Composite Washer With Visual Tightening Force Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems face challenges in ensuring that fasteners are tightened to the correct force, which can lead to loosening due to vibrations or require excessive force, causing damage, and current tools are cumbersome or unsafe for difficult-to-reach locations.
Innovation Solution
A composite washer with a top part, elastic part, and base part that visually indicates when sufficient tightening force is applied by changing from a primary to a secondary state, where the elastic part is concealed, and includes features to enhance friction and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a torque wrench or screwdriver with a pre-set torque meter is used to control tightening force, then the tightening force can be controlled, but the process becomes tedious and the tools are heavy and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the force measurement function from complex external tools (torque wrenches, screwdrivers with torque meters) and integrates it into a simple visual indicator system. The elastic part's deformation state directly shows whether sufficient force is applied, eliminating the need for expensive measurement devices while maintaining force control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive composite washer with an elastic indicator part that can be easily replaced. This disposable or easily replaceable component provides force indication without requiring investment in expensive, complex tools, making the solution economically viable for various applications
2Measurement precision
If handheld automated tools are used for fastening fasteners at unreachable or exposed places, then tightening force can be controlled, but it may be dangerous or impossible due to lack of space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for complex handheld automated tools by extracting the essential function (force indication) and implementing it through a simple composite washer that works with basic fastening operations, enabling access to difficult-to-reach locations
Solution Approach 2:
The composite washer performs self-indication of proper tightening force through its elastic part's visual state change, eliminating the need for external measurement devices or complex tooling required in confined spaces
3Reliability
If metallic washers are used to prevent loss of tightening force, then fastening security is improved, but there is no visual indication of tightening force status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color changes or visual state changes of the elastic part to indicate tightening force status. The elastic part transitions from a first visual state (insufficient force) to a second visual state (sufficient force), providing immediate visual feedback while maintaining fastening security through the composite washer structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite washer combining metallic components with an elastic material component. This composite structure provides both the mechanical fastening security of metal and the visual indication capability of elastic materials, simultaneously addressing reliability and information feedback requirements
4Reliability
If excessive tightening force is applied, then fastening security is improved, but damage may occur to the object or fastener
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements visual feedback through the elastic part's state change, allowing the operator to see when sufficient tightening force is achieved. This feedback mechanism prevents application of excessive force by clearly indicating when the target force level is reached, thereby preventing damage while ensuring adequate fastening
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 composite washer provides quick and safe indication of proper fastening force application, reducing the risk of loosening and damage, and allows for easy inspection without additional tools, enhancing safety and durability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic part (130) which has a circumferential extension around the axis A... wherein the elastic part is arranged to be in a first state where a lateral surface of the elastic part is visible, and wherein the composite washer is arranged to be in a second state where the lateral surface of the elastic part is not visible
Implementation Method 2
the elastic material is, as a reaction when being compressed, pressing against the top part and the base part. Thus, the composite washer is applying an expansive force towards the fastener and the object the fasteners is fastened towards. From this, the friction between the fastening element and the object it is fastened against is increased
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a composite washer (100) for force indication and preventing a fastener from loosening. The composite washer comprising a top part (120) which has a circumferential extension around an axis, an elastic part (130) which has a circumferential extension around the axis a base part (140) which has a circumferential extension around the axis, wherein the top part, the elastic part and the base part are connected to each other, wherein the elastic part is arranged in-between the top part and the base part, wherein there is a central opening (102) which has an extension along the axis throughout the top part, the elastic part and the base part. Further, the composite washer is arranged to be in a primary state where the elastic part is visible at a lateral surface thereof, and wherein the composite washer is arranged to be in a secondary state where the elastic part is compressed by the top part and base part such that the elastic part is hidden by at least one of the top part and the base part, at the lateral surface (104) thereof. There is thus provided a composite washer which is indicating the tightening force on a fastener and counteracting loosening of the fastener.