Bolt Sensor Light Guide for Fastening Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bolt sensors face challenges in reliably detecting the fastened state of bolts, especially in environments where the display, such as LEDs, may become invisible, preventing proper detection of loose bolts.
Innovation Solution
A bolt sensor design featuring a sensor body with a through hole for the bolt, a light guide along the sensor's outer periphery, and LEDs that emit light through a light guide plate with a reflection film, prism sheet, and diffusion sheet, ensuring visible light emission even when surrounded by other members, facilitating easy inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a display such as an LED is provided in a sensor to indicate the fastened state of a bolt, then the fastened state can be detected, but the display may become invisible depending on the position of bolt joint and ambient environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the light emission from a point source (LED at bolt head) to a linear distribution along the bolt axis. The light guide extends in the axial direction of the bolt, distributing light along a line rather than emitting from a single point, thereby increasing the probability that at least some light will be visible from various viewing angles and positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light guide as an intermediary component between the light source (LED) and the external environment. The light guide serves as a mediator that transports and distributes light from the LED along the bolt axis, enabling the light to reach observable positions even when the LED itself is obscured by bolt joint positioning or ambient conditions.
2Reliability
If an LED is disposed in the head of the bolt to indicate loosening, then the loose state can be detected, but the LED may not be visible when surrounded by other members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial distribution of light emission from a point (LED in bolt head) to a line extending along the bolt axis. This dimensional change allows light to emerge at multiple positions along the bolt length, increasing the likelihood that light will not be completely blocked by surrounding members and can be observed from various directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the light emission function along the bolt axis by using a light guide that distributes light at multiple positions. Instead of a single LED in the bolt head, the light guide creates multiple light emission points distributed along the bolt, effectively dividing the light source into segments that can overcome obstructions from surrounding members.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The bolt sensor effectively detects the fastened state of bolts by emitting light widely around the sensor, ensuring visibility and reliability in various environments, enhancing inspection efficiency and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide extending along an outer periphery of the sensor body
Implementation Method 2
a light source configured to emit light to the light guide based on output of the sensor body
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a bolt sensor which detects a fastened state of a bolt. The bolt sensor includes a sensor body including a through hole into which a shaft of the bolt is to be inserted, a light guide extending along an outer periphery of the sensor body, and a light source configured to emit light to the light guide based on output of the sensor body.