Bolt Tensioning Through a Threaded Washer for Accurate Axial Force Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for detecting the tightening force of bolts often result in axial force detection errors due to insufficient circumferential length of the thread portion, leading to plastic deformation and inaccurate measurements.

Innovation Solution

A tensioning device that engages the female thread portion with a washer's outer circumferential male thread portion, allowing for accurate axial force detection by applying tension through the washer, which reduces the risk of plastic deformation and enhances measurement accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the tensioning member is threadly engaged with the bolt shaft portion, then the bolt can be tensioned for detection, but the insufficient circumferential length of the thread portion causes plastic deformation and increases axial force detection error

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial force detection accuracyVSAvoidcircumferential length of thread portion
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A washer with a male thread portion is introduced as an intermediary component between the tensioning device and the bolt. The washer's larger diameter provides sufficient circumferential thread length for reliable engagement, preventing plastic deformation while enabling accurate axial force detection through the connection member's female thread portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the bolt shaft diameter is small and extension length is short, then the bolt structure remains compact, but the thread engagement length becomes insufficient leading to detection errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidbolt shaft extension length
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is segmented into separate functional components: the washer provides thread engagement, the connection member provides force transmission and detection, and the bolt provides fastening. This segmentation allows the washer to have sufficient thread engagement length independent of the bolt's dimensions, ensuring reliable detection without requiring extended bolt shaft length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3567354B1Pulling device
Publication Date: 2022.03.23 TOHNICHI MFG
  • EP3567354B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3567354B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3567354B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Problem to be Solved] To reduce an error of an axial force detection or the like by tensioning a bolt with a tensioning device threadly engaged with a part of the bolt, which is different from a shaft portion of the bolt. [Solution] A tensioning device 1 is configured to apply upward tension to a bolt 10 fastened to a fastened member H, and insertedly fitted with a washer 11. A first male thread portion 11a is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the washer 11. The tensioning device includes a connection member 2 having a first female thread portion 21a1 to be threadly engaged with the first male thread portion 11a, a tensioning mechanism 3 for tensioning the connection member 2 in a state where the first male thread portion 11a is threadly engaged with the first female thread portion 21a1, and a tension bearer 4 which is disposed around an outer circumference of the connection member 2, and bears a reaction force applied from the fastened member H in tensioning performed by the tensioning mechanism 3.