Sensor-Integrated Fastener for Vibration and Static Force Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fixing devices lack the capability to effectively measure various types of mechanical forces, such as vibrations and constant forces, to which they are subjected, limiting their ability to provide comprehensive mechanical stress information.

Innovation Solution

A compact fixing device is designed with a bearing head and a body extending along a longitudinal axis, incorporating a first sensor with a piezoelectric detector for vibration measurement and a second sensor with variable resistance for constant force measurement, both connected to electronic components for data transmission, allowing for the simultaneous measurement of dynamic and static mechanical forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a fixing device incorporates sensors and electronic components for measuring mechanical forces, then the measurement capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical force measurement capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the fixing member with integrated sensor units and electronic components into a single unified device. The sensor unit includes a detector, processing unit, and transmitting unit all integrated within the fixing member structure, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical fastening and mechanical force measurement. The sensor unit can detect various types of mechanical forces (tension, compression, shear, vibration) making the device universally applicable for both structural and diagnostic purposes in different industrial applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are integrated into the fixing member, then the comprehensive measurement of mechanical forces is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive mechanical force measurementVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement system is divided into modular sensor units that can be independently manufactured and then integrated into the fixing member. Each sensor unit is a self-contained module with detector, processing unit, and transmitting unit, allowing for standardized production and assembly, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity despite the advanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs detectors with varying sensitivity parameters optimized for different types of mechanical forces. By adjusting detector parameters rather than creating entirely different sensor designs for each force type, the manufacturing process is simplified while still achieving comprehensive measurement capability across multiple force types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 device enables accurate measurement of vibrations and constant forces applied to the fixing member, facilitating on-board diagnostics and preventative maintenance in sectors like automotive, aeronautical, and railway industries by providing comprehensive mechanical stress data.

Implementation Method 1

a first sensor provided with a first detector of the mechanical force to which the fixing member is subjected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a second sensor provided with a second detector of the mechanical force to which the fixing member is subjected, the first and the second detectors being superposed on top of one another along an axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoresistive effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3676502B1Fixing device and method for manufacturing such a device
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 BOLLHOFF OTALU SA
  • EP3676502B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3676502B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3676502B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

Fixing device comprising a fixing member (2) provided with a bearing head (3), a. sensor (7) provided with a detector (8) of the mechanical force to which the fixing member (2) is subjected, the detector (8) being mounted in contact with the fixing member (2), and a connecting component (11) which is electrically connected to the sensor (7), which is configured to transmit a measurement of a mechanical force provided by the sensor (7) and which is mounted on the fixing member (2), the fixing member (2) comprising a body (4) which is mounted on the bearing head (3) and which extends along a longitudinal axis A protruding from the bearing head (3).