Torque-Indicating Crush Washer with Visual Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Crush washers used in internal combustion engines often fail to provide a visual indication of when sufficient torque has been applied, leading to potential damage or leakage due to unnoticed deformation.
Innovation Solution
A torque-indicating crush washer with cavities and an indicator material that discharges visually when a predetermined torque is reached, providing a clear indication of the applied force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional crush washer is used to provide a margin of safety against over-torquing, then the pan is protected from damage, but the deformation of the crush washer may go unnoticed leading to potential damage or leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color change principles by incorporating an indicator material that changes color or provides visual indication when the crush washer deforms due to torque application. This allows the user to visually confirm that the washer has deformed and the margin of safety has been activated, preventing unnoticed over-torquing while maintaining the protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an indicator material as an intermediary between the crush washer deformation and the user's perception. This intermediary translates the mechanical deformation into a visible signal, allowing the user to detect when the crush washer has deformed without directly observing the deformation itself.
2Reliability
If the crush washer is designed to deform at sufficient torque to prevent leaking, then a margin of safety is provided, but the deformation may be difficult to detect
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator material changes color or provides visual feedback when the crush washer deforms, making the deformation easily detectable. This resolves the difficulty of detecting deformation while preserving the sealing function of the crush washer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical deformation indication with an optical or visual indication system. Instead of relying on mechanical observation of deformation, the indicator material provides a visual signal that substitutes for direct mechanical detection.
3Strength
If torque continues to be applied after crush washer deformation, then the margin of safety is overcome and damage may occur, but there is no visual warning to stop
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator material provides immediate visual feedback when the crush washer deforms, signaling to the user that the torque limit has been reached and the margin of safety activated. This feedback loop prevents continued torque application that would overcome the safety margin and cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The color change or visual indication of the indicator material serves as a clear signal that the torque limit has been reached, providing visual confirmation to stop further torque application and preserve the protective margin of safety.
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
Prevents over-torquing by providing a visual confirmation of the applied torque, thereby protecting engine components and preventing leaks.
Implementation Method 1
the crush washer is designed to deform when a torque sufficient to prevent leaking has been applied to the bolt
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a metal washer having an outer circumference, a plurality of cavities formed within the washer, wherein each cavity has an opening that is flush with the outer circumference, an indicator material comprising an inspection lacquer within at least one of the cavities, and a membrane along the outer circumference sealing the inspection lacquer within the cavity.