Hydraulic Multi-Jack Bolt Tensioner for Uniform Fastener Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The application of multi-jack bolt tensioners (MJTs) is time-consuming and demands precise torque sequencing to ensure even tension, which can lead to catastrophic failures if not done correctly, especially in large-scale installations where hundreds or thousands of MJTs need to be fitted.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic multi-jack tensioner with multiple pressure chambers and a load-bearing member that uses hydraulic pressure to displace body sections relative to the load-bearing member, allowing for efficient and uniform tensioning of fasteners through a polar array of jack bolts, enabling faster and more precise tensioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional multi-jack bolt tensioners are used with manual torque application, then the tensioning process can be completed, but the installation time becomes excessively long and the risk of uneven tension increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulic pressure to a pressure chamber that acts on a piston, which in turn displaces the body section axially relative to the load bearing member. This hydraulic mechanism enables simultaneous and uniform tensioning of multiple jack bolts, dramatically reducing installation time while ensuring consistent tension distribution across all bolts, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
2Reliability
If precise torque sequencing is applied to ensure even tension, then the reliability of the joint improves, but the complexity of the operation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system automatically distributes pressure evenly to all jack bolts through the piston mechanism, eliminating the need for operators to manually sequence torque application. The system self-regulates to ensure uniform tension across all bolts, maintaining joint integrity while dramatically simplifying the operation and reducing the skill level required.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple passes of torque application are performed to stabilize tension, then the precision of tensioning improves, but the time required for installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic pressure system applies force simultaneously to all jack bolts through the piston, achieving precise and stable tension in a single action rather than requiring multiple sequential passes. This eliminates the time-consuming iterative torque application process while maintaining high tension precision, directly resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and time loss.
4Speed
If hydraulic pressure is applied to displace body sections, then the speed of tensioning improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic pressure chamber and piston mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displaces the body section axially, tensions all jack bolts uniformly, and provides a means for controlled force application. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated system, the patent achieves high tensioning speed while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
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 hydraulic multi-jack tensioner significantly reduces installation time, ensures uniform tension distribution, and prevents potential failures by allowing for precise control of tensioning in confined spaces, enhancing safety and efficiency in large-scale applications.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure chamber between the load bearing member and the body arranged to displace the body section axially relative to the load bearing member in response to hydraulic pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A multi jack tensioner for applying tension to a fastener, the tensioner comprising:a body having at least one section, including a first body section formed to engage an elongate fastening member or integrally formed therewith;a load bearing member for applying force to a workpiece to be fastened and arranged for location about said fastening member adjacent the body;a plurality of pressure chambers between the load bearing member and the body arranged to displace the at least one body section axially relative to the load bearing member in response to hydraulic pressure; anda plurality of jack bolts extending between the body section and the load bearing member for further displacing the first body section from the load bearing member;wherein application of hydraulic pressure to one or more of the plurality of pressure chambers displaces the first body section from the load bearing member thereby tensioning said fastening member and whereby subsequent tensioning of the fastening member is applied by operation of the jack bolts.