Smart Stud-Nut Assembly with Integrated Resistor Module for Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastener assemblies, such as bolt and nut systems, suffer from self-loosening due to mechanical factors like thermal expansion, vibrations, and uneven torque application, leading to potential detachment of components and inefficiencies in mechanical systems.
Innovation Solution
A smart fastener assembly featuring a stud with an insulating material and integrated resistor module, where the nut's position is determined by varying resistance, allowing for automatic adjustment and secure fastening or unfastening through an actuator controlled by a control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual fastening is used to assemble nut and bolt, then operation simplicity is improved, but fastening precision deteriorates due to uneven torque application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical fastening system with an automated system using a motor-driven actuator to apply torque. This substitution eliminates the imprecision of manual torque application while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control. The actuator rotates the stud to fasten the nut with consistent, controlled torque.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensors (such as Hall effect sensors or encoders) that detect the position of the nut relative to the stud and provide feedback to a control unit. This feedback mechanism enables precise control of the fastening process, ensuring the nut is positioned accurately and torque is applied uniformly, thereby improving fastening precision.
2Device complexity
If conventional mechanical fastening is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to self-loosening from vibrations and thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sensors to continuously monitor the fastening state and detect any loosening caused by vibrations or thermal expansion. When loosening is detected, the control unit activates the actuator to re-tighten the nut, maintaining reliable fastening throughout operation. This closed-loop feedback system ensures consistent reliability despite environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated fastening system with feedback control enables the assembly to self-correct loosening issues without external intervention. The system monitors its own fastening state and automatically adjusts torque application to maintain proper tightness, making the system self-regulating and highly reliable under varying conditions.
3Device complexity
If manual torque application is used, then device complexity is minimized, but consistency of torque application deteriorates leading to self-loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual torque application with an automated motor-driven actuator that applies torque consistently. This mechanical substitution eliminates the variability inherent in manual torque application, ensuring uniform and repeatable fastening torque across all fasteners, thereby preventing self-loosening while maintaining manageable system 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 solution prevents self-loosening by ensuring consistent torque and accurate positioning of the nut relative to the stud, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of mechanical connections.
Implementation Method 1
The resistor module is configured such that one of the ends of the resistor module is connected to a power source, and other end is connectable to the power source through a nut which is engageable with the stud. When the stud is engaged with the nut and moved relative to the nut, net resistance across the resistor module varies, which may be used to determine position of the nut on the shank.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a fastener assembly (50). The assembly (50) comprises a stud (52) having a head portion (52a) connectable to an actuator (54), and a shank (52B) extending from the head portion (52A). At least a portion of the shank (52B) comprises threads (52C), and an insulating material (56) extends on the threads (52C). A resistor module (58) comprising one or more resistors is configured on the insulating material (56). One end of the one or more resistors is connectable to a power source (80) , and other end of the one or more resistors is connectable to the power source (80) through a nut (60) engageable with the threads (52C). A movement of the stud (52) relative to the nut (60) varies net resistance across the resistor module (58). The variation of net resistance across the resistor module (58) may be used to determine position of the nut (60) relative to the stud (52).