Washer Viewing Ring Structure for Visual Bolt Tension Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for ensuring proper tightening of assemblies with bolts and nuts, such as in cranes or pylon structures, lack a reliable visual check for tension loss and do not prevent unnoticed slackening, which can be dangerous.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising non-deformable washers with a deformable viewing ring sandwiched between them, where the washers have varying diameters and a central projection for mechanical stop, allowing the ring to project outward during tightening and retract upon slackening, facilitating visual inspection of tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If torque wrenches or screwdrivers with calibrated tightening are used, then the tightening of the assembly nuts is ensured, but visual check of tension loss is not possible and unwanted slackening cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables the assembly to self-indicate its tension state through the deformable ring's automatic deformation and projection formation during tightening, and subsequent retraction during slackening, eliminating the need for external monitoring tools
Solution Approach 2:
The inner face of the washer is covered with a color that becomes visible when the deformable ring projects outward during tightening and disappears when the ring retracts upon slackening, providing immediate visual detection of tension loss
2Ease of operation
If devices using elastomer that forms peripheral projection after crushing are used, then visual indication of tightening is achieved, but the devices suffer from inefficacy and premature wear
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines a deformable metal ring with washers featuring specific geometric profiles (thickness decreasing from center to periphery), creating a composite system that achieves both visual indication and high durability through the synergistic interaction of its components
Solution Approach 2:
The washers are designed with varying thickness parameters (decreasing from center to periphery) that enable the deformable ring to project outward during tightening and retract upon slackening, providing reliable visual indication without the wear problems of elastomer materials
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
Enables a simple, cost-effective, and reliable visual check for tension loss in assemblies, ensuring secure fastening and immediate detection of slackening, thereby enhancing safety and maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable viewing ring (3) diametrically sandwiched between the two non-deformable washers (2a, 2b)... The deformable ring of the invention is produced from metal... It may therefore be implemented by a toroidal spring of the helical type
Implementation Method 2
The viewing device according to the invention includes bearing balls disposed on the surfaces of the ring and intended to be in sliding contact with the inner faces of the non-deformable washers, thus facilitating the movement of said ring
Implementation Method 3
For an axial thrust to be provided, forcing separation in the event of slackening of the device, it includes a spring element disposed between the non-deformable washers
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for viewing tension loss in a structure, by engagement with a threaded rod, being carried out, for example, by a bolt made up of a screw, a nut, and consisting of two non-deformable washers comprising an inner face, an outer face, an outer peripheral wall and an inner peripheral wall delimiting a central opening and a diametrically deformable viewing ring sandwiched between the two non-deformable washers, characterized in that the ring is crush-resistant and the thickness of at least one of the washers decreases from the center of the washer towards the peripheral end thereof, the smallest thickness thus being located towards the peripheral end of at least one washer.