Load Indicating Washer Visual Tension Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tension tie members in construction, particularly in wood frame construction, face challenges in consistently delivering and indicating the magnitude of tension force, as the devices used to tension them can be difficult to control, leading to varying tension forces across different tie members.
Innovation Solution
A load indicating washer with a deformable, curved annular flange member that provides a visual indication of tension by changing color as the flange curls upward upon compression, signaling when the requisite tension level is achieved, using a combination of material selection and design to ensure proper deformation under varying loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hand-held tools or machines are used to tension tie members in wood frame construction, then the tie members can be tensioned, but the tension force varies greatly from one tie member to another due to difficulty in control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical control system (hand-held tools requiring operator skill) with a visual indication system based on washer deformation. The washer's flange curls in response to compression force, providing an automatic visual signal when the target tension is reached, eliminating the need for precise operator control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements immediate visual feedback through the color change of the washer flange. As the compression force increases and the flange curls, the colored portion becomes visible, providing real-time information to the operator about the tension level, allowing for consistent tension application across all tie members.
2Loss of information
If a visual indication system is added to the tension washer, then the tension magnitude can be reliably indicated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes to the flange surface to provide visual indication. The flange is painted with different colors on its top and bottom surfaces, and as it curls under compression, the colored bottom surface becomes visible, indicating the tension magnitude without requiring additional mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the visual indication function with the structural flange of the washer. Instead of adding a separate indicator mechanism, the flange itself serves both as a structural element and as the visual indicator through its color-coded surfaces and deformation behavior.
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 load indicating washer offers a consistent and reliable visual indication of tension force, ensuring that the required tension magnitude is achieved in tension tie members, enhancing the reliability of structural elements by providing a clear, color-based visual cue for proper tensioning.
Implementation Method 1
the deformable flange member is compressed against the flat bearing surface, thereby causing the flange member to curl upward toward the socket, lifting the edge away from the flat bearing surface
Data Source
AI summary
A load indicating washer, or tension washer, for visually indicating pre-determined magnitudes of tension force in a tension tie member. The tension washer comprises a body portion with a deformable, curved annular flange member depending from the body portion. When the tension washer is compressed against a flat bearing surface, the flange member deforms to produce a visual or color indication of the magnitude of load in the tie member.