Bolt Tension Gauging Device Using Extraction and Universality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bolt tension gauging technologies are inconvenient for regular inspections due to time and energy consumption, and they either increase manufacturing costs or limit performance and flexibility, especially in environments requiring multiple stress sensing points.
Innovation Solution
A bolt tension gauging device comprising a sensing bolt, a head, and a displayer, with optional wireless transceiver, that allows for rapid assembly, low cost, and flexible stress signal transmission and display, enabling instantaneous stress value measurement without damaging the bolt or assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an electrical torque wrench is used to sense and measure stress during bolt rotation, then stress measurement capability is improved, but time and energy consumption increase making it inconvenient for regular inspections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the stress sensing function from the bolt rotation process itself. Instead of measuring stress during rotation, the sensing bolt directly senses stress through its threaded engagement with the base, separating the measurement action from the mechanical operation, thereby enabling instantaneous reading without time-consuming rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing bolt serves dual functions: it mechanically fastens the head to the base while simultaneously sensing stress through its threaded engagement. This self-service capability eliminates the need for separate measurement devices or operations, providing both structural and measurement functions through a single component.
2Measurement precision
If a built-in sensor, operator and displayer are disposed in the bolt for stress sensing, then stress measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing cost significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex electronics (sensor, operator, displayer) from the bolt and relocates them to the head assembly. The bolt itself is simplified to a mechanical sensing element, while the electronic components are housed separately in the head, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost of individual bolts.
Solution Approach 2:
The head assembly serves multiple functions: it houses the electronic components, provides the display interface, and mechanically connects to the sensing bolt. This multi-functional design consolidates complex functionality into a single reusable component that can work with multiple sensing bolts, reducing overall system cost.
3Device complexity
If a fixed displayer is used for stress readout, then device simplicity is improved, but viewing flexibility is limited as stress cannot be viewed in certain angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic positioning capability to the displayer through a rotating module that allows the display to rotate relative to the head. This dynamic adjustment enables the display to be oriented at different angles, providing flexible viewing from multiple directions while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The displayer is segmented into a fixed mounting portion and a rotating display portion. This segmentation allows the display to be independently positioned and rotated relative to the head, enabling flexible viewing angles while keeping the mounting structure simple and the rotation mechanism compact.
4Measurement precision
If multiple sensing portions are required for stress sensing, then measurement coverage is improved, but the amount of high-priced bolts required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the sensing bolt and head as universal, interchangeable components. A single head assembly with electronic components can be used with multiple sensing bolts at different locations. This universality allows one expensive electronic assembly to support multiple sensing points, reducing the total number of expensive components needed compared to having integrated electronics in each bolt.
Data Source
AI summary
A bolt tension gauging device is provided. The bolt tension gauging device includes a sensing bolt, a head and a displayer. The sensing bolt is for transmitting a stress signal. The head is for fitting with the sensing bolt. The displayer is connected to the head for displaying the stress signal.