Machine component indicating the tightening level

Abstract

This invention relates to a new machine component that allows the tightening level to be observed by the person tightening the component through a color change, linked to the increasing torque level during assembly. With our invention, technical problems related to assembly difficulties and extended duration experienced during the production phase are solved. Technical problems that may occur during the period between the assembly process of the machine element and its use are solved. Most importantly, it is easily controlled whether the machine element is tightened at a level appropriate for the tightening calibration in every field condition. As well as being controlled by the person tightening the machine element, it functions without losing its function in the subsequent checks.

Description

[0001] MACHINE COMPONENT INDICATING THE TIGHTENING LEVEL

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] This invention relates to a new machine component that allows the tightening level to be observed by the person tightening the component through a color change, linked to the increasing torque level during assembly.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] A bolt is a fastening element used by inserting a nut onto the end after drilling holes into the parts to be joined. Bolts are made of materials such as iron, steel, brass, bronze, titanium, copper, aluminum, and are commonly used in the machinery and construction sectors, with iron-steel alloy types being most common. The compatibility between the length of the bolt and the load value is planned and calibrated during production. The bolt consists of two parts: the head and the body. The head is tightened by rotating it with an Allen wrench, torque wrench, or similar tool to join the components to be assembled. During this process, the threads on the bolt must be compatible with the pitch of the nut or the part being assembled. During assembly, as the bolt is turned with the wrench, it is tightened, and the head section compresses the nut or the other threaded assembly surface. As the torque increases, stress on the body and threads increases. If over-tightened, there is a risk of stripping the threads and forming micro-cracks in the body. This poses a risk to the continued safe holding of the assembled parts together.

[0006] Upon reviewing the claims for smart bolts in the known techniques, it is evident that they focus on loosening caused by vibrations and external factors after assembly. It has been observed that the deformations caused by over tightening during initial assembly or the risks that may arise if the bolt is not tightened sufficiently have not been fully addressed. Although there are frequent proposals for measurements using sensors in existing solutions, the use of sensors in all applications of bolts is not feasible, and the use of advanced technology significantly increases labor costs, making it difficult to find applications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The invention relates to a new smart bolt that indicates the tightening level through a color change at the bolt's head, which can be easily understood by the operator without the need for expertise or electronic and chemical equipment. Thanks to this invention, when the bolt is tightened using a wrench to the calibrated limit based on its length and load value, the visible color through the transparent section at the top of the bolt will change. A dark-colored liquid will flow toward the center, covering the middle part of the bolt head, allowing the operator to visually confirm that the bolt has been tightened to the correct level.

[0008] LIST OF FIGURES

[0009] Figure 1. General View of the Smart Bolt

[0010] Figure 2. A-A Sectional View of the Smart Bolt

[0011] Figure 3. Detail A View of the Smart Bolt

[0012] Figure 4: Tp View of the Opaque Body

[0013] Figure 5: Side View of the Opaque Body

[0014] Figure 6: B-B Sectional View of the Opaque Body

[0015] Figure 7: Perspective View of the Lower Body

[0016] Figure 8: Side View of the Lower Body

[0017] Figure 9: C-C Sectional View of the Lower Body

[0018] Figure 10: Side View of the Pin Cap

[0019] Figure 11 : D-D Sectional View of the Pin Cap

[0020] Figure 12: Top View of the O-Ring

[0021] Figure 13: Side View of the O-Ring

[0022] Figure 14: E-E Sectional View of the O-Ring

[0023] Figure 15: Top View of the Colored Liquid

[0024] Figure 16: Side View of the Colored Liquid

[0025] Figure 17: F-F Sectional View of the Colored Liquid

[0026] Figure 18: Top View of the Reflector

[0027] Figure 19: Side View of the Reflector

[0028] Figure 20: F-F Sectional View of the Reflector

[0029] Correspondence of the Numbers Shown in the Figures

[0030] 1 . Head 2. Body

[0031] 3. Tightening Level Indicator

[0032] 3.1 . Opaque Body

[0033] 3.2. Lower Body

[0034] 3.3. Pin

[0035] 3.4. Pin Cap

[0036] 3.5. O-Ring

[0037] 3.6. Colored Liquid

[0038] 3.7. Reflector

[0039] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] The invention is characterized by a tightening level indicator (3) integrated into the bolt, consisting of a head (1 ) and a body (2). The tightening level indicator (3) that characterizes the invention consists of the opaque body (3.1 ), lower body (3.2), pin (3.3), pin cap (3.4), O-ring (3.5), colored liquid (3.6), and reflector (3.7) parts and sections.

