Washer-Ring Tension Indicator for Bolt Loosening Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for visualizing nut tightening in assembled structures, such as cranes and pylon structures, fail to provide a reliable and long-term solution for detecting tension loss and untimely loosening, as they are inefficient or prone to premature wear, especially under extreme conditions.
Innovation Solution
A display device comprising non-deformable washers and a diametrically deformable metal ring with rolling balls, which protrudes during tightening and retracts upon loosening, allowing visual verification of nut tension, and includes a spring element for axial thrust and positioning, ensuring reliable operation under various conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If elastomer is used in tightening display devices, then visualization of tightening is achieved, but reliability and durability deteriorate due to premature wear and inefficiency under extreme conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from elastomer to metal, transforming the deformable ring into a durable metallic component that maintains reliability under extreme conditions while still providing visualization capability through controlled deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the disposable elastomer component with a reusable metal ring that can withstand multiple tightening cycles and extreme conditions, eliminating the need for frequent replacement while maintaining visualization function
2Device complexity
If non-protruding visible elements are used in tightening devices, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates because loosening cannot be clearly visualized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the radial dimension by designing the metal ring to protrude from the washer periphery when tightened and retract when loosened, providing clear visual indication of tension status without adding complex multi-component structures
3Ease of manufacture
If display elements that do not return to original position are used, then tightening visualization is achieved, but adaptability deteriorates because subsequent loosening and re-tightening cannot be observed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the metal ring can reversibly deform - protruding when tightened and retracting when loosened - allowing the device to adapt to multiple tightening and loosening cycles while providing continuous visual feedback on tension status
4Manufacturing precision
If torque wrenches are used for determined tightening, then tightening precision is improved, but information feedback deteriorates because visual verification of tension loss is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visual feedback through the metal ring indicator that protrudes when properly tightened and retracts when loosened, providing continuous information about tension status and enabling immediate detection of loosening without requiring additional measurement tools
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 provides a simple, inexpensive, and reliable method for visualizing nut tightening and loosening, ensuring secure assembly and preventing dangerous untimely loosening, with the deformable ring made of durable materials resistant to wear and stress, facilitating easy detection of tension status.
Implementation Method 1
a diametrically deformable viewing ring (3) sandwiched between the two non-deformable washers (2a, 2b)... the deformable ring (3) is made of metal... It can therefore be produced by a toroidal spring of the helical type
Implementation Method 2
so that an axial thrust is ensured, forcing the separation in the event of loosening of the device, it comprises a spring element disposed between the non-deformable washers
Implementation Method 3
The display device according to the invention comprises rolling balls arranged on the surfaces of the ring and intended to be in sliding contact with the internal faces of the non-deformable washers, thus facilitating the movement of said ring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for viewing tension loss in a structure, by engagement with a threaded rod, being carried out, for example, by a bolt (5) made up of a screw (60), a nut (70), and consisting of two non-deformable washers (2a, 2b) comprising an inner face (20a, 20b), an outer face (21a, 21b), an outer peripheral wall (22a, 22b) and an inner peripheral wall (23a, 23b) delimiting a central opening (24) and a diametrically deformable viewing ring (3) sandwiched between the two non-deformable washers (2a, 2b), characterised in that the ring is crush-resistant and the thickness (e) of at least one of the washers decreases from the centre of the washer towards the peripheral end (25) thereof, the smallest thickness thus being located towards the peripheral end of at least one washer (2a, 2b).