the longitudinal axis of the fastening device is caused by fastening the fastening element against the gravity moment.

11. The detection module according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The fixing member is a load fastened by a fastening device or an assembly component of the detection module, and in particular, the tilt detection sensor is integrated with the assembly component.

12. The detection module according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The detection module can simultaneously monitor failures caused by loosening of the fastening device, thread stripping, creep elongation, and deformation of the mounting surface material.

13. The detection module according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The detection module comprises an alarm unit, in particular a sound and / or light alarm unit.

14. The detection module according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: The detection module comprises a communication unit, preferably a wireless communication unit, and in particular, the communication unit sends signals periodically and / or triggered by an event.

15. The detection module according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that: The detection module includes a power supply unit and / or an energy collection unit, wherein the power supply unit is preferably powered by a dry cell or a storage battery and / or the energy collection unit is preferably a solar energy collection unit, a wind energy collection unit, a thermal energy collection unit, a fluid kinetic energy collection unit or an electromagnetic energy collection unit.

16. The detection module according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that: The detection module is awakened intermittently by a built-in microcontroller unit and / or an external radio frequency signal.

17. A fastening system, characterized in that: The fastening system comprises a fastening device and a detection module according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A method for monitoring failure of a fastening device, characterized in that: The fastening device fastens a fixing element on a mounting surface and the fixing element is eccentrically loaded relative to a longitudinal axis of the fastening device. Failure of the fastening device is determined by detecting a tilt of an area of ​​the fixing element eccentrically loaded relative to the longitudinal axis of the fastening device.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The method is implemented by means of a detection module according to one of claims 1 to 16 and / or a fastening system according to claim 17 .

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that The method can simultaneously monitor failures caused by loosening of the fastening device, thread stripping, creep elongation, and deformation of the mounting surface material.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that The unbalanced weight of the fastening element causes an eccentric loading of the fastening element relative to the longitudinal axis of the mounting device.

22. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that By artificially applying a spring load to a region of the fastening element which is provided with a balancing weight, an eccentric loading of the fastening element with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fastening device is brought about.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The spring load is generated by a spring element which is preloaded between the mounting surface and the fixing element, and the spring element is preferably arranged in the fixing element and / or in a retaining groove in the mounting surface.

24. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that By tightening the fastening element against the gravity moment, an eccentric loading of the fastening element with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fastening device is brought about.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that In the event of a failure of the fastening device, the fixing element is rotated about the fastening device.

26. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 25, characterized in that When a fastening device failure is determined, Outputting an alarm, in particular an acoustic and / or light alarm; and / or sending a failure indication signal.

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