[0041] The tightening level indicator (3) that characterizes the invention is formed by placing the reflector (3.7) between the opaque body (3.1 ) and the lower body (3.2). The colored liquid (3.6), which is held between the O-ring (3.5) and the reflector (3.7), is designed to remain under the reflector (3.7). The pin (3.3), which presses the colored liquid (3.6) with the pin cap (3.4), causes the liquid to move as the tightening progresses. As the load increases, the body (2) begins to elongate. The pin (3.3), placed in the channel within the body (2), moves towards the lower part of the body (2), and as a result, the pressure on the pin cap (3.4) decreases. As the pressure on the pin cap (3.4) decreases, the O-ring (3.5) will loosen and move downward. The colored liquid (3.6) that is stationary on both sides of the O-ring (3.5) will move towards the center of the O-ring (3.5). When the bolt reaches the calibrated tightening level, the colored liquid (3.6) will completely cover the underside of the opaque body (3.1 ), indicating that the operator has tightened the machine element adequately. This makes the smart bolt to be user-friendly, and without the need for high-level expertise, power sources, chemicals, specific operating conditions, and embedded electronics.

[0042] The opaque body (3.1 ), lower body (3.2), and reflector (3.7) can be made of materials such as plastic, polymer matrix composite (PMC), and Polyamide GF30, with at least one of these materials being chosen according to the requirements of the application. This guarantees long-term operability of the tightening level indicator (3), maintaining its functionality without performance loss over time. The reflector (3.7) is transparent, which allows the color change to be directly observed from the head (1 ) of the bolt. Depending on the application, the colors indicating whether the bolt is loose or tightened may vary. Therefore, the color of the colored liquid (3.6) inside the reflector (3.7) is predefined during production and made available for use. When the bolt is unused or in the loose state, the O-ring color (3.5) is visible when looking at the bolt head (1 ). Since the O-ring (3.5) can be produced in any color, there is no need for a second colored liquid in the system.

[0043] The O-ring (3.5), which ensures sealing, is made of rubber (EPDM). The pin cap (3.4) ensures the sealing by pressing on the O-ring (3.5) with the pin (3.3), while also preventing any damage to the O-ring (3.5) from the rubber (EPDM) material. This allows the bolt to be ready for use for extended periods until it reaches the calibrated tightening level.

[0044] All the parts forming the tightening level indicator (3) are connected in a channel structure, ensuring ease of assembly.

[0045] With this invention, the technical problems of assembly difficulty and the extended assembly time during production are solved. Technical issues that may arise from the smart bolt after the assembly process are also addressed. The most important feature is that, under all field conditions, it is easy to check whether the bolt has been tightened to the correct level, in line with the calibration. The operator can perform this check easily, and the bolt will continue to function without losing its effectiveness during subsequent checks.

Claims

CLAIMS1. It is a tightening the bolt with a wrench until the calibrated limit between length and load value, changing in color visible through the visual opening (transparent part) at the top of the bolt, flowing dark liquid towards the centre, and visually detecting that the bolt of operator is properly tightened by covering the middle part of the bolt head a smart bolt indicating the tightening level, characterized by comprising a tightening level indicator (3) integrated into a bolt consisting of a head (1 ) and a body (2), and comprising transparent reflector (3.7) placed between the transparent opaque body (3.1 ) and the transparent lower body (3.2), and the colored liquid (3.6) held between the reflector (3.7) and the 0-ring (3.5) made of rubber (EPDM) being retained between the O-ring (3.5) and the lower body (3.2) by the pin cap (3.4) and the pin (3.3) pressing against it.

2. A smart bolt indicating the tightening level the tightening level indicator (3) as mentioned in Claim 1 , characterized by the opaque body (3.1 ), lower body (3.2), pin (3.3), pin cap (3.4), O-ring (3.5), colored liquid (3.6), and reflector (3.7) parts having a connected channel structure.

3. The opaque body (3.1 ), lower body (3.2), and reflector (3.7) as mentioned in Claim 1 , characterized by the raw material being made of at least one of plastic, composite, and Polyamide GF30 materials.

4. The O-ring (3.5) as mentioned in Claim 1 , characterized by being a part that shows the color indicating that the bolt is either unused or in a loose condition.

5. The pin cap (3.4) as mentioned in Claim 1 , characterized by being a part that provides sealing by pressing on the O-ring (3.5) with the pin (3.3).

6. The pin cap (3.4) as mentioned Claim 1 , characterized by being a part that prevents damage to the O-ring (3.5) by the pin (3.3) made of rubber (EPDM).

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