Locking Bolt State Querying With Wireless Position Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking bolts lack a simple and cost-effective method to ensure correct operation, as incorrect positioning can lead to incomplete extension and insecure fastening of components, potentially causing accidents or processing errors during machining or assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an electronic measuring arrangement within the locking bolt, comprising a sensor device, transmission device, and energy storage, allowing for wireless communication of the bolt's position status without the need for external measurement systems or cabling, enabling reliable locking state verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external camera or switching system is used to detect the locking state, then the locking state can be monitored, but the system becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor device, transmission device, and energy storage device into the locking bolt itself, creating an integrated measuring arrangement. This eliminates the need for separate external camera or switching systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable locking state verification through the integrated components working together as a unified system
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bolt performs its own self-diagnosis by using an integrated sensor device to detect its axial position and determine whether it is correctly locked. The bolt then transmits this information automatically via a transmission device, enabling autonomous monitoring without requiring external measurement systems or manual inspection, thus simplifying the overall system while ensuring reliable verification
2Measurement precision
If a camera system is installed to check bolt position, then locking accuracy can be verified, but installation and operation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking bolt autonomously detects its own axial position using an integrated sensor device and determines its locking state without requiring external camera systems. This self-diagnosis capability eliminates the need for expensive installation and operation of external measurement equipment while maintaining precise bolt position detection through the integrated sensor and evaluation logic
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex external optical measurement systems (camera) with a simple integrated sensor device that directly detects the axial position of the functional element. This substitution uses basic sensing principles rather than expensive optical equipment, achieving accurate position detection while dramatically reducing installation and operational costs
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
Ensures correct operation by providing real-time locking state information to machine controllers or operators, preventing unsafe processes and ensuring secure component fixation without the complexity and expense of external camera or switching systems.
Implementation Method 1
the functional element is axially pre-tensioned to a basic position by means of a spring device
Implementation Method 2
the sensor device comprises an electronic control unit and a measuring circuit with at least one measuring element which has a distance-dependent interaction (usually electrostatic or magnetic) with the sleeve element
Implementation Method 3
a transmission device for wirelessly transmitting information about the measurement signal
Implementation Method 4
an energy storage device for supplying the sensor device and the transmission device with electrical current
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking bolt (1) comprising a sleeve element (2) and a functional element (4), wherein the functional element is axially pre-tensioned into a basic position by means of a spring device (9), in which the bolt element (5) projects axially out of the sleeve element and in which a handle element (6) with a contact surface (10) rests against a counter surface (11) of the sleeve element, and wherein the functional element can be axially moved into a retracted position against the action of the spring device, wherein the locking bolt has an electronic measuring arrangement (20) arranged in the handle element, wherein the measuring arrangement comprises at least a sensor device (51) for generating a measuring signal that depends on the axial position of the functional element (4) relative to the sleeve element (2), as well as a transmission device (50) for wirelessly transmitting information about the measuring signal and an energy storage device (26